sproutfund.orgThe Sprout Fund · Communities are better places to live, learn, and thrive because of the people and

ideas supported by The Sprout Fund. About Our Story Our Team Our Supporters Our Financials Our History Impact Programs & Initiatives Seed Award Community Murals Hothouse Community Connections Spark Spring Social Innovation Exchange Remake Learning Grand Ideas Hive Film & Video Open Badges Summit The Digital Corps City of Learning One Northside Rec2Tech 100 Days Belonging My Brother’s Keeper Economic Opportunity Sunset Grantmaking Highlights Community Innovation Learning Innovation Public Art Legacy Field Guide Last Will & Testament Legacy Awards search 2001–2018 Communities are better places to live, learn, and thrive because of the people and ideas supported by The Sprout Fund. After 17 successful years, The Sprout Fund sunset in 2018. The Sprout Fund improved Pittsburgh by inspiring and nurturing people with innovative, grassroots ideas to positively impact their communities. Helping others become catalysts for civic change has defined our organization for nearly two decades. Nearly $8 million of community-decided investments went to 1,500+ people, projects, and ideas. Our pioneering efforts to achieve this mission have spread further and wider than we could have imagined. Now, a cultural shift has taken root and our community is stronger and more resilient. It’s a good time to sunset. Thank you, Pittsburgh. This work was only possible because of deep, trusting relationships with all who shared their ideas, money, leadership, and time. — All of us at Sprout Cathy Lewis Long & Matt Hannigan Sprout’s Co-Founders / photo: Rob Long Learn more about Sprout and our lasting impact Our Story The Sprout Fund was an important force for change in Pittsburgh. During a critical period in its post-industrial revitalization, we powered the grassroots response to many pressing regional issues. We took smart chances on creative people and their innovative ideas. We forged deep and trusted relationships with philanthropic organizations. And, we put decisions about resources in the hands of the next generation of civic leaders. We pioneered a new mechanism for community-driven, community-advised philanthropy. Working out of storefronts on Penn Avenue, we were open and accessible to anyone with an idea. Our investments amplified diverse voices and created space in Pittsburgh for new approaches. We built strong networks to help ideas take hold. From 2001 to 2018, we showed that small-scale catalytic projects can yield big results. We also showed the power of engaging face-to-face experiences. Our interactive, facilitated events focused on forging connections and sparking high-impact next steps. We documented changes in the civic landscape with photos and videos. We told stories that raised awareness about unique people, projects, and ideas. Many friends and supporters championed our efforts. And we were led throughout by our co-founders, powered by a dedicated staff, and governed by an engaged board of young community leaders. Our Sunset & Legacy As an investment in Pittsburgh’s bright future at Sprout’s sunset, we documented our best practices, shared our enduring values, and gave the rest of our money away. Field Guide launch We shared nearly 20 years’ worth of lessons learned and best practices to help others catalyze positive change and cultivate connected communities. Last Will & Testament launch We looked back on the beliefs and ideals that guided our work from 2001 to 2018 and shared our reflections for Pittsburgh’s continued bright future. Legacy Awards We named 50 exceptional Pittsburghers as representatives of the next generation of Sprouters” and provided them with $1,000 to get them started. Our Program & Initiatives Sprout’s programs were unique within Pittsburgh, with a distinctive approach to facilitating community change and creating social impact through a blend of grantmaking, community engagement strategies, and other forms of support. Community Innovation Seed Award Providing support when just a small investment has the potential to yield big results in the community. One Northside Improving the quality of life for residents in all 18 neighborhoods of Pittsburgh’s Northside. 100 Days of US Empowering the people’s agenda for the first 100 days of a new presidential administration. Community Connections Celebrating Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary with engagement and contributions to Pride & Progress.” Grand Ideas Demonstrating how a good idea and a small amount of support can go a long way. Spring Supporting local, community-based biodiversity initiatives in and around Pittsburgh. Economic Opportunity Supporting collaborative approaches that expand economic opportunity for all. Social Innovation Exchange Identifying stubborn community issues and supporting innovative local solutions. Learning Innovation Remake Learning Shaping the future of teaching and learning with a network of educators and innovators. Hive Promoting production-centered, peer-supported, interest-driven learning in- and and out-of-school. Spark Creating relevant early learning opportunities through technology, media, and the arts. City of Learning Recognizing learning and achievement with digital badges and enriching summer experiences. The Digital Corps Developing digital literacy skills to enable youth to thrive in school, college, and the workforce. Rec2Tech Transforming community spaces into technology learning centers for Pittsburgh youth. My Brother’s Keeper Addressing opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color from cradle to career. Open Badges Summit Setting the course for the next evolution to assess learning and recognize skills and competencies. Public Art Community Murals Enhancing the urban landscape of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities of Allegheny County. Belonging Affirming that Pittsburgh is a place where we all belong with a call for community art. Showcase & Creativity Hothouse Making Sprout’s live annual report” to the community a rockin’ summer party. Film & Video Showcasing Pittsburgh’s filmmakers, videographers, and multimedia artists and their work. Our Funded Projects Sprout projects created new initiatives, events, and organizations that helped citizens take action on pressing issues or enhanced the cultural vitality of the Pittsburgh region. Browse By Name A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z # Browse By Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Our Team Through long service together, we became a family. Executive Staff We were led throughout by our co-founders, Cathy Lewis Long & Matt Hannigan. Senior Staff We fostered excellence in catalytic funding, community building, and storytelling. Program & Other Staff We were powered by a dedicated staff of nonprofit professionals. Officers We were supported by officers who were committed to the vitality of our community. Board Members We were governed by young leaders who championed civic action in Pittsburgh. Decisionmakers We helped diverse committees select projects with the greatest potential for success. Our Supporters We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our long-standing and significant philanthropic partners. Their investments and trust in us made it possible to achieve our audacious goals. $4+ million $2+ million $1+ million $500,000+ $100,000+ $50,000+ Friends & Partners And hundreds of generous individual donors, dozens of small businesses and corporate partners, and thousands of volunteers, facilitators, community groups, and project leaders. Our Financials We promoted responsible stewardship of our charitable assets by requiring thoughtful planning, clear reporting, and transparent use in the community’s best interest. Audited Financial Statements 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Tax Returns (IRS Form 990) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Operating Budgets 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Our History For nearly two decades, Sprout’s partnerships with regional and...