Children’s Trust​​

Invest in the future of research.

Join Children’s Trust, an exclusive group that collectively channels their philanthropic passions and energies in support of UPMC Children’s most promising pediatric researchers.

Unmatched by any volunteer or leadership opportunity in Pittsburgh, Trust members pool their charitable resources to directly impact the future of research by voting to award annual grants.

At This Moment, research matters. At UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, research is the foundation for how we care for children. The research taking place at UPMC Children’s today will change the trajectory of a child’s life tomorrow.

Take an active role in preventing, treating, and curing pediatric diseases. Become a Children’s Trust member.

researchers awarded grants
0
contributed to pediatric research
$ 100000
researchers awarded $21,351,406 total in NIH funding post-Children’s Trust grant
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Connect

Attend annual engagement events like Cocktails & Cures and Dinner with the Doctors to connect with a robust network of Pittsburgh’s leading business and community leaders.

Learn

Gain exclusive access to UPMC Children’s emerging and leading researchers and a behind-the-scenes view of our life-changing research and programs.

Schedule a research tour.

Empower

Collectively pool your investments to directly impact research projects and divisions in need of critical philanthropic support. Stay up to date on funded projects through quarterly research updates and volunteer opportunities.

Decide

Children’s Trust members are more than donors, they’re deciders. At the annual Grantmakers’ Meeting, you’ll hear pitches from top physicians and scientists and vote on which under-funded project you’re most passionate about.

“We believe that positive change stems from people working passionately towards a common goal, and the opportunity to help fund and support life-changing research in its most primitive form is such a draw for us to be involved with the Children’s Trust. Living in Lawrenceville and having kids ourselves, it’s hard not to feel a connection to UPMC Children’s, and it’s a source of pride to learn of the work being done right here by all the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel.”

Join Us

Children's Circle of Care​℠

$10,000+ per household

  • (10) Votes at Grantmakers’ Meeting
  • Recognition on UPMC Children’s Circle of Care donor wall.
  • Personalized hospital and lab tours for you and guests.

Rising Philanthropist​

$2,500+ per household

  • (4) Votes at Grantmakers’ Meeting
  • Invitation to group lab tour with Grantmakers’ winners.
  • Individualized attention from philanthropic advisor.

Executive Circle​

$1,500 per household

  • (2) Votes at Grantmakers’ Meeting
  • Recognition on UPMC Children’s Frank LeMoyne Society donor wall.
  • Invitation to Dinner with the Doctors and other exclusive events.
  • Member Spotlights

General Individual​

$500 per individual

  • (1) Vote at Grantmakers’ Meeting
  • Quarterly Impact emails
  • Invite to select networking and volunteer events

Request information, connect for a conversation, and inquire about a hospital tour by contacting Katie McGregor at [email protected].

2024 Grantmakers' Winners

150 members collectively awarded $170,000 to three researchers

KRISTINA GAIETTO, MD Pulmonology $80,000 Award

Kristina Gaietto, MD, MPH, won first place in 2024 for her research on improving childhood asthma care with a focus on the psychosocial impact. Dr. Gaietto currently works as an instructor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Medicine. She plans on using the money she won to fund programs that test types of asthma in children. These programs will be centered around affordability and accessibility, ensuring that all children can get the personalized medical care they need.

JESSICA DALEY, MD Hematology/Oncology $60,000 Award

Jessica D. Daley, MD, a junior physician scientist in the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology was awarded second place based on her research focusing on improving survival for patients with Ewing sarcoma, a type of bone cancer mainly found in children and young adults. Her research will help children and young adults with this condition live healthier, more comfortable lives.

LAURA KIRKPATRICK, MD Neurology $30,000 Award

Laura Kirkpatrick, MD, was awarded third place for her neurology research. She's an assistant professor of pediatrics, child neurologist, and epilepsy specialist at UPMC Children’s. Her research focuses on reproductive healthcare for children with epilepsy who have child-bearing potential specifically to aid the transition from pediatric to adult care. This work will improve the outlook for the children she treats as they continue on their health journey into adulthood.

Become a Trust sponsor and ignite the movement to advance pediatric research.

Program Sponsorship

Engage your company’s leaders and help to advance pediatric research and the mission of UPMC Children’s through corporate sponsorship of the Children’s Trust. Connect, network, and join forces with the region’s most talented and community-minded professionals and businesses. Trust sponsors are invited to participate in a variety of ways including hosting volunteer and networking programs, sponsoring Trust members, and supporting the long-term strategic plan of the program.

Gold Sponsor

  • Exclusive Children’s Trust Sponsor
  • (10) Employee Memberships
  • Website and Social Recognition

Silver Sponsor

  • (6) Employee Memberships
  • Select Website and Social Recognition

Bronze Sponsor

  • (4) Employee Memberships
  • Access to digital toolkit

Friend of Trust

  • (2) Employee Memberships
  • Host volunteer and networking events

Member Sponsorship

Set the standard for corporate philanthropy and unlock an employee’s potential with a Children’s Trust membership.

Match Employee’s Contribution​

$1,250

Demonstrate your support by matching an employee’s $1,250 investment to participate in this uniquely engaging leadership program.

Sponsor Full Membership​

$2,500

Step up as a corporate leader and nominate a rising star on your team to participate in Children’s Trust.

Request additional sponsorship information or connect for a conversation by contacting Jessica Monahan at [email protected].

The History of Children's Trust

Children’s Trust gives members the opportunity to invest in the future of pediatric research and play an active role in developing better outcomes for children everywhere. Historically, Trust members have helped to advance innovation in the areas of Ewing sarcoma, brain injury recovery, newborn bacterial infections, expanding access to healthcare, and so much more.

Meet the researchers supported by Children's Trust

2024

$170,000 total awarded to:

$70,000 total awarded to:

  • Maya Ragavan, MD, Pediatrics
  • Lisa Maurer, MD, PhD, Hematology/Oncology

$100,000 total awarded to:

  • Thomas Hooven, MD, Neonatology Newborn Medicine
  • Shaun Carlson, PhD, Neurological Surgery
  • Heather Joseph, DO, Psychiatry

$90,000 total awarded to:

  • Dwi Kemaladewi, PhD, Medical Genetics
  • Deirdre Nolfi-Donegan, MD, Hematology/Oncology

$90,000 total awarded to:

  • Christopher Horvat, MD, Critical Care Medicine
  • Kelly Bailey, MD, Hematology/Oncology

$40,000 total awarded to:

  • Sameer Agnihotri, PhD, Neurological Surgery

$40,000 total awarded to:

  • Dennis Simon, MD, Critical Care Medicine

Be the deciding vote in supporting the future of pediatric research and its impact for the children across Pittsburgh and beyond. The Children’s Trust provides exceptional experiences and benefits and several levels of participation for individuals, households, and companies.

Request information, connect for a conversation, and inquire about a hospital tour by contacting Katie McGregor at [email protected].