The Vibrancy Funds initiative launches offering $300,000 to fuel citizen-led projects and businesses across Southwestern Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — In the Greater Pittsburgh region there is a persistent opportunity gap that exists amongst neighborhoods. New Sun Rising, a nonprofit based in Millvale and serving Southwestern Pennsylvania, aims to address these inequities through their latest initiative, the Vibrancy Funds. Throughout 2018, New Sun Rising will be administering loans, grants, and financial awards to applicants from across the region with ideas that promote innovation, engagement, and equity through the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. People who run social businesses, nonprofit projects, and collaborative initiatives in areas of Culture, Sustainability, and Opportunity are encouraged to apply.

“We truly believe that citizens are the experts in their communities, and hold the wisdom and talent to develop their own opportunities,” said Scott Wolovich, founder and Executive Director of NSR. “With the Vibrancy Funds initiative, NSR will partner with cross-sector leaders on all levels who are addressing priority issues in their neighborhood – from those who have an idea that they need help getting off the ground to established organizations who want to grow their impact and reach.”

Successful applicants will receive both financial and development resources as part of the initiative. Although everyone is invited, leaders focused on building Vibrant Communities in Allentown, Beltzhoover, Etna, Knoxville, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Northside, Sharpsburg, Stowe Township, and Wilkinsburg are strongly encouraged to apply.

The first round of Vibrancy Funds will be issued through $5,000 in total awards during the Ignite Culture mentoring workshop on March 24, 2018. Individuals creating culture with their community will receive support to develop a plan, identify resources and make connections to get to action.  Registrations are due on March 16, 2018  and interested individuals can visit www.newsunrising.org/project/ignite-culture, space is limited
In the coming weeks, New Sun Rising will post a calendar of information sessions and deadlines related to additional opportunities for funding in the areas of Culture, Sustainability, and Opportunity.