The Heinz Endowments are among the largest philanthropic organizations in the United States.
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Heinz Endowments consist of two private foundations, the Howard Heinz Endowment and the Vira I. Heinz Endowment, and its monies originate from the Heinz family, founders of H. J. Heinz Company.
Its mission is "to help southwestern Pennsylvania thrive as a whole community—economically, ecologically, educationally, and culturally—while advancing the state of knowledge and practice in the fields in which we work."
The Heinz Endowments grant more than $60 million annually to nonprofit organizations.
There is no connection between the Heinz Endowments and the H.J Heinz Company.
In 2008, former Davidson College president Robert F. Vagt will become president of the Endowments. [1]