Downtown Pittsburgh – The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s (PDP) Placemaking Grant, with generous support from Citizens, is looking for your help to activate public spaces with community events and programming in 2026.
Local individuals, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups are all encouraged to apply for $1,000 – $5,000 grants for community-driven projects that help activate public spaces, increase activity, and create vibrant and welcoming experiences across the Golden Triangle. The PDP will work closely with each recipient throughout implementation, providing coordination, guidance, and support as needed.
Priority consideration will be given to projects that incorporate youth outreach and engagement, including creative programming and workshops, along with youth-led initiatives that connect young people to public spaces in the neighborhood through interactivity and learning opportunities.
“People bring Downtown to life – through events, art, and everyday moments that make someone want to be here. That’s the key component of our strategic plan,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Thanks to Citizens’ continued support, we are reaching out to the community, asking for their help in enhancing the way people see and experience Downtown. We can’t wait to be inspired by the creativity of our neighbors and the ways in which they will bring their ideas to life in the Golden Triangle over the next year”.
The PDP is incredibly grateful to Citizens for their continued support of creating a vibrant downtown. In addition to funding other efforts, this marks the second year they contributed to the Placemaking Grant, which saw a positive impact in 2025. The program received 50 applications and awarded 18 grants to a diverse range of projects, including public art installations, wellness programming, performances, and cultural events.
Based on attendance estimates, nearly 4,000 individuals participated in event-based programming, while several creative improvement projects remained in place. Many funded projects were led by or served underrepresented communities, aligning with the program’s goal of furthering inclusive access to Downtown spaces.
“Strong downtowns are essential to strong local economies, and through our partnership with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Citizens is helping create opportunities for small businesses and communities to thrive,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest President at Citizens. “The Placemaking Grant program empowers local organizations and civic leaders who are bringing new ideas to life and making Downtown Pittsburgh an even more vibrant place to gather, work, shop, and connect.”
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing for projects to be implemented throughout the year. To apply, candidates should complete the online form at the link below. Successful projects will help us find new ways to make Downtown fun, entertaining, and engaging.
Apply Now for the PDP Downtown Placemaking Grant:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5PGZ82K
About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP): The PDP is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations, and residents who provide energy, vision, and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, economic development, and advocacy. For more information, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com, follow us on Instagram, Threads, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X @downtownpitt.
About Citizens Financial Group, Inc: Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $233.8 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail, private banking, wealth management and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,000 ATMs and approximately 1,000 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. Consumer Banking includes Citizens Private Bank and Private Wealth, which integrate banking services and wealth management solutions to serve high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as investors, entrepreneurs and businesses. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on X, LinkedIn, or Facebook.