Mellon Foundation: Economic Mobility Grant

Mellon Foundation: Economic Mobility Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Richard King Mellon Foundation
Last Updated: August 30, 2025

Summary

The Richard King Mellon Foundation's Economic Mobility program is currently accepting grant applications through its General Application. While specific RFPs are no longer available, proposals that align with the Foundation's strategic goals for 2021-2030 are encouraged. The Foundation, established by visionary Richard King Mellon, has a history of supporting initiatives that enhance economic development and environmental stewardship in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with a commitment to awarding over $1.2 billion in the coming years.

Overview

Note:  Our application portal is open and accepting grant applications for funding through its Economic Mobility program. All applicants should apply using the General Application.  Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis. Our founder Richard King Mellon was a visionary. The philanthropic foundation he created, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, has invested since 1947 in visionaries who seek to advance the competitive future and quality of life of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and to protect, preserve and restore America’s environmental heritage. More than 75 years after its founding, the Foundation has become the largest in our region and one of the 50 largest in the world. The Foundation’s 2021 year-end net assets were $3.4 billion, and its Trustees in 2021 disbursed $152 million in grants and program-related investments. Economic Mobility here We welcome bold proposals that align with our 2021-2030 Strategic Plan. Our Strategic Plan is a roadmap to award more than $1.2 billion from 2021-2030. It is a plan to focus the Foundation’s resources on the most powerful pathways to greater opportunity and prosperity for the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. And to do even more to protect, steward, and activate environmentally sensitive land in southwestern Pennsylvania and across the United States. Your applications are the lifeblood of our Strategic Plan.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Nonprofit organizations and public-sector agencies.We consider applications from organizations that are not based in Allegheny or Westmoreland counties. In your application, you should be clear about why and in what ways the project will serve economic development in these counties.The Foundation provides general operating support for organizations that are not postsecondary institutions or research institution. Economic Mobility and Health & Well-Being exclusively fund efforts that serve Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not consider requests on behalf of individuals or from outside of the United States.The Foundation does not fund lobbying, advocacy, or political causes or events. We comply with all laws and regulations, including prohibitions on funding terrorist activities.