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  • In December 1980, Bernard Jones founded the POISE Foundation with $170,000. POISE was incorporated as the first public foundation created and managed by Black people in the State of Pennsylvania. Jones served as the board president and two of his former Explorer Scouts served as trustees. This incorporation fulfilled an unspoken promise Jones made to his scouts to give back to the Black community and help create a Pittsburgh region where all residents are empowered and self-sufficient.

  • In 1982, awarded first 5 grants for $18,000.

  • POISE surpassed $1,000,000 in assets.

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  • Founder Bernard Jones retired from the Allegheny Conference and became the POISE Foundation’s first paid staff member.

  • The POISE Foundation provided fiscal sponsorship services, which carved a pathway for causes in the Black community to attract donors even when they weren’t recognized as 501c3 organizations. This advanced racial equality.

  • The POISE Foundation surpassed the $1,000,000 mark in grants and scholarships.

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  • On February 4, 2002, Founder, President and CEO Bernard Jones passed away, leaving behind a legacy of giving.

  • POISE hired Mark Lewis as the second president to continue to advance the foundation’s mission.

  • During this decade, POISE launched the Education Improvement Tax Credit Scholarship Program. These programs allow eligible businesses to donate to scholarship programs, like POISE, in exchange for PA tax credits.

  • POISE expanded its staff to include an administrative assistant and vice president of programs.

  • POISE surpassed $4.5 million in grants and scholarships, funding priority areas such as community and economic development, education, entrepreneurial activities, youth, and strengthening Black families.

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  • POISE team expansion occurred with the hiring of a development director, controller, program officer, and scholarship manager.

  • POISE surpassed $15 million in grants to Pittsburgh’s Black community.

  • POISE launched Strengthening Black Families and Strengthening Black Communities Initiatives

  • POISE established the Greater Hill District Development Growth Fund.

  • POISE contracted with NAACP to administer the scholarship process.

  • POISE exceeded 200 funds under the foundation's management.

  • POISE created the Human Equity and Justice Fund, which provides immediate financial support to organizations and movements on the frontlines of the social justice movement.

  • POISE named National Destination for Black CharitableFunds.

  • POISE featured among Philanthropy Unbound's list of 100 orgs making a difference in the world.