On October 31, 2001, UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation was established with a singular purpose: to serve as the sole fundraising arm of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, connecting the generosity of our community to the care and research that give kids and families hope. Since then, that purpose has remained unchanged. Every donor, fundraiser, volunteer, and supporter of the Foundation has helped advance care, accelerate discovery, and create hope for children and families when they need it most.
As we reflect on the past 25 years, we do so with profound gratitude for the difference that has been made possible by a community who gives generously to support each child’s chance to thrive.
Our Progress: 25 Years of Transforming Children’s Health
As the only hospital in our health system dedicated exclusively to caring for children, UPMC Children’s relies on philanthropy to elevate the specialized care, research, and patient experience services that support the whole child and whole family. The examples that follow represent a glimpse of the impact supported by our donors.
Building for the Future | $88+ Million Raised
Philanthropy helps create the spaces, technology, and infrastructure that make world-class pediatric care possible. Donor support helped fund our state-of-the-art hospital campus in Lawrenceville, advanced imaging technology, the Nora Grace Kaufman Center for Creative Arts Therapy, the Dream Big Studio, and our new Heart Institute.
Advancing Care | $96+ Million Raised
Generous donors strengthen specialized clinical programs and expand access to care. Philanthropic support helps sustain and grow programs such as the Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation and the Division of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, ensuring children and families receive comprehensive, compassionate care when they need it most.
Accelerating Discovery | $172+ Million Raised
Donors fuel groundbreaking pediatric research and innovation. Support for initiatives such as the Richard King Mellon Institute for Pediatric Research, the Mario Lemieux Institute for Pediatric Cancer Research, and numerous research scholars helps advance discoveries that improve outcomes for children today and shape the care of tomorrow.
Supporting the Whole Child | $65+ Million Raised
Some of the most meaningful aspects of a child and family’s journey exist because donors invest beyond what insurance can provide. Support for patient experience initiatives such as Child Life, Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy, Supportive Care, and Family Support Funds creates moments of comfort, connection, and hope.
Providing Free and Uncompensated Care | $82+ Million Raised
Our hospital is committed to ensuring every child receives the care they need, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Through support of the Free Care Fund, donors help alleviate the financial burden of care for approximately 30,000 families each year.
To the Next 25 Years, and Beyond
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we do so with deep gratitude for every partner who defined this journey — from our community of generous supporters and volunteers to the physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff who live out the mission of UPMC Children’s every day.
There is still more to do. There are still opportunities to enhance care, fuel discoveries, and uncover new treatments that give children hope. If the last 25 years have taught us anything, it is that this community consistently rises to meet those moments.
To everyone who has supported UPMC Children’s: thank you. Your generosity has touched more lives than we will ever be able to count, and together, we will continue changing what’s possible for children and their families.