The Endowments is currently refining its CED strategy. A key principle of the refreshed program will be leveraging the lessons and best practices from our Hazelwood work to other strategic places across the region, spanning urban and rural communities. Endowments President Chris DeCardy shares insights about what's next:
For decades, The Heinz Endowments has had the privilege of supporting organizations like yours that are helping to sustain neighborhoods and support thriving communities here in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Our Community and Economic Development (CED) grantmaking strategy has been designed to strengthen our work together for equitable community development through anti-displacement models, innovative and affordable housing solutions and strategic partnerships, keeping long-time residents in place while fostering sustainable growth for the region.
Today, the Pittsburgh region is at an important moment of opportunity with clear challenges but also enormous potential for evolution, not just for growth but to protect the unique place we call home and to benefit every one of us.
It is, therefore, the right time to step back and evaluate the impact of our Community and Economic Development work—both what has been accomplished and where there is more to learn and do.
We will be looking thoughtfully at new ways of working that can help us, together, create the best possible opportunities and outcomes for the region in the years ahead. We are pleased to continue to benefit from Rob Stephany’s experience and insights for a part of this evolution, which will include continued partnership in the Hazelwood community but also assuredly be broader.
We will be drawing out lessons and best practices from our Hazelwood work. We collaborated with many of you, with other funders and with the people of Hazelwood to revitalize a historically disinvested community and brownfield for the benefit of existing residents, new residents, industry and the greater Pittsburgh region. We know that the strongest path forward will be shaped by the experience, insight and perspective of our grantee partners. Our goal is not only to assess our past efforts, but also to ensure that our future approach is as responsive, effective and collaborative as possible.
We welcome you to reach out to us at any time at [email protected].
-Chris DeCardy, President of The Heinz Endowments
