Heinz Endowments: Grants for Pennsylvania

OVERVIEW: The Heinz Endowments creativity, learning, and sustainability in Pittsburgh and elsewhere in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

FUNDING AREAS: Creativity, learning, sustainability

IP TAKE: Equity is at the heart of this funder’s mission, so craft proposals around creating a more equal Pittsburgh regardless of the program area.

PROFILE: The Heinz Endowments is made up of two foundations, the Howard Heinz Endowment and the Vira I. Heinz Endowment, and it is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established in 1941, the Howard Heinz Endowment carries on the legacy of Mr. Heinz, who was a director and trustee of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Mellon Bank, and many other business endeavors. Established in 1983, the Vira I. Heinz carries on the legacy of Mrs. Heinz, who was active in civic and philanthropic life, served on numerous boards, and was the first woman trustee of Carnegie Mellon University. The foundation “seeks to help our region thrive as a whole and just community, and through that work to model solutions to major national and global challenges.” It funds local efforts for creativity, learning, and sustainability.

The Heinz Endowments is an equity-focused foundation that has redefined its perspective as a grantmaker to make Pittsburgh a more equitable place to live. This focus is part of each grantmaking priority area at the Heinz Endowments. Creativity grants support arts and cultural organizations in local neighborhoods that engage active participants. Learning grants fund holistic education, child wellbeing, workforce readiness, and education access. Sustainability funding focuses on public health and the environment as it affects the people of Pittsburgh. 

Grants range between about $5,000 and $500,000. Annual foundation grantmaking averages around $70 million. Learn more about this funder’s local giving in the grants awarded section of the foundation website. Grantmaking focuses on Southwestern Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh in particular. Past local grantees include 1Hood Media Academy, Alumni Theater Company, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, and Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future. Heinz gave $6.4 million in grants to help those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to improve health protections for residents, essential workers, and medical staff. Also, in 2020, Heinz gave $12.1 million to support racial-equity initiatives in the Pittsburgh region.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits via online system, following successful passing of an online eligibility quiz. The staff and board review applications and make decisions in the spring and fall. Submit requests by February 15 or August 1 to be considered at the next board meeting. Direct general questions to the staff at info@heinz.org or 412-281-5777.

PEOPLE:

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