Richard King Mellon Foundation

The Richard King Mellon Foundation, established in 1947, is a non-profit organization based in the United States. It is committed to enhancing regional economic development and improving quality of life while also emphasizing national land and wildlife conservation. In its recent activities, the foundation approved 190 grants totaling over $104 million and disbursed commitments exceeding $115 million. Its investment portfolio is diversified, comprising 52.03% in equities, 23.25% in fixed income, 2.58% in temporary investments, and 22.15% in alternative investments, which supports its philanthropic efforts and long-term sustainability.

Seward Prosser Mellon

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Douglas Sisson

Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Past deals in Pennsylvania

Optimus Technologies

Series A in 2023
Optimus Technologies® designs and builds patented EPA compliant biodiesel conversion systems (“Vector Systems”) with integrated telematics to allow medium and heavy-duty trucks to operate on up to 100% biodiesel in temperatures to -20°F. Our system is deployable within 30 days providing North American trucking fleets with the lowest cost, highest return, barrier free alternative fuel system available, allowing them a significant return on investment while achieving sustainability targets. By partnering with major industry players to leverage their capabilities, Optimus will deliver a fully integrated client solution that is rapidly scalable, creating a $279MM company by 2023. MARKET OPPORTUNITY In the U.S. there are over 10.8 million medium- and heavy-duty on-road commercial vehicles that consume 39 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually and account for 23% of transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. , In Canada, these figures are 1.1 million, 13 billion, and 70% respectively. Fuel costs are the second largest operating expense of a fleet, after labor, accounting for roughly 40% of all costs. Fleets are aggressively seeking solutions to reduce fuel costs, even fractions of a percent, because the bottom-line impact is so substantial. Optimus enables fleets to reduce fuel costs by at least 10%, utilize domestically produced fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while allowing a fleet of 100 trucks to save at least $800,000 in annual fuel costs. Of these 11.9 million trucks, approximately 3 million are currently operating on a low biodiesel blend . This early customer segment represents a beachhead market opportunity of $30 billion. WHY INVEST COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES: We are the most competitive alternative fuel system available. Directly competing technologies such as CNG, and the emerging segment of electric trucks have high barriers to entry including long lead times, high technology and infrastructure costs, and limitations on long-haul adaptability. Our infrastructure costs are at most, 10% of competing technologies. Our integrated solution is rapidly scalable, integrating seamlessly with existing equipment and infrastructure and our range equates to and can exceed diesel technology. Competitive advantage increases in relation to weight class, with Optimus easily bypassing all heavy-duty competitors. * Only Fully Integrate Alternative Fuel Solution: Fuel System, Fuel, Fueling Infrastructure * Lowest Cost Alternative Fuel System: $12,000 Fully Installed * Guaranteed Annual Cost Savings - $8,000/year/truck * Rapidly Deployable: 30 days * Achieves Sustainability Targets: GHG Emission Credit: 60-100%, Particulate Matter Reduction 40% * DPF Operating System Improvement - Improves Efficiency * Fuel Infrastructure Solved * Simple Maintenance - Fully Automated * Available for New and Used Vehicles PROVEN MANAGEMENT TEAM - Extensive experience across the transportation, renewable fuels, software and engineering sectors from start-up to leading industry players. Multiple successes founding, financing, scaling, managing, and exiting companies. PATENTED, PROVEN TECHNOLOGY - 4 patents (2 approved and 2 pending) and extensive IP surrounding proprietary engine systems’ control software. We believe our system to be the only EPA compliant biodiesel conversion system available for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The Vector System is a proven technology in early stages of commercialization, backed by five years of research and seven years of pilot testing and development. LEVERAGE SUSTAINABILITY & REGULATION – There is a large and growing demand for alternatives to gasoline and diesel that is driven by regulation as well as public and private sector interest in reducing carbon and NOx emissions. The Company’s profitability and customer value proposition is not dependent upon these incentives, but we will leverage these multiple state, provincial, US and Canadian policies to further support expansion. Optimus’ system has been approved for the Government of Quebec’s Programme Ecocamionnage, providing a 30% rebate on the installed cost of the system. Similar provincial incentives will be pursued across Canada. ONLY APPROVED PATHWAY FOR HIGH BIODIESEL BLENDS UP TO B100 IN CALIFORNIA – Leveraging our RFID system to meet California fuel control requirements, Optimus’ core technology combined with our RFID fuel management system will provide our investors, distributors, and fuel partners a 2-3 year first mover advantage in California. SUPPORT AMERICAN MANUFACTURING & JOB CREATION – Optimus will directly create over 200 new jobs and 100% of our components are sourced from US manufacturers and suppliers. INVESTOR VALUE CREATION – $199-$279MM valuation by 2023 (5-7x EBITDA), on $12.8MM total invested capital, yielding 16-22x total investment.

