How Unrestricted Giving Transforms Lives at Pressley Ridge

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- We have likely all given to and know the importance of monetary donations to non-profit organizations. However, donations, particularly grants from foundations and corporations, often come with strict guidelines as to how and by when the funds must be utilized. Grant applications typically require organizations to specify certain programs or initiatives the funding is needed for, as well as the precise budget and timeline for the project.

While this type of funding is vital for specific projects, Susanne Cole, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh-based social services organization Pressley Ridge, wishes more funders would recognize the immense value of unrestricted giving to non-profit organizations.

Unrestricted gifts are funds that have no specific requirements on how the money is spent and can be used to support an organization's overall mission. Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has drawn attention to the concept in recent years. Since 2019, she has given more than 2,500 unrestricted grants to organizations throughout the U.S. totaling over $19 billion – including an unsolicited $10 million gift to Pressley Ridge in 2022. Scott conducts rigorous research to identify worthy beneficiaries that serve under-supported needs. Once the money is given, she trusts the organizational leadership to make decisions on how and when to spend the funds.

Unrestricted giving can be transformational for non-profit organizations. Without constraints, organizations can be innovative with programming or choose to fund overhead costs such as staff recruitment, retention and training and purchasing necessary equipment. Most importantly, unrestricted gifts provide stability for long-term planning and goals. Fiscally strong non-profit organizations like Pressley Ridge, which is debt-free and foundation-backed, need the financial flexibility to develop and adapt program structures as necessary.

Cole hopes that more funders will consider following MacKenzie Scott's example and begin providing organizations with funding without strict limitations.

"MacKenzie Scott's generosity sets a high bar for other philanthropists," Cole said. "I'm grateful that she recognizes nonprofits are doing incredible work and supports them in a way that allows for growth and innovation."

Scott's generous, unhindered investment in Pressley Ridge was instrumental in allowing the organization to thoughtfully build a strategic plan designed to enhance their ability to serve the increasingly complex needs of youth and families over the next five years.

Pressley Ridge, which was established in Pittsburgh in 1832 and now serves families in seven states, is fortunate to be financially stable. In the early 1990's, the organization formed a foundation to oversee investments and maximize endowment assets. The Pressley Ridge Foundation does not support the current portfolio of programs, which are funded by county contracts. Rather, it allows the organization to be innovative and explore new services, make capital improvements, perform in-depth research on program outcomes and to offer additional support for the basic needs of the families they serve.

Unrestricted gifts give organizations flexibility to use funds where and when they are most needed, increasing the ability to respond when crises arise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pressley Ridge needed to respond quickly to continue delivering services to the kids and families who were suddenly house-bound. They were able to draw on foundation reserves to purchase computers and technology to enable kids to access online schooling and families to receive telehealth therapy.

In the past year, Pressley Ridge has seen a 73% increase in unrestricted giving. With these funds, Pressley Ridge can go beyond the prescribed services to support their kids and families, including providing essential resources for children in foster care, enhancing educational opportunities for the students in their specialized schools and delivering additional provisions for families navigating crises.

These additional supports are made possible through the generosity of community partners like Huntington Bank, which has contributed to Pressley Ridge for over 12 years. Susie Shipley, Huntington's regional president, understands the importance of unrestricted giving.

"Huntington Bank chooses to support the general operations of Pressley Ridge because we believe in empowering organizations that demonstrate strategic vision and measurable impact," says Shipley. "Pressley Ridge's ability to allocate resources where they are most needed ensures our investment meaningfully strengthens the communities we serve."

Since Pressley Ridge does not rely on fundraising to sustain their operations and overhead, every dollar donated has a direct and measurable impact on improving services and supporting children and families in need. Even amidst the uncertain future of funding for human services, Pressley Ridge is prepared to adapt as needed to continue their mission of doing "whatever it takes to create success for kids and families" for many years to come.

SOURCE Pressley Ridge