$750,000 grant to New Sun Rising will help nonprofits Ignite, Launch, Grow

Posted on by Alyse Horn

The funding will support regional community leaders through capacity building, accessible funding, data advocacy

Pittsburgh, PA — New Sun Rising has received a $750,000 grant from Henry L. Hillman Foundation to be distributed over three years, to provide capacity building services to regional nonprofits and communities.

Through its strategically diverse portfolio, New Sun Rising (NSR) empowers local communities to reverse cycles of disinvestment and promote inclusive regional growth. Since 2020, NSR staff and its network of close partners have demonstrated success through:

  • Ignite activities that engaged 19,000 people and hosted development workshops for 225 nonprofit and small business leaders.

  • Launch cohorts that strengthened organizational effectiveness of 250 organizations and well-being of 80 leaders, responsibly managed $14 million in fiscal sponsorship funding, $4.1 million in community regranting programs, and $1.5 million in revolving loans.

  • Grow activities that build collaborative infrastructure, including shared staff (Shared Financial Services), networks (Triboro Ecodistrict, Grow Sto-Rox, District PGH), technology (Vibrancy Portal), spaces (38,900 sq. ft. commercial development), and joint fundraising.

“Stronger nonprofits and small businesses are critical to improving our regional well-being,” said Scott Wolovich, Executive Director at New Sun Rising. “We are excited to build upon our decade-long partnership with Henry L. Hillman Foundation to drive community-driven growth rooted in collaboration and social innovation.”

Since 2005, NSR has supported 500+ nonprofits, social enterprises, and funders to invest $20+ million in projects that develop Vibrant Communities across 75 neighborhoods in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

On Friday, December 5, NSR will host their 20th Anniversary Vibrancy Awards. With remarks by County Executive Sara Innamorato, this will be a celebration of its two decades of impact and will recognize individuals, projects, and organizations that exemplify what it means to build sustainable, equitable, and resilient communities.

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.

###