The Richard King Mellon Foundation requests ideas for funding consideration that are aligned with the newly launched 2021-2030 Strategic Plan for Economic Development.

Through this Request for Ideas, the Foundation seeks to seed new ideas that aim to provide residents in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties with tools to succeed in the new economy – an economy marked by continual technological disruption and innovation that is empowering people to transform our world. As technologies change, so do the skill sets that are in high demand.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation’s aspiration is that people of all ages in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties will be able to access their most promising and prosperous futures. The Foundation strongly believe that the region’s long-term economic prosperity is best achieved by economic growth and fostering broad participation of all individuals in that growth. Unfortunately, currently the region’s economic prosperity is hindered by a widening gap in economic opportunity and by education systems that are not keeping pace with the needs of the workforce of the future.

To address this need, The Richard King Mellon Foundation seeks bold ideas and innovative approaches that aim to strengthen the wide range of opportunities for residents to build businesses, gain economic independence, and prepare for jobs of the future. Ideas should align with at least one of the priority areas described in the table below. These priorities and outcomes are excerpts from the Foundation’s Economic Development Funding Program.

First round proposals are due by February 26, 2021. Second round proposals are due by July 16, 2021.