EQT Foundation
EQT is proud to be a part of the many communities where we operate, live and work. We believe strongly that giving back is a responsibility, and we’ve stayed true to that belief since the EQT Foundation was established in 2003 as a dedicated resource for financial, in-kind and volunteer support to communities touched by our business.
Since its inception, the EQT Foundation has awarded more than $57 million to nonprofits in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia that make a difference in the lives of the individuals and families they serve. The EQT Foundation is committed to supporting the education of our children; the development of diverse, livable communities; preserving environmental resources; and promoting a greater appreciation for the arts.
The EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities it calls home and takes great pride in being a responsible and responsive corporate citizen. The EQT Foundation focuses its resources on areas that have a direct effect on the stability of communities and, in turn, contribute to the success of its business operations in those areas.
Mission
The EQT Foundation helps communities prosper through focused giving.
Vision
The EQT Foundation makes communities better places to live, work and prosper by creating access to opportunities for growth and enrichment.
Values
Integrity: Being honest and having strong moral principles
Leadership: Having courage to shape a better future
Transparency: Being open and candid in communications
Funding Priorities
The EQT Foundation’s funding strategy endorses programs that directly impact the community and its residents, rather than fundraising initiatives designed to support general operating expenses. The Foundation supports projects that demonstrate positive, significant, measurable and sustainable impacts, preferring proposals grounded in solid research and analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of:
- Geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations;
- Ability to manage available resources effectively; and
- Outreach that gains solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs and sponsors.
Arts and Culture
Local initiatives designed to provide communities exposure to artistic programming and/or expanded awareness, understanding and appreciation of the diverse culture and heritage of Appalachia.
Examples: Museums and cultural centers; art, music and literature programs; academic and community programs exposing audiences to the history and culture of indigenous people
Community and Economic Development
Activities and programs that encourage the development of diverse, livable communities that can attract and retain residential, commercial and industrial growth.
Examples: Community sustainability programs; festivals and other local traditions; food banks; volunteer fire departments; volunteer opportunities and community service
Diversity
Programs that foster inclusion and promote community diversity. The EQT Foundation will not support agencies that have written policies or clear practices of discrimination to any person.
Examples: Initiatives that support inclusive and accepting communities of all persons; programs specifically geared toward racial or ethnic minorities, women and the LGBTQ community
Education
Programs that promote proficiency in core academic skills, particularly those related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Includes efforts to effectively prepare adults and teenagers for the workforce.
Examples: Development and implementation of STEM-based curricula and programming; technical and literacy training; computer and science camps; career planning and preparation
Environment
Initiatives that support the preservation of natural resources and encourage residents and businesses to employ conservation techniques and activities to minimize adverse impacts on the environment.
Examples: Community gardens; wildlife and watershed conservation; environmental education; preservation and restoration of green spaces
EQT Foundation FAQs
The EQT Foundation does not consider proposals for:
- Institutions, organizations or groups that are not tax exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
- Capital campaigns or costs, including endowments, new construction, building renovations, mortgages/rents, etc.
- Churches or other organizations whose purpose promotes a particular religion or creed
- Political parties, candidates or public policy advocates
- For-profit activities, businesses, associations or organizations
- Tax-supported entities, including public schools
- Fraternal, social, union or hobby/recreational clubs or organizations
- Before/after school programs
- Personnel costs
- Sporting events, including charity golf outings
- Mentorship programs (other than ASPIRE, EQT’s student scholarship and mentor program)
- Scholarship programs (other than those historically supported by EQT)
- Emergency or stop-gap funding
- Organizations located outside of the United States
- Organizations whose mission, operating philosophy or activities are in direct conflict with EQT company policy and could potentially damage the company’s reputation or could result in negative publicity for the company
The EQT Foundation reviews grants on a quarterly basis with deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year.
No, EQT Corporation provides other avenues of support through sponsorships of local events throughout the operating area as well as via community-based donations. Requests can be submitted to donations@eqt.com.
The EQT Foundation was created in 2003 with an initial funding of approximately $17 million worth of shares of a subsidiary of EQT Corporation (Westport Resources Corporation) when it was divested.
While grant sizes can vary greatly depending on the scope of a project, the average grant awarded by the EQT Foundation is $20,000.
Organizations can generally expect to receive an answer within six to eight weeks after the close of the application deadline.
The EQT Foundation tends to award grants in the same geographic footprint of EQT Corporation’s business operations. For the most part, that includes southwestern Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Greene and Washington Counties), northern West Virginia (Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Ritchie, Tyler and Wetzel Counties) and western Ohio (Belmont County).
All recommendations for grant funding come from a diverse internal EQT Foundation Board comprised of EQT employees and senior leadership.
While there are no specific guidelines on when dollars awarded for programs and initiatives are spent, it is customary for grants to be used in one year. Upon expenditure of all grant funds, all funded organizations must submit a grant evaluation report to be eligible to receive additional funds from the EQT Foundation.
How to Apply for a Grant
Applications must be submitted online. To apply, please click here, create a login and answer the eligibility questions.
EQT Foundation
Ellen Rossi, EQT Foundation Manager
412.553.7703
erossi@eqt.com
The EQT Foundation Board of Directors meets quarterly. All applications must be received by the first of the month prior to the month of the meeting (see calendar below). The EQT Foundation board may request additional information or postpone funding decisions on specific applications.
Grant Submission Dates
- February 1
- May 1
- August 1
- November 1
Note: Due to the large volume of requests received, we cannot provide grant evaluations or immediate funding decisions via telephone.