250 Tables launches across Southwestern PA to build bridges for America’s 250th anniversary

The neighbor-led civic micro-grants program will fund shared meals that foster belonging and strengthen the building blocks of democratic infrastructure

Pittsburgh, PA — Today, as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, New Sun Rising announced the launch of 250 Tables with a goal of strengthening the social fabric of Southwestern Pennsylvania through the simple act of sharing a meal. The regional civic micro-grants program will fund bridge-building dinners that foster greater connection, belonging, and participation.

Several outreach partners have already announced their intent to join 250 Tables, including Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Jewish Community Center (JCC), and PUMP, with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh anticipated to follow. As established, highly trusted institutions, these partners play a key role in supporting table hosts to gather people from different experiences to break bread in known public venues, such as libraries, fire halls, and community spaces. 

“So many things are separating us from our neighbors, especially those with different life experiences”, said Scott Wolovich, Executive Director of New Sun Rising. “250 Tables is an investment in our social fabric, harnessing the relationships and civic solutions that will carry us into the next 250 years.”

Each table will have 6-10 guests with about half of them being people the host doesn’t already know or who come from different backgrounds. Hosts are identified by outreach partners and receive ‘green-light’ micro-grants to provide the meal and a modest honorarium for their time. Pilot ‘Test Tables’ will kick off in August and September. The full launch in October will run through April 2027 with a goal of hosting 250 dinners across the region. 

Leading outreach partners, communications, and program evaluation, New Sun Rising is the organizational home for 250 Tables and will provide micro-grants directly to the residents who host tables. A tiered Conversation Menu will help tables opt into more complex topics at their own pace. After dinner, the hosts will share primary discussion themes to produce a regional ‘Community Voice’ topic map. Table guests will also receive information on community resources to strengthen their own civic engagement.

“​As our nation recognizes 250 years, creative initiatives such as 250 Tables wonderfully reinforce the highest ideals of democracy through the value of every person and every voice.  The Heinz Endowments is honored to join with area peers in philanthropy to support bringing the harmony of these varied voices together across the Pittsburgh region,” said Chris DeCardy, President of The Heinz Endowments.

Support for 250 Tables is led by a coalition of regional funders including The Benter Foundation, Buhl Foundation, The Grable Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Hillman Foundation, and an Anonymous Donor, with over $340,000 pledged to date. Initial program design and ongoing support are provided by Civic R&D Lab, a new community consulting group led by the founders of The Sprout Fund. It is inspired by similar successful programs from other communities and nationally, including The Longest Table (30+ cities across the country), On the Table (Chicago), The People’s Supper, and Inclusivv (formerly Atlanta Civic Dinners). 

For more information on how to host or attend a dinner, visit www.newsunrising.org/250-tables

About New Sun Rising: New Sun Rising envisions a future where all communities are vibrant places of culture, sustainability, and opportunity. NSR supports community leaders with the skills, funding, connections, and data to overcome the challenges of our time.