The Heinz Endowments will distribute $6 million to support nonprofit organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania that face challenges due to recent federal funding cuts and policy shifts.
This second round of support raises the total distributed through the Community Partners Fund to $10 million. The Endowments launched the fund in March to help grantees that serve vulnerable communities and must now adapt to changing federal policies.
In this phase, current and former grantees can apply for funding. They may also collaborate with nonprofits that have not previously received support from the Endowments. The fund will support urgent needs such as capacity building, legal services, data and physical security, outreach, advocacy, and organizational planning. The Endowments emphasizes that this support aims to address immediate needs rather than replace long-term federal funding.
In the first round, the Endowments awarded over $4 million to more than 40 nonprofits. For example, Pittsburghers for Public Transit received $30,000 to advocate for statewide transit funding, VoteRiders received $50,000 to continue voter ID education, and Three Rivers Waterkeeper received $65,000 to protect water quality in the Upper Ohio River Basin.
“We stand with our nonprofit partners who continue to serve the region under difficult and uncertain circumstances,” said Chris DeCardy, president of the Endowments. “We want to help them remain stable and continue their critical work.”
Carmen Anderson, Vice President of Learning, added,
“Nonprofits face a difficult financial landscape. We hope this funding offers stability and reassurance to both the organizations and the people they serve.”
The Endowments will evaluate proposals based on urgency, impact, severity, and collaboration. They encourage nonprofits to submit joint proposals that address service gaps, launch advocacy campaigns, or explore mergers for long-term sustainability.
Nonprofits can learn more and apply at www.heinz.org/grants/community-partners-fund.
