• About
  • Programs
  • Projects
  • Supporters
  • Contact
The Sprout Fund

people and ideas at the edge of innovation

  • Apply
  • Volunteer
  • Give
  • Stories
  • Sounds
  • Videos
  • Photos


Apply for Current Opportunities

The Sprout Fund provides critical financial support for small-scale and first-time projects and programs in the early stages of development when just a small amount of investment has the potential to yield big results in the community.

Be sure to thoroughly review Sprout’s Eligibility Information and Applicant Support Services prior to starting any application.

Catalytic Funding Opportunities

Sprout offers three ongoing catalytic funding programs with distinctions based on focus, audience, and outcomes:

Seed Award funding supports Pittsburgh-based projects and civic engagement initiatives occurring at the grassroots-level. Grants are available up to $10,000. Seed Awards may not be used for traditional health & human service activities, programming for children and youth, or as loans to start a business. Apply for a Seed Award >>

Hive funding supports connected learning experiences in the greater Pittsburgh region that help prepare tweens, teens, and young adults for college, the workforce, and civic participation. Grants are available up to $15,000. Eligible projects primarily target youth older than age 10. Apply for Hive funding >>

Spark funding supports projects in the greater Pittsburgh region that help children develop hands-on skills and digital literacies by expanding their capacity “to do” as well as “to know”. Grants are available up to $15,000. Eligible projects primarily target children age 10 and under. Apply for Spark funding >> 

Requests For Proposals

No current opportunities at this time. Occasional RFPs will be announced here throughout 2013.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sprout Fund Event Sponsorship

The Sprout Fund provides modest sponsorship support for unique and innovative events and activities in Pittsburgh that push the boundaries of what’s possible for our community and enhance the region’s cultural vitality. Although each sponsored effort is different, they all approach community issues and opportunities in new and non-traditional ways and empower Pittsburghers to take an active role in transforming their city. Sprout sponsorship is available up to $1,000 and requests are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • Download Sprout Event Sponsorship Request Form

Hive Event Sponsorship

Hive sponsors events and activities for tweens, teens, and young adults that create interactive and participatory connected learning opportunities at public events, community spaces, cultural institutions, and other highly accessible places. Hive sponsorship also helps to raise greater local and national awareness of the Hive Learning Network and its approach to connected learning. Sponsorship is available up to $5,000 and requests are accepted on a rolling basis.

Hive sponsorship information is coming soon

Spark Event Sponsorship

Spark sponsors events and activities impacting children, youth, families and members of the Kids+Creativity Network. Through sponsorships, Spark supports events and activities for children, youth, and families. Spark sponsorship also promotes knowledge sharing, communication, and collaboration among Network members, and raises greater local and national awareness of the Kids+Creativity movement. Spark sponsorship is available up to $5,000 and requests are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • Download Spark Sponsorship Request Form

Stipends & Fellowship Opportunities

Spark Conference Stipend

Spark provides stipends for individuals to attend conferences focusing on topics pertinent to children, youth, families and members of the Kids+Creativity Network. Through conference stipends, Spark is able to send individuals and delegations to conferences of regional and national import. Spark conference stipends promote knowledge sharing, communication, and collaboration among Network members, and raise greater local and national awareness of the Kids+Creativity movement. Spark Conference Stipends are available up to $1,500 and requests are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • Download Spark Conference Stipend Request Form
Last updated March 12, 2013

Comments are closed.

  • Connect with us:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Vimeo
  • YouTube
  • Subscribe
  • The Sprout Fund© 2013
  • 5423 Penn Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3423 - 412.325.0646