Arts & Culture

Silver Eye Center for Photography’s “Ajamu X FIERCE: Pittsburgh” exhibition opening in partnership with Rainbow Serpent; image credit: Tara Geyer, courtesy of Silver Eye Center for Photography.

Art tells our stories and inspires our curiosity. It has the power to bring us together.

A vibrant arts and culture scene doesn’t happen by chance. It is built through organizations, partnerships and spaces that allow creativity to take root and grow.

Our goal is to strengthen the arts and culture ecosystem in southwestern Pennsylvania so it is resilient and community centered — representing diverse ideas, connecting people and providing opportunity for artists to build sustainable careers.

At The Heinz Endowments, we take a long-term, collaborative approach to supporting the organizations and communities that make up southwestern Pennsylvania's arts ecosystem.

We believe southwestern Pennsylvania’s cultural future depends on every community member feeling a sense of belonging, where long-standing institutions and emerging voices co-exist and co-create, and where artistic excellence deepens the connections that make our region feel like home.

Our approach is grounded in what we've learned through research, data and relationships.

We advance our Arts & Culture strategy through three interconnected investment areas.

Sector Infrastructure

We support organizations that strengthen the systems the arts community relies on — through field coordination, shared resources, research and advocacy — so that arts organizations can focus more energy on their work and the communities they serve.

Cultural Participation

We support organizations that expand access to the arts and deepen connection to community — removing barriers so that more people can experience the arts.

Creative Workforce Pathways

We support organizations that provide structured pathways into paid creative work — through training programs, apprenticeships and industry partnerships — so that talented people can build sustainable careers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

What We Don't Fund

Our focus is to strengthen the broader arts and culture ecosystem. We do not fund one-time projects; programming without systems, infrastructure, or community impact strategy; or requests that benefit a single organization without advancing the broader arts and culture ecosystem.

LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLYING FOR A GRANT

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Statement of Change, Spring 2026

We are always assessing our work and seeking opportunities to make a positive impact. Following an 18-month period of research, analysis and careful consideration of our region’s creative sector, our staff and board of trustees endorsed an evolution of this work.

As we move forward, we are prioritizing investments that create broad, ecosystem-level benefits – including shared infrastructure, increased participation and sense of belonging, and workforce pathways – so impact extends beyond any single artist or organization.

If you or your organization are thinking about applying for a grant or are wondering if your organization may be a good partner for the Endowments’ updated Arts & Culture strategy, please consider these questions:

Does your project or organization build shared infrastructure that benefits multiple artists or partners?
Does it lead with strategies to increase participation, remove visible and invisible barriers, and consistently offer meaningful, welcoming practices that contribute to a sense of belonging?
Does it support workforce pathways into paid creative work?
Are strong quantitative and qualitative measures in place for the project from start to finish?

If you have questions about what this strategy means for the proposal you are considering, we are here to help at [email protected].

Getting Started

New and returning applicants should complete a letter of inquiry first before contacting staff or completing a grant application. Visit the “Grants Process & How to Apply” section of our Grants page for more information.

Meet The Heinz Endowments Arts & Culture Team

Jasmin DeForrest Managing Director

Cindi Stueber Program Assistant

Mac Howison Senior Program Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

Relationship with H.J. Heinz Co. and other Heinz foundations
Grant Application Process
Proposal parameters and resources
Arts & Culture

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 become a just and equitable community in which all of its citizens thrive economically, ecologically, educationally, socially and culturally.

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 Kraft Heinz Company or its philanthropic arm, the Kraft Heinz Company 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 to individuals for their achievements in the areas in which Sen. Heinz was most active: Arts & Humanities; Environment; Human Condition; Public Policy; and Technology, the Economy and Employment. See the Heinz Awards website for more information.

How are the Endowments and the Heinz Family Foundation related?

While both foundations are rooted in the Heinz family, they are institutionally separate.

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?

There are a variety of ways to communicate with The Heinz Endowments about potential funding, from personal contact with a program officer to brief digital inquiries and/or full grant applications. Please see this page of our website for more information: http://www.heinz.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant

If two or more Endowment programs support similar activities, how can I determine which program to choose on the online form?

If you are still uncertain about this after reading our guidelines, please select the Strategic Area you think is most appropriate. If those staff members think your request would be better suited for consideration by another area, they will redirect it accordingly.

What happens after I submit the online application?

Endowments staff reviews all applications. There is no need to contact the foundation about the status because applicants are notified by telephone, email or in writing as to whether their requests meet the basic criteria for funding.

What are the grant application deadlines?

Applications must be received by February 15 to be considered at the Endowments' spring board meeting, and by July 15 to be considered at the fall meeting.

What if I have trouble using the online application?

If you have trouble with the online form, please contact Cheryl Dabat, 412.338.2624 or [email protected] for assistance.

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, Endowments staff may ask you for additional materials related to your proposal.

Proposal parameters and resources

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 grantmaking is to review our grants listing on this site.

Does the Endowments have a policy regarding administrative overhead costs in grants?

It is the policy of The Heinz Endowments that "indirect/general overhead/administrative" cost assessments (i.e. those typically expressed as arbitrary "factors" or flat percentage cost add-ons) often applied to grant proposal budgets by large educational and/or research institutions are not acceptable and will not be included in the amount of any grants awarded.

Arts & Culture

What do you mean by the “arts and culture ecosystem”?

We use “ecosystem” to describe the interconnected network of organizations, artists, spaces, and support systems (for example: training centers, associations and shared services) that make arts and culture possible in our region. Our strategy focuses on strengthening these shared systems so that more organizations and artists can thrive, and more people can experience the arts and enjoy a vibrant, creative culture.

My organization has received funding in the past. Will this new strategy affect our funding?

Yes. All new Arts & Culture grants will align with the new strategy. We welcome both returning and new partners — what matters is whether the proposed work advances our strategic goals.

Will this strategy prioritize small, medium or large arts organizations?

Organization size does not determine eligibility — what matters is the impact of your work on the broader arts ecosystem.

I'm an artist. Can I apply for a grant?

No. The Heinz Endowments does not fund individual artists directly. However, many of the organizations we support offer grants, residencies, training, and other opportunities for artists — we encourage you to explore those partnerships as a pathway to support.

I have a question that isn't answered here. Who can I contact?

Please send your question to [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.

In The News

National Geographic: Why Pittsburgh is one of America’s most underrated cities to visit in 2026

This National Geographic piece uplifts the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene - including the Max Vanka murals pictured here - as a primary reason to visit Pittsburgh.

New York Times declares that the Pittsburgh Symphony “plays how a symphony should sound”

A 2025 New York Times review of the PSO’s recent appearance at NYC’s Carnegie Hall describes the performance as “orchestral sophistication of the highest order.”

New civic space in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District offers community, world-class public art & inspiration.

Arts Landing pays homage to the artistic talent, practice and diversity of our city. The inaugural installation at this new public space features the work of 10 artists with strong ties to the Pittsburgh region. Get to know them!