Jan. 27—The Richard King Mellon Foundation, the region’s largest philanthropic organization, plans to give away $1.2 billion over the next decade, its director announced Wednesday.
And it will continue a new practice in doling out the old money by soliciting public input on where it will do the most good.
The foundation aims to “increase opportunity and prosperity in Southwestern PA, and to advance environmental conservation and stewardship across the United States” through its new strategic plan, Director Sam Reiman said. Last year, the foundation awarded $130 million in grants.
He said the public — specifically people, organizations and businesses in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties — will play a major role in determining where and how the foundation’s assets are invested as it pursues efforts that promote economic development, economic…