Resilient Lifescience

Grant in 2023
Resilient Lifescience focuses on the development of a wearable medical device aimed at preventing opioid overdose deaths. The device is designed to detect overdose events and automatically administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This innovative technology empowers individuals to respond to overdose situations effectively, even in the absence of immediate assistance from others, thereby enhancing patient safety and potentially saving lives.
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.

Module

Grant in 2022
Module Housing, LLC designs and develops adaptable housing solutions. The company develops a wall system and design platform that enables residents to turn a one bedroom starter unit into a three bedroom house. It collects information about the users, and determines the next steps to get users closer to moving into next home. The company offers modules, such as the grown-up, the flat top, the Tom and Jerry, and the moonlighter. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Gus Gear

Grant in 2022
Gus Gear offers medical devices intended to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Its flagship product, the Central Line Vest, prevents damage, breakage, and accidental removal of central catheters, keeping patients out of the hospital, so they can live their lives to the fullest, even while receiving treatment.
Carnegie Mellon University, founded in 1900, is a prominent global research university located in the United States. It has a diverse community comprising over 11,000 students, 84,000 alumni, and 4,000 faculty and staff. The university is particularly renowned for its exceptional arts and technology programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative educational leadership. As a non-profit institution, Carnegie Mellon engages in various research initiatives and philanthropic efforts. Its investment portfolio reflects a diversified approach, including equity investments, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital, among other assets. Carnegie Mellon consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, underscoring its commitment to excellence in education and research.
The University of Pittsburgh, established in 1787, is a prominent state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a member of the Association of American Universities, it is recognized for its significant contributions to research and education across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine. The university ranks 24th globally and 18th among U.S. institutions in performance rankings for scientific papers, reflecting its research productivity and excellence. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is a notable component of the institution, contributing to its strong reputation in medical education. Over the years, Pitt students have achieved recognition through prestigious awards, including four Rhodes Scholarships between 2006 and 2012, making it one of the few public universities to have multiple winners during that period. The university operates as a non-profit organization and continues to play a vital role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovative research.
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

Grant in 2021
Highmark Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based non-profit healthcare company and one of the largest health insurers in the United States, ranking as the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated organization. It operates health insurance plans primarily in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia, serving approximately 5.2 million members. Highmark offers a range of services, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, and reinsurance, addressing the health needs of both group customers and individuals. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Highmark provides diversified health solutions designed to offer financial support during health emergencies.

GID BIO, Inc.

Grant in 2020
The GID Group provides hospitals, clinics and medical practices with a versatile tissue processing system. The company was formerly known as The GID Group It was incorporated in 2008 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Riverlife

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

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.
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.

CytoAgents

Grant in 2020
CytoAgents, Inc., a biotechnology company, manufactures protein based drugs for the treatment of influenza and other viral infectious diseases. The company offers GP1681, an agonist of a G-protein coupled receptor. CytoAgents, Inc. was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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.
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.
The University of Pittsburgh, established in 1787, is a prominent state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a member of the Association of American Universities, it is recognized for its significant contributions to research and education across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine. The university ranks 24th globally and 18th among U.S. institutions in performance rankings for scientific papers, reflecting its research productivity and excellence. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is a notable component of the institution, contributing to its strong reputation in medical education. Over the years, Pitt students have achieved recognition through prestigious awards, including four Rhodes Scholarships between 2006 and 2012, making it one of the few public universities to have multiple winners during that period. The university operates as a non-profit organization and continues to play a vital role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovative research.
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.