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Host Chris DeCardy welcomes guest Matt Mehalik, executive director of Breathe Project. Matt shares the massive impact that Breathe Project’s technology and community-based air pollution monitoring projects have had in Southwest Pennsylvania and across the country. Their real-time data monitoring and communication savvy is giving voice to those most affected by polluted air.
 

We deserve a future that brings economic opportunity for all & that doesn’t harm our environment or health. Leaders in the community (Pittsburgh Gateways Exec. Dir. Chaquita Barnett), philanthropy (The Heinz Endowments Pres. Chris DeCardy), regional government (Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato), business (SeaLion founder/CEO Reeja Jayan) and development (RIDC Senior Vice-President Timothy White) sectors lay out the benefits of working together to advance a clean technology future. We can do this. Let’s get to work! 

This video was produced in partnership with Treehouse Media’s Josh Franzos & Tim Murrray.

Our 2025 Issue of h magazine exemplified the range of investments that The Heinz Endowments has made in the people and communities of western Pennsylvania. The cover story, “In Celebration of 3,” featured three environmental organizations that are Endowments grantees and that recently celebrated milestone anniversaries. The article “Lost in Translation” described how veteran-focused nonprofits have been more successful in connecting service members to fulfilling civilian jobs after leaving the military than federal transition services. The final main story in this issue, “The Mythic Spirit in Art,” chronicled how two men’s common interest in African cosmologies led to the creation of a multi-faceted arts collective whose body of work has grown to international scope. The piece was accompanied by a sidebar, “In the Spotlight,” about an award-winning playwright in Pittsburgh who has gained national attention for his work. 

The Heinz Endowments has awarded $1.1 million in grants to provide emergency food assistance to southwestern Pennsylvania residents experiencing urgent needs because their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been delayed during the government shutdown. The funds are directed to three local organizations that have been on the frontlines of the food crisis affecting vulnerable individuals and families across the region.

We are seeking a learning and evaluation partner for our Civic Participation strategy, which focuses on civic infrastructure, responsive local governments, and access to reliable local information. Partnership timeline is February 2026 – 2029. 

Application deadline: Please submit to [email protected]
by 5 p.m. EST, Tuesday, December 16. 

The Heinz Endowments has announced a $5 million funding match commitment for a major expansion of Center of Life, a community enrichment organization with nearly a quarter century of experience providing youth and family-centered programming for Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood community and surrounding neighborhoods. The expanded presence will position the organization as a cornerstone of collaboration between Hazelwood and surrounding communities and the robotics and technology partnerships Hazelwood Green has established with major universities.