Grant application process
Proposal parameters and resources
Small Arts Initiative
Summer Youth Philanthropy Program
Downtown Now Photography Project
Misc.
Relationship with H.J. Heinz Co. and other Heinz foundations
What is The Heinz Endowments?
The Heinz Endowments is a regional foundation formed from the Howard Heinz Endowment, established in 1941, and the Vira I. Heinz Endowment, established in 1986. It is the product of a deep family commitment to community and the common good that began with H. J. Heinz, and which continues to this day.
The Endowments is based in Pittsburgh, which we use as a laboratory for the development of solutions to challenges that are national in scope. Although the majority of our giving is concentrated within southwestern Pennsylvania, we work wherever necessary, including statewide and nationally, to fulfill our mission.
That mission is to help our region thrive as a whole community — economically, ecologically, educationally and culturally — while advancing the state of knowledge and practice in the fields in which we work. Our fields of emphasis include philanthropy in general and the disciplines represented by our five grant-making programs: Arts & Culture; Children, Youth & Families; Education; Environment; and Innovation Economy.
Is the Endowments related to the H.J. Heinz Co.?
No. The Endowments is an independent, private foundation, one of several philanthropic organizations affiliated with the Heinz family. The foundation is not affiliated with the H. J. Heinz Co. or its philanthropic arm, the H. J. Heinz Co. Foundation. For more information about the company’s philanthropic activities, please contact the Heinz Company Foundation.
Is the Endowments responsible for the Heinz Awards?
No. The Heinz Family Foundation administers the Heinz Awards. The program honors the legacy of the late Sen. John Heinz. Five prizes, each worth $250,000, are awarded from one of several private family foundations loosely known as the Heinz Family Philanthropies.
How are the Endowments and the Heinz Family Foundation related?
While both foundations are rooted in the Heinz family, they are institutionally separate and pursue different agendas. The Heinz Family Foundation is one of several private family foundations collectively known as the Heinz Family Philanthropies.
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Grant application process
Who may apply for grants from the Endowments?
The Endowments funds organizations classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as public charities under section 509(a) of that code. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funding. Additionally, if you are not classified as tax-exempt, you may not use a conduit organization. It is advised that organizations that have applied for 501(c)(3) status, but have not yet received a determination letter, submit a copy of their entire 501(c)(3) application to the Endowments for review by the foundation’s legal counsel.
How should I go about requesting a grant?
In seeking support from the foundation, one option is to begin the process by submitting a concise letter of inquiry. It should be signed by the head of the applicant organization or board and should discuss the following:
- The specific nature of the proposed program.
- The need for the proposed program.
- The relationship of the proposed program to the stated objectives of the Endowments.
- The nature of the applicant organization and its qualifications.
- The way in which the program’s effectiveness will be monitored and evaluated.
- The implications of the program in terms of public policy and public awareness.
- The estimated cost of the program and the amount of funding being requested.
Can I apply online for a grant?
Yes. The second application option involves completing the form available on this Web site. Applicants will be notified if additional materials are needed to support the application.
If two or more Endowment programs support similar activities, how can I determine where to send my inquiry?
If you are still uncertain about this after reading our program guidelines, please direct your inquiry to the program you think is most appropriate. If that program's staff members think your request would be better suited for consideration by another program, they will redirect it accordingly.
What happens after I submit a letter of inquiry?
Endowments staff reviews all letters of inquiry. There is no need to contact the foundation about the status of a letter because applicants are notified by telephone or in writing as to whether their requests meet the basic criteria for funding. If further consideration is merited, applicants will be asked at that time to submit a formal proposal.
What are the grant application deadlines?
Applications must be received by Feb. 1 to be considered at the Endowments' spring board meeting, and by Aug. 1 to be considered at the fall meeting.
I’ve been told that my grant is “going to agenda.” What does that mean? Is there anything else that I need to do?
“Going to agenda” means that your proposal will be presented to the board for approval. In preparation for the board meeting, program staff will ask you to answer more specific evaluation questions related to your proposal. Staff also will present its appraisal of your organization’s capacity and effectiveness using the Endowments’ assessment guidelines. You will be asked to complete the evaluation questions, but you will not be required to respond to the assessment guidelines. These are simply for your information, to help you understand what we look for in organizations that we consider funding.
