bennett and schmidt co-created the bennett prize for women figurative realists with the center for philanthropy at the pittsburgh foundation, which was selected for its experience in working with donors to establish specifically tailored philanthropic initiatives. in addition, bennett and schmidt selected the pittsburgh foundation because of its experience with programs that support local artists and artists of color through its investing in professional arts and advancing black arts in pittsburgh grant-making programs which the pittsburgh foundation oversees in collaboration with the heinz endowments. the pittsburgh foundation, working in consultation with bennett and schmidt, governs the bennett prize, but the selection of finalists and the winner is delegated to a jury of four individuals, at least two of whom must be women artists who, but for their experience and success, would meet the eligibility requirements for the prize.