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Program: Ignite

Ignite Opportunity

A mentoring workshop + pitch competition for projects building opportunity with their community

Have an idea that provides a platform or opportunities for others to succeed? Register for our one-day Ignite Opportunity workshop. Work with mentors and peers to develop your project idea then participate in our optional pitch competition to win up to $10K in awards to ignite your project!

Date Workshop was Held: Saturday July 21st
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Repair the World, 6022 Broad Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Ignite Sustainability

A mentoring workshop + pitch competition for projects building sustainability with their community

The goal of New Sun Rising’s Sustainability strategy is to enhance natural systems for the benefit of people, planet, and economy in order to create greater community resiliency and improve quality of life.  

Projects which creatively engage, explore, or express sustainability within their community are encouraged to register for the Ignite Sustainability workshop on June 9th. Participants will be eligible for awards (taxable) to start their project. While everyone can apply, we strongly encourage projects from NSR Launch communities (Allentown, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Northside, Wilkinsburg) and fiscally-sponsored projects.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Contact zaheen@newsunrising.org to learn more.

What to expect

Ignite Sustainability propels idea development and activation for businesses, projects, and their leaders through a one day ignite & pitch workshop. Bring your new idea to work through with peers. Those who are interested (up to 10) have the option to enter the pitch competition for one $3,000 and two $1,000 financial awards.

Through a one-page business plan, workshop participants will receive mentoring and a quick primer on pitching your idea. Awarded projects must be completed by March 1st, 2019.

Vibrancy Funds

New Sun Rising is pleased to announce the Vibrancy Funds, a new funding opportunity to launch organizations and collaborations who build culture, sustainability, and opportunity with their community. Led by the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, the fund will support people who promote innovation, engagement, and equity in the Pittsburgh region.

 

Ignite Culture

A mentoring workshop + pitch competition for projects building community culture

New Sun Rising believes that embracing the unique characteristics and knowledge of people is critical to promoting equitable change in our region. By building awareness of our culture, we can better understand the shared values that lead to trust and resiliency.  

Projects which creatively engage, explore, or express culture within their community are encouraged to register for the Ignite Culture workshop on March 24th. Participants will be eligible for awards (taxable) to start their project. While everyone can apply, we strongly encourage projects from NSR Launch communities (Allentown, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Northside, Wilkinsburg) and fiscally-sponsored projects.

Registration is full

What to expect

Ignite Culture propels idea development for businesses, projects, and their leaders through a one day ignite & pitch workshop. Bring your new idea to work through with peers. Those who are interested (up to 10) have the option to enter the pitch competition for $5,000 in total financial awards.

Through a one-page business plan, workshop participants will receive mentoring and a quick primer on pitching your idea. Awarded projects must be completed by November 30th, 2018 and help create community vibrancy.

Vibrancy Funds

New Sun Rising is pleased to announce the Vibrancy Funds, a new funding opportunity to launch organizations and collaborations who build culture, sustainability, and opportunity within their community. Led by the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, the fund will support people who promote innovation, engagement, and equity in the Pittsburgh region.

 

Supported by:

Choolaah Indian BBQ

 

Ignite Sto-Rox

Following a year of engagement and conversations, Sto-Rox community members have shared their values and priorities for development. In the coming year, the Launch Sto-Rox program will begin activating social businesses and projects which align with these priorities.

Our first opportunity for business and community project owners was the free Ignite mentoring workshop on November 11, 2017. Participants learned skills like how to improve their pitch, overcome barriers, connect with resources, and develop a plan for action.

Special focus on supporting Sto-Rox resident priorities: communication + community engagement, public safety initiatives, restaurant + food business development, job skills + creative professionals, health + addiction resources.

Presented in partnership with:

 

Immigrant + Refugee Welcome Mat

A program for immigrants + refugees with business ideas to identify resources, create plans, + build relationships.

The Welcome Mat, piloted in partnership with the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, consists of learning events and support to help underserved entrepreneurs find assistance and start their business in Pittsburgh. Find out where to get help with marketing, operations, finance, and government regulations. Meet other like-minded business people who speak your language, increase your network of support, and get your business launched and growing with other immigrant and refugee leaders in your community.

Participants learn which local university programs, government offices and nonprofits can assist you to start your business. Find local trade groups or national associations in your industry and identify local online resources to get the information you need.

At each learning event, you’ll meet other business people and together form a Welcome Mat Peer Group. These groups work together and help one another think through and write a business plan. This business plan can help you attract investors, apply for financing and guide you to make your dream a reality.

Welcome Mat Peer Groups also serve as references and support when your are ready to apply for funding and implement their plan.

Ignite Northside

One Northside is a community-driven initiative to improve the quality of life in all 18 Northside neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Since 2016, through the support of The Buhl Foundation, New Sun Rising has helped 250 Northside residents and community members put their ideas into action through the One Northside Consensus Plan’s focus on Quality of Education, Employment, Place, Safety, and Health.

MINI-GRANT PROGRAM

New Sun Rising served as the proud steward of the One Northside Mini-Grant program since 2018. To better serve the residents, One Northside is currently re-evaluating the Mini-Grant Program with the intention of reinstating a more robust program to allow for greater impact with clearly defined goals and measurable outcomes. Thus the Mini-Grant Program will not be offered for the 2023 calendar year. For future updates about the program or to stay informed about One Northside news and highlights, you can sign-up for the One Northside Connect Newsletter at https://onenorthsidepgh.org/northside-news/

Submit a One Northside Mini-grant Report Form

Hear from Mini-grant Project Leaders

 

MINI-GRANT PROJECT INTERACTIVE MAP

 

 

 

Learn more about the projects and get involved

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ignite Northside Media

 

 

Mini-grant expands after school reading program in Northside

 

 

 

 

Placemakers find funding through One Northside Mini-grant program

 

 

 

 

One Northside mini-grants fund community-driven projects

 

 

 

 

 

2018 One Northside Mini-grant Program

 

 

 

 

One Northside….The Story

 

 

 

 

Ignite Northside: 2017 Social Business + Project Incubator

 

 

 

 

Ignite Northside 2017: Showcase + Celebration Recap

 

 

 

 

iXMessage: An Ignite Northside Story

 

 

 

 

Ignite Northside: 2016 Recap

 

 

 

New Business New Beginnings w/ Riverside Center for Innovation 2016

 

 

 

 

Family Legacy Dinner: An Ignite Northside Story

 

 

 

 

Ignite Northside at Heathside Cottage

 

Supported by:

Pittonkatonk

Pittonkatonk Celebrates 13 Years of Culture, Community & Music

Pittonkatonk returns for its 13th year Annual May Day Global Music Festival, taking place May 8–9, 2026 at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Schenley Park. Known for its dynamic blend of brass bands, global music, and grassroots community spirit.

Donate for a chance to win artwork from Baron Batch

All donations received before the end of the festival will be automatically entered for a chance to win this brilliant canvas mural generously donated by ATIAKI and Studio AM founder Baron Batch, titled:

“The inevitable brilliant collective realization they are destined to be so much more than a great sports town”

Donate Here

PITTONKATONK: A CULTURAL CELEBRATION FOR ALL

Pittonkatonk is a vibrant, inclusive festival that has become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. More than a music festival, it is a community gathering that bridges local and global traditions through music, food, and shared experience.

Set in a welcoming park environment, the festival invites families, music lovers, and curious newcomers to explore, connect, and celebrate together. Designed to be accessible to all ages and backgrounds, Pittonkatonk creates space for discovery, joy, and cultural exchange

Donate Here

2026 Festival Press Release