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Proposal parameters and resources
Who may apply for grants from the Endowments?
The Endowments funds organizations classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as public charities under section 509(a) of that code. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funding. Additionally, if you are not classified as tax-exempt, you may not use a conduit organization. It is advised that organizations that have applied for 501(c)(3) status, but have not yet received a determination letter, submit a copy of their entire 501(c)(3) application to the Endowments for review by the foundation’s legal counsel.
My organization is outside the southwestern Pennsylvania region. Is it still eligible for funding?
The Endowments concentrates its efforts and resources in southwestern Pennsylvania. Given its primarily regional focus, the foundation is generally unable to consider applications for funding for projects outside of Pennsylvania unless a foundation representative specifically requests to review them. The Endowments will consider funding requests for projects that, although administered by an organization based elsewhere, are expressly for the benefit of this region and its residents.
Are there dollar limits on the amount of grants?
The best way to get a feel for the dollar range of our grant making is to review our grants listings on this site.
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Small Arts Initiative
How can I determine if my proposal should be submitted as a Small Arts Initiative proposal rather than as a regular arts grant proposal?
If your group is a professional organization that presents or produces arts programming and has an annual budget of $250,000 or less, the Small Arts Initiative is the funding stream for which you are most likely eligible. The initiative has its own unique set of deadlines and application requirements. Download the current application guidelines in PDF format.
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Summer Youth Philanthropy Program
I’m not familiar with The Heinz Endowments. Can you tell me about its focus, funding source and relationship to the H.J. Heinz Co.?
You can find the answers to those and other questions about the Endowments on the foundation’s general FAQ page, which can be found here.
Are the interns paid?
Yes, the interns are paid an hourly wage and receive Port Authority Transit passes. However, we’re seeking candidates who are more interested in the experience than the earnings. This is a great opportunity for students who wish to develop leadership skills, have a positive impact their communities and learn about how to bring innovative solutions to complex problems.
What do the interns do?
The interns will work to improve their community by developing and implementing a youth-philanthropy project, which will include the awarding of grants to local agencies working to serve youth. The interns will research issues affecting youth and their communities, identify service priorities, develop funding guidelines and solicit proposals for addressing these issues. The interns will then award charitable grants.
What is the dress code?
Each host organization establishes its own dress code, but “business casual” is a good guideline. On some occasions, more formal dress is required. Sneakers and jeans are generally not permitted.
Where are the internships located?
Interns are placed at the Endowments or another community organization or foundation. These sites are in downtown Pittsburgh.
How much say do the interns have in what they fund?
Although each host organization has its own rules and restrictions on what may be funded, interns are generally allowed a great deal of latitude in defining the issue to be addressed. Each group of interns works as a team to develop its priority area for funding. For information on what the last group of interns funded, look here.
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Misc.
Where does The Heinz Endowments’ money come from?
The fortune of H. J. Heinz, founder of the H. J. Heinz Co., funds the Endowments through the wills of his son, Howard Heinz, and his daughter-in-law, Vira I. Heinz.
How do I get a copy of your annual report, application guidelines and other publications?
You can download a copy of our annual report and our application guidelines in PDF format from our Web site. You can request a subscription to our quarterly publication, h magazine, online through our contact form. You can also contact the Endowments’ Communications Department to receive a hardcopy through the mail.
Can you direct me to a place that offers resources for proposal writing?
A good place to begin is The Foundation Center at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Its Web site, www.clpgh.org/clp/Foundation, offers online resources to help you through this process.
The Foundation Center
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-4080
Phone (412) 622-1917
Fax ( 412) 622-6561
e-mail foundati@alphaclp.clpgh.org
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Downtown Now Photography Project
What is the Downtown Now Photography Project?
The Heinz Endowments has invited six photographers to participate in a year-long project to document the changing culture and place of Downtown Pittsburgh. At the end of the year, 150 exemplary images will be chosen to be included in a permanent archive. If you would like to learn more about this ground-breaking project please CLICK HERE.
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