Pio Costa Foundation Incorporated
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial support primarily through general contributions and scholarships. Its mission appears to focus on education, community service, and assistance to food pantries, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting local charitable initiatives. The foundation serves a diverse range of recipients, including educational institutions, food assistance programs, and various community organizations. While it primarily operates in New Jersey, its funding also extends to organizations across multiple states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-sized nonprofits with programs in education, scholarships, local community service, or food assistance — including colleges, scholarship funds, and community charities that fit the foundation’s past giving pattern and typical $500–$5,000 award range.
Good Fit
- • Provides scholarships or educational support (colleges and scholarship programs have been funded).
- • Operates a local community service or food assistance program, especially in New Jersey.
- • Seeks relatively small general operating or program grants ($500–$5,000).
- • Can be introduced or recommended through mutual local contacts or prior grantees.
Geography
Observed giving in the latest year reached 13 states, with only about 36% concentrated in the home state, showing a broad multi-state footprint rather than strictly local giving.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 29 distinct recipients and 37 grants, with many small awards across diverse institutions (colleges, food pantries, faith-based and community groups), indicating a wide recipient set.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of recipient turnover is available: 19 new grantees were added in the latest year (about two-thirds of recipients), so unfamiliar organizations have entered the portfolio despite the foundation's stated 'preselected-only' policy; however the exact route for new applicants to be considered is not publicly documented.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
