Our Role

In an era of massive change — technological, economic, ecological — southwestern Pennsylvania has the drive and wisdom to shape our nation's future. The Heinz Endowments sustains the leaders creating this tomorrow.  

We fund nonprofits, bridge divides and share what works. We catalyze a thriving future nourished by healthy air, clean water and vibrant natural spaces for all; energized by young people equipped with skills and networks to prosper in their communities; enriched by arts that create belonging; and anchored by a democracy that works for everyone. 

 

Learn more about The Heinz Endowments

Our Strategies

At the Endowments, we approach every partnership with a learning orientation. Through evaluation, we generate insights to inform our work and contribute to related fields. We use a wide range of data sources to monitor a continuously changing world so that our strategies are context specific and maximize impact for our region. We work with our grantee partners to design evaluation and learning plans that position us to meaningfully adapt through implementation. We hold space to purposefully analyze and reflect on outcomes at the close of grant cycles, reinforcing a culture of learning and continual improvement.  

Grants

With grantmaking that averages almost $90 million annually, The Heinz Endowments is among the leading foundations in the United States. The impact of our grants lies in the possibilities they create, the critical need they address and the transformative change they help to bring about. Every grant listed here is part of that mission.

 

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THE News

An updated Arts & Culture strategy for increased regional impact

Our updated Arts & Culture strategy focuses on strengthening the region’s creative infrastructure, increasing participation in the arts for both artists and the public, and supporting partners who uplift creativity-focused workforce pathways so talented people can build sustainable careers doing what they love.

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John Barker appointed Heinz Endowments Chief Investment Officer

The Heinz Endowments has named John Barker, an accomplished nonprofit financial manager with nearly 25 years of experience, as the foundation’s new Chief Investment Officer.

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Grants awarded to increase PA participation in 2030 Census

The Heinz Endowments and its co-funding partners William Penn Foundation and HealthSpark Foundation announced $1.3 million in new grants to support 22 organizations.

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Detroit leaders tour Pittsburgh as part of learning exchange

From Hazelwood to the Hill District, 30 civic and cultural leaders from Detroit spent three days exploring what's possible when two post-industrial cities learn from each other.

Find out more about the tour
We Can Be podcast highlight video

What do YOU think we – as a community and world – can be? Check out a short video of guests from the most recent episodes of our “We Can Be” podcast as they share their insightful, hopeful answers. Catch up on episodes you may have missed and stay tuned for a new podcast season coming soon.

Watch the video and explore episodes
Latest issue of h magazine

Pittsburgh's renewal is the thread running through Issue 1, 2026 of h magazine, with stories on Downtown's revival, the Endowments' investment in nonprofit news and community building at Hazelwood Green.

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Our Stories

 

Grounded in our history. Rooted in community. Driven to change the future.