$1.9 Million in Funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation

The region's largest philanthropic foundation has committed: 

• $1 million for the Summer Learn & Earn Program to create a new year-round program with a $1 million funding match from the City  

• $250,000 to redesign the Mellon Square storefronts into a new restaurant 

• $630,000 for Pittsburgh’s America 250 Independence Day Celebration 

• $25,000 for Economic Development recruitment 

“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,” said Mayor O’Connor. “I’d like to thank them for their partnership and generous support of our vision for the future of Pittsburgh.”  

Richard King Mellon himself had a long history of investing in the economic development of the City of Pittsburgh, dating back to his partnership with Mayor David L. Lawrence for Renaissance I. The Richard King Mellon Foundation is honoring that legacy by contributing to the new energy around Mayor O’Connor’s economic development vision for growth.  

“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,” said Sam Reiman, Director of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. “Our Trustees were pleased to award these grants in continuation of that collaboration.” 

The Learn and Earn program is a collaboration between the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and Partner4Work that currently provides summer employment opportunities for young people between ages 14-23. The $1 million donation, which will be matched with $1 million from the City, will expand the successful program into a year-round employment and professional development opportunity for local youth.  

“Learn & Earn has always been about opening doors for young people. 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,” said Rob Cherry CEO of Partner4Work. 

In support of Mayor O’Connor’s Downtown vibrancy initiatives, the Richard King Mellon Foundation has committed $250,000 to the Urban Redevelopment Authority to complete the preliminary work for a transformational concept for the Mellon Square storefronts on Smithfield Street. This marks another legacy investment in Mellon Square Park, which was first created through gifts from multiple Mellon family foundations. This preliminary engineering and architecture work will help determine if the storefronts can become a restaurant on the first floor that opens up into outdoor dining in Mellon Square and if other uses can be incorporated into the concept. 

On July 4, 2026, Pittsburgh will celebrate its history, present and future with the America 250 at the City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration. The Richard King Mellon Foundation is investing $630,000 for this time-honored tradition that brings families, residents and visitors together at Point State Park, North Shore and Grandview Park for entertainment, food, activities and the annual fireworks spectacular.  

The Richard King Mellon Foundation has also invested $25,000 for the Mayor's Office economic development team's recruitment initiatives. Currently, Mayor O’Connor contacts businesses each week in other locations to encourage them to invest in Pittsburgh to generate growth and jobs. This funding provides resources for the team to follow up with companies that are interested in moving to Pittsburgh to sell the city and deliver results.