Richard King Mellon Foundation

The Richard King Mellon Foundation is an independent non-profit private foundation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 1947. The foundation focuses on providing grants that support various initiatives, including conservation, education, families and youth, regional economic development, and system reform. It is particularly dedicated to the conservation of natural areas and wildlife preservation across the United States. Governed by a board of trustees, the foundation aims to address significant societal challenges through its funding efforts, which reflect its commitment to enhancing community well-being and fostering sustainable development.

Sam Reiman

Director and Trustee

41 past transactions

Conduction

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Conduction is a technology company that provides an interactive digital music platform for students. Its software enables learning various aspects of music, such as beat making, composition, and sheet music education, while fostering student engagement and participation in the classroom. The platform also facilitates digital song creation and live performances by local musicians or classmates, aiming to enhance music education experiences.

MoneyStack

Pre Seed Round in 2024
MoneyStack provides a platform that connects mental health treatment providers with vetted financial counselors to address financial distress that can worsen psychological conditions. By integrating trauma-informed financial counseling into behavioral health care, the company helps individuals achieve better outcomes while providers reduce churn and payers lower costs. The platform uses an online community-based approach to recruit and engage treatment teams and offers a HIPAA-compliant counseling interface that bridges behavioral health and financial advice. The initial focus is gambling addiction, with the MVP named GamFin, placing MoneyStack at the intersection of the behavioral health and financial advice markets. Traction includes nine state governments as customers and more than $100,000 in revenue in 2023. Third-party payers cover counseling services, removing out-of-pocket costs for clients, and fintech tools provide guardrails to support long-term financial stability and reduce relapse risk.

Allegheny College Endowment

Grant in 2024
Allegheny College is an arts college located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, dedicated to fostering a personalized educational experience for its students by honoring their unique skills, talents, and interests. The college encourages students to explore and expand their academic concentrations across various divisions, promoting a holistic approach to learning that aligns with the demands of the global marketplace. To support its strategic initiatives, Allegheny College manages an endowment fund, which is sustained through income from investments as well as gifts and donations from alumni. The management of this endowment is overseen by the college's executive management team, ensuring that the financial resources effectively contribute to the institution's mission and goals.

LoanBYE

Grant in 2024
LoanBYE offers a tax-free student loan repayment benefit.

Community College of Allegheny County

Grant in 2024
The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) offers a full range of academic programs on an accessible and convenient campus. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, CCAC has additional campuses throughout the region. The main campus in Pittsburgh awards vocational certificates and diplomas. They also offer academic and career-oriented associate’s degrees. Some examples of Pittsburgh’s diverse majors are: * Art * Aviation Technology * Business * Computer Forensics * Court Reporting * Culinary Arts * Engineering Technology * Film * Global Studies * Social Work * Theatre While pursuing their degree, CCAC students may also enjoy the comfortable and accessible campus facilities. There are several dining facilities, lounge areas, a student services center and a performing arts center, all of which are conveniently located in the same structure. To gain admission to CCAC, applicants will need to submit an admissions application and transcripts. Entering students will also need to take a placement exam. There are additional admissions requirements for healthcare programs. Community College of Allegheny County offers federal financial aid awards like grants and loans. CCAC also offers more than 10 scholarships. Criteria for scholarships include one’s academic performance and background.

STEM Coding Lab

Grant in 2024
STEM Coding Lab provides under-resourced children with the computer skills needed in the digital economy. They offer computer science and coding education to K-8 students who would not otherwise have access to it.

The Advanced Leadership Institute

Grant in 2023
The Advanced Leadership Institute to develop black executive leadership in order to benefit businesses, organizations, and communities.

Optimus Technologies

Series A in 2023
Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

Resilient Lifescience

Grant in 2023
Resilient Lifescience specializes in developing wearable medical devices designed to prevent opioid overdose deaths. Their innovative device detects and automatically administers naloxone, enabling timely intervention even when no one else is present.

SetPoint Medical Corporation

Venture Round in 2023
SetPoint Medical Corporation is a clinical-stage medical device company developing implantable neuromodulation therapies to treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Its platform uses vagus nerve stimulation to activate the body's inflammatory reflex, aiming to produce a systemic immune-restorative effect and offer an alternative to drug therapy for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Based in Valencia, California.

Advanced Optronics

Grant in 2023
Advanced Optronics designs and manufactures implantable sensors for intraoperative monitoring. These sensors provide real-time feedback during surgeries, helping reduce trauma and preserve residual hearing, particularly in cochlear implant procedures.

Toyz Electronics

Seed Round in 2022
Toyz Electronics specializes in developing educational technology solutions. It offers a gamified learning platform that teaches STEAM subjects, entrepreneurship, and storytelling through a unique superhero rap concept. The platform's culturally relevant curriculum combines hip-hop culture, music, gaming, 3D models, comics, and design to engage students and help them develop technical and soft skills.

Pennsylvania Women Work

Grant in 2022
Pennsylvania Women Work is a nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to helping individuals find financial stability.

STEM Coding Lab

Grant in 2022
STEM Coding Lab provides under-resourced children with the computer skills needed in the digital economy. They offer computer science and coding education to K-8 students who would not otherwise have access to it.

