About Spark
Spark is a funding program supporting projects that engage children in the creative use of technology and media. From the playground to the classroom, Spark initiatives empower kids to learn and play creatively while addressing critical needs in their growth and development.
Micro Spark awards spur innovative and imaginative thinking among early childhood organizations, technology and media providers, and other community stakeholders by seeding small-scale and first-time projects. Project applications are accepted from individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and collaborative groups. Awards range from $500 to $15,000.
From the playground to the classroom, Spark initiatives empower kids to learn and play creatively while addressing critical needs in their growth and development. Through its funded initiatives, Spark is making Pittsburgh a better place for children to live, learn and play. Learn more about Funded Sprout Projects.
How to Apply
Upcoming Deadlines
There are no upcoming deadlines for Spark. Check back in April 2012.
The Micro Spark Application is an opportunity for you to tell The Sprout Fund about your vision, goals, and plans for your project. The questions you are asked will help you structure your ideas and help us compare your application to others that are submitted.
Before preparing an application, be sure to read through the Spark Program Guidelines and Eligibility Information for Prospective Applicants to familiarize yourself with project criteria and eligibility requirements.
A complete application consists of three elements:
- Cover Sheet
- Answers to the 10 Application Questions
- Required Attachments for Budget, Timeline, and References
The Cover Sheet, Application Questions, and required Attachment Templates are available for download here:
- Download the 2011 Cover Sheet and Application Questions in MS Word format
- Download the 2011 Cover Sheet and Application Questions as a PDF file
- Download the 2011 Budget Template in MS Excel format
The preferred method for submitting your application is e-mail. Please send your application materials as attachments to gro.dnuftuorpsnull@kraps by the application deadline.
You may also submit your application via postal mail or hand delivery to:
c/o The Sprout Fund
5423 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206
Spark Program Guidelines
Spark provides catalytic funding to support innovative solutions to relevant issues or demonstrated needs facing children and youth in the city of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and the surrounding communities of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Spark accepts applications from non-profit organizations, individuals, businesses and coalitions of organizations. Proposals that feature strong partnerships with child-serving and youth organizations are encouraged.
The Sprout Fund welcomes potential applicants to the Spark program with consideration of the following criteria:
Impact
Spark seeks proposals that are:
- Innovative : employ unique applications of technology and media tools to the world of young children.
- Relevant : relate to the everyday activities and experiences of young children.
- Engaging : promote active play and learning, shared experiences, and interactivity.
- Collaborative : build meaningful partnerships between parents, educators, innovators, experts and organizations.
- Inspiring : capture the imaginations of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating creative thinking.
- Transformative : affect lasting change by transforming the way we think about the challenges and opportunities facing our children.
Audience
Projects must have as their primary audience children and youth (pre-K through teens). Projects may also target parents, caregivers, older children and educators only in addition to children and youth as their primary target audience.
Size
Micro Spark awards are made in amounts of $500 to $15,000.
Decision-Making
Funding awards are decided by a community-representative Advisory Committee at regularly scheduled meetings. Applications typically take 6 weeks to review before funding decisions are announced.
Partnerships with Other Sources of Funding
Spark supports projects that also receive funding from other sources. However, Spark should provide catalytic funding for a project. This is to ensure that Spark awards have a maximum impact in advancing new and innovative small projects.
Limitations
Sprout funding should be predominately used in ways that will directly serve the programmatic ends of the project. Administrative and other non-programmatic expenses will be supported but should not constitute a significant portion of the budget request. In particular, the use of Sprout funding for indirect administrative costs, also termed overhead, cannot exceed 10% of the total award amount requested.
The Sprout Fund does not provide funding to start a business or offer operational support to for-profit entities.
Application Assistance and Development
Spark offers many opportunities for potential applicants to engage with The Sprout Fund’s extensive network of support.
Funding Programs Workshops
Sprout holds these informational workshops on the second Friday of each month. Come learn more about Sprout’s funding opportunities, navigating the application process, and strategies for developing successful projects. The workshops are held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at Sprout’s offices at 5423 Penn Avenue in Garfield/Friendship.
Next Funding Programs Workshop: Friday, February 10, 2012
To attend, please RSVP via email to gro.dnuftuorpsnull@kraps or call (412) 325-0646.
Spark at the Waffle Shop
To assist prospective applicants in preparing competitive Micro Spark applications that fit program goals and guidelines, Sprout hosts a pre-deadline workshop over a working breakfast at the Waffle Shop located at 124 S Highland Ave in East Liberty.
Next Waffle Shop Breakfast: To Be Announced in early 2012
To attend, please RSVP via email to gro.dnuftuorpsnull@kraps or call (412) 325-0646.
Draft application reviews
A Sprout Fund staff member can review a draft application before the deadline to help refine the best proposal for the idea. Individual meetings can also be scheduled with Sprout staff.
Next Draft Application Submission Deadline: To Be Announced in early 2012
Submit your draft application via email to gro.dnuftuorpsnull@kraps.