Jewish Healthcare Foundation Announces Second-Year Grants from the Justin Reid Ehrenwerth Community Impact Award

PITTSBURGH — The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) is proud to announce the second round of grants from the Justin Reid Ehrenwerth Community Impact Award, continuing a living tribute to the late Justin Reid Ehrenwerth—an esteemed public servant, environmental leader, and champion for social justice.

Two organizations—the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and The Water Institute based in Louisiana, with a growing Pittsburgh office—will receive a combined total of $30,000 to advance public health and environmental justice initiatives that reflect the values Justin exemplified throughout his life and career.

A $15,000 one-year grant to The Water Institute will support the launch of the Justin Ehrenwerth Early-Career Scientist Award, providing targeted support for early-career researchers advancing innovative, community-focused environmental science. The award will foster proof-of-concept research, community engagement in underserved areas, and improved scholarly communication—all pillars of Justin’s leadership during his tenure as the Institute’s President and CEO.

In addition, a $15,000 one-year grant has been awarded to the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health to establish the Justin Reid Ehrenwerth Emerging Scholar Award. This initiative will provide high school students from Pittsburgh’s under-resourced schools with access to advanced public health and environmental justice education through Pitt’s Public Health Science Academy. Scholars will receive hands-on research experience, mentorship, and opportunities to present their work at national conferences.

Recipients of the Justin Ehrenwerth Early-Career Scientist Award and the Justin Reid Ehrenwerth Emerging Scholar Award will be announced later this year.

“Justin was a visionary and a mentor,” said David H. Ehrenwerth, longtime JHF Board member and Justin’s father. “These awards continue his legacy by investing in the next generation of changemakers here in Pittsburgh and Louisiana who are committed to equity, sustainability, and public service.”

The Justin Reid Ehrenwerth Community Impact Award was established in 2023 with a $250,000 endowment to annually recognize nonprofit organizations working in Pittsburgh, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C. making meaningful change in the spirit of Justin’s work and ideals. The awards were recommended by a national selection committee following a call for proposals issued earlier this year.

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Available for Interviews: David H. Ehrenwerth, JHF Board member, partner at K&L Gates