Gus Gear

Grant in 2022
Gus Gear is a manufacturer of wearable securement clothing designed to protect implanted medical devices and enhance patient outcomes. The company's flagship product, the Central Line Vest, safeguards central catheters from damage, breakage, and accidental removal, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life while undergoing treatment. In addition to the Central Line Vest, Gus Gear's platform offers securement solutions for various medical devices, including ostomy pouches and feeding tubes. By using innovative securement systems, Gus Gear enables patients to manage their medical challenges effectively, promoting independence and wellbeing.

Fabric Health

Grant in 2022
Fabric Health is a health technology company that improves family well-being by providing digital access to local healthcare resources. Its platform engages users during daily activities like laundry, allowing them to manage healthcare benefits, schedule appointments, and organize household services more efficiently.

Module

Grant in 2022
Module is a company focused on developing modular residential housing projects that emphasize intelligent architectural design. By employing a modular approach, the company aims to make homeownership more accessible and flexible for a broader audience. Its offerings enable buyers to secure the right amount of living space tailored to their needs, while also providing customized housing services. This innovative model positions Module as a provider of affordable housing solutions suitable for the urban environment, catering to the demands of contemporary living.

Meta Mesh

Grant in 2022
Meta Mesh is a non-profit organization formed in response to the need for low-cost WiFi solutions for underserved areas.

Behaivior

Convertible Note in 2022
Behaivior LLC is a digital health company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on predicting and preventing addiction relapses through innovative technology. Founded in 2017, Behaivior integrates wearable devices with machine learning algorithms to analyze real-time data from various physiological metrics, such as heart rate and skin temperature. The company’s platform, known as Recovery, employs this data to deliver timely interventions tailored to the needs of individuals in recovery. By utilizing a SaaS business model, Behaivior aims to democratize mental health recovery and support, assisting users in maintaining their wellness while enabling care providers to enhance their service delivery. Through its proactive approach, Behaivior seeks to improve mental health outcomes and reduce crisis events associated with addiction.

Carnegie Mellon University

Grant in 2021
Carnegie Mellon University is a renowned private research university, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields, with a strong focus on technology and arts. It is particularly distinguished for its School of Computer Science, recognized globally for its research and education, and the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, which uniquely combines management and policy expertise. The university serves various sectors, including education, technology, and the arts, contributing significantly to these fields through its academic programs and research.

University of Pittsburgh

Grant in 2021
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a renowned research university offering professional medical education through its School of Medicine since 1886. It is ranked No. 24 worldwide and No. 9 among U.S. public universities.

HilleVax

Venture Round in 2021
HilleVax is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2021. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative vaccines. Its primary focus is on HIL-214, a virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccine candidate aimed at preventing moderate-to-severe acute gastroenteritis (AGE) caused by norovirus infection. HilleVax is dedicated to addressing significant public health challenges through its vaccine initiatives.

The Citizen Science Lab

Grant in 2021
The Citizen Science Lab operates as a nonprofit organization. The Citizen Science Lab provides an accessible space to connect young people with opportunities to increase STEM knowledge, academic achievement, and self-confidence.

Highmark Health

Grant in 2021
Highmark Health is a national healthcare organization offering health insurance through Highmark Health Plan, one of America's largest Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates. It also operates regional hospitals, physician networks, and businesses focused on dental solutions, reinsurance, population health management, and innovative technology.

SetPoint Medical Corporation

Venture Round in 2021
SetPoint Medical Corporation is a clinical-stage medical device company developing implantable neuromodulation therapies to treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Its platform uses vagus nerve stimulation to activate the body's inflammatory reflex, aiming to produce a systemic immune-restorative effect and offer an alternative to drug therapy for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Based in Valencia, California.

GID BIO

Grant in 2020
GID BIO is a global leader in cellular therapy, specializing in a tissue processing platform that enables cell-based treatments. The company focuses on developing therapies using patients' own cells to control pain, reduce inflammation, and repair tissues. Incorporated in 2008, GID BIO is headquartered in Louisville, Colorado.

Center That Cares

Grant in 2020
Center that CARES is a community benefits organization that is dedicated to the development and enrichment of pre-k to college age youth, primarily living in the Hill District.

Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania

Grant in 2020
The Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania (MCWP) is the premier association of professional mediators in Western Pennsylvania. MCWP mission is to promote the use of mediation and other collaborative processes for resolving disputes and managing conflict, and support the professional development of mediator practitioners.

Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood

Grant in 2020
For years in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County Community College has been providing an education for local students in order to prepare them for the working world. Along with a collection of fantastic educational programs, the school also offers academic advising, tutoring, child care, computer resource center, counseling, and transfer services. Programs include subjects like Applied Science, Baking & Pastry, Casino and Gaming, Computer Numerical Control, Homeland Security Management, Dental Hygiene, Fire Science Technology, Horticulture, Legal Assisting, Library Science, Nursing, Robotics, and many other fields. WCCC has two computer programs called DISCOVER and MYCAREERMAKER, which store career information available for student use. Also available in the career service center are a career library filled with information, trained counselors who are prepared to assess a student’s career course, and interview preparation workshops. Financial aid options are available at WCCC to eligible students. There are loans, grants, work-study, and scholarship programs such as the volunteer firefighter tuition waiver program, Ronald Waugaman police academy scholarship, nursing-specific scholarships, and many more. For more information, contact Westmoreland County Community College today.

