The Richard King Mellon Foundation will provide Pittsburgh with nearly $2 million to support youth employment initiatives, a Mellon Square redesign, economic development and a celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, Mayor Corey O’Connor announced Thursday.
It’s the latest in a series of contributions from nonprofits and foundations to help the city fund various priorities.
“The commencement of Renaissance I, 76 years ago next month, was a collaboration between Richard King Mellon and the elected leaders of Pittsburgh to pursue transformative economic development initiatives to create a more vibrant and growing Pittsburgh,” Sam Reiman, director of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, said in a news release.
This funding, he said, comes “in continuation of that collaboration.”
The foundation will provide $1 million for the Summer Learn & Earn Program, which will expand into a year-round initiative.
The program — a collaboration between the city, county and nonprofit workforce development organization Partner4Work — offers employment opportunities for people ages 14 to 23.
The city will match the foundation’s $1 million donation, expanding the initiative into a year-round program.
“Learn & Earn has always been about opening doors for young people,” Partner4Work CEO Rob Cherry said in a statement. “Expanding the program year-round allows us to deepen that impact by helping participants build on their experiences and stay connected to opportunities that lead to careers.”
The foundation also committed to chipping in $250,000 to launch an effort to transform the Mellon Square Park storefronts on Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh. The park, created through gifts from various Mellon family foundations, is set for a refresh. Officials are exploring opening a restaurant on the first floor that would into an outdoor dining space in the square.
Also included in the donation is $630,000 to support the city’s Independence Day celebration as the nation marks its 250th anniversary this July and $25,000 to support O’Connor’s economic development team’s recruitment initiatives, which are encouraging businesses to move to Pittsburgh.
“The Richard King Mellon Foundation shares my administration’s vision for growth through investments in economic development, jobs, vibrancy and making Pittsburgh every family’s first choice,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor campaigned on a promise to convince outside partners to contribute more money to support a city facing serious financial woes.
UPMC in January pledged $10 million to buy new ambulances, divided between this year and next. Following a massive snowstorm, the PNC Foundation contributed $2 million to replace aging plows. The University of Pittsburgh pledged $5 million over the next five years to support parks, business districts and public safety efforts. The Heinz Endowments provided $750,000 to help pay for a multimillion dollar comprehensive plan. A combined $600,000 donation from the Pennsylvania Laborers District Council and Pirates Charities will allow the city to upgrade baseball fields.