CytoAgents

Grant in 2020
CytoAgents is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative pharmaceutical products for treating life-threatening symptoms associated with Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), an overreaction of the immune system causing systemic inflammation.

Riverlife

Grant in 2020
Riverlife is a nonprofit that promotes reuse of the city’s riverfronts.

Community Human Services

Grant in 2020
CHS focuses on the strengths of the people who use its services and provides support for them to nurture healthy relationships, realize their individual goals and full potential, and build their community. On any given day, you will find a group of older neighbors in the lobby talking to residents of their residential programs. They are talking about the Pirates, what is going on abroad, or someone’s new puppy. But underneath those conversations is a group of people watching out for each other, sharing their joy and sorrow, and cherishing the roles each of them plays in their community. When that happens and people come together and support one another, they are able to address individual needs, prevent crises from occurring, and achieve their individual and collective goals.

Flint RiverQuarium

Grant in 2020
Flint RiverQuarium, a one-of-a-kind adventure in Albany, Georgia, featuring a unique blue hole spring with more than 120 mysterious creatures.

University of Pittsburgh

Grant in 2019
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a renowned research university offering professional medical education through its School of Medicine since 1886. It is ranked No. 24 worldwide and No. 9 among U.S. public universities.

Phathom Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2019
Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative treatments for gastrointestinal diseases. Incorporated in 2018, the company has rights in the United States, Europe, and Canada for vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) designed to inhibit acid secretion in the stomach. Currently, vonoprazan is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease and is also being evaluated in combination with antibiotics for addressing Helicobacter pylori infection. Phathom Pharmaceuticals aims to meet the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from acid-related disorders by leveraging the expertise of its team, which comprises seasoned professionals from the gastrointestinal and pharmaceutical sectors.

Nuvaira

Series E in 2019
Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Founded in 2008, Nuvaira specializes in a novel catheter-based Lung Denervation System that aims to address airway nerve hyperactivity by targeting the parasympathetic innervation of the lungs. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to improve lung function, enhance exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic respiratory conditions. With a commitment to advancing treatment options, Nuvaira seeks to reduce the clinical consequences associated with neural hyperactivity in conditions such as COPD and asthma.

EarLens

Series C in 2017
EarLens is a privately held medical technology company focused on enhancing the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. The firm has pioneered the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a groundbreaking device that directly activates the natural hearing process. This innovative system utilizes low-frequency radio signals and a small lens placed on the eardrum to vibrate it, allowing for superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth than traditional hearing aids. Unlike conventional devices that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, thereby minimizing feedback and ensuring clear hearing in various environments. The second generation of this technology received FDA clearance in 2019, marking a significant advancement in the standard of care for hearing performance.

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Grant in 2012
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is to offer a place to share compelling and meaningful cultural experiences that open the door to new ideas, perspectives and possibilities.

GlobeImmune

Series C in 2007
GlobeImmune, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Louisville, Colorado, specializing in the development of therapeutic products for cancer and infectious diseases utilizing its proprietary Tarmogen platform. Founded in 1995 as Ceres Pharmaceuticals, the company focuses on creating targeted molecular immunotherapies. Its product pipeline includes GS-4774, currently in Phase 2 trials for chronic hepatitis B infection, and GI-6301, aimed at cancers expressing the brachyury protein. Additionally, GlobeImmune is advancing GI-6207 for medullary thyroid cancer and GI-4000 for resected pancreatic cancer, with multiple Phase 2 clinical trials for various other cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. The company is also developing several candidates targeting infectious diseases, including GI-19000 for tuberculosis, GI-2010 for HIV, and GI-18000 for hepatitis D, which are in preclinical stages. GlobeImmune has established strategic collaborations with notable organizations, enhancing its research and development efforts.

Lumend

Series D in 2003
LuMend Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices intended to enable physicians to safely, predictably and cost effectively cross Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO) in the coronary vasculature, allowing subsequent conventional guide wire placement across target stenotic lesions. The company was founded in 1996 by two pioneering interventional cardiologists, John Simpson, PhD, MD, and Matthew Selmon, MD.

Simcoach Games

Simcoach Games, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development of 3D games and simulation products aimed at workplace safety and operational training. Founded in 2005, the company creates immersive industrial safety training simulations that allow learners to experience realistic scenarios involving equipment, processes, and interpersonal interactions without the associated risks. Their offerings include interactive medical device training tools that guide users through safe device operation, as well as a range of edutainment applications encompassing architectural visualization and crowd gaming. Notably, Simcoach Games also provides training solutions like Safetyworks Lift Truck and Forklift Safety Sim, which focus on OSHA-compliant safety practices for forklift operators and other workers. By integrating game design techniques with effective learning principles, Simcoach Games aims to facilitate sustainable behavior change and enhance knowledge retention across industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and healthcare.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.