Strategy: Planning

Launch Environmental Justice

An incubator for community-driven environmental projects to improve their operations, fundraising, and implementation.

The Launch Environmental Justice Incubator program supports nonprofit and social enterprise leaders over a six-month journey, blending monthly group cohort workshops, educational speakers, and individual one-on-one technical assistance. Curriculum topics included: Project Planning, Grant Writing + Fundraising, Collaboration, Evaluation, Management, Sustainability + Future Planning.

Watch the Slideshow

2024-25 COHORT

OUTCOMES

  • 26% improvement in ability to community project impact
  • 18% improvement in collaboration with community and institutional partners
  • 13% improvement in project planning and development
  • $ 2,128,585 federal, state, and local grants submitted
  • $   670,000 grants approved
  • $   724,120 grants pending

ABOUT

Launch Environmental Justice is a joint program of New Sun Rising and RiverWise, initially offered as part of the Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator program.

Ignite Environmental Justice (EJ)

Education and mentoring workshops to help develop and communicate your community project

Do you or your community envision a project that could improve health, climate resilience, and/or economic opportunity?  Nonprofits, municipal leaders, and residents in Allegheny or Beaver County are encouraged to get support by attending an Ignite EJ workshop.  Participants will be better informed about how Environmental Justice relates to their community project and accessing federal Justice 40 grants, while receiving support to develop and communicate their project plan.

The Environmental Justice designation identifies communities that are considered disadvantaged due to exceeding the burden thresholds established in one or more of the following areas: climate change, energy, health, housing, legacy pollution, transportation, waste & wastewater, and workforce development, and an associated socioeconomic burden.

New Sun Rising and RiverWise invite you to receive support designing and pitching their community project. Participants will be better informed about how Justice 40 and Environmental Justice relates to their community project as well as how to prepare for government funding opportunities. Learn more about our Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator and EJ census tracts in Allegheny and Beaver County here.

SUPPORTED PROJECTS

Over 30 projects received support and three projects who won the pitch competition were given direct admission into the Launch EJ Incubator: Ginger Brooks Takahashi for General Sisters, Mary Alice Gettings for Aliquippa Food Co-op, and Ebony Lunsford Evans for Out of the End Incorporated.

 

DATES + TIMES

We encourage you and one additional team member to register for the workshop nearest your project location.

  • Allegheny Valley: Thursday, May 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Millvale Food + Energy Hub, 112 E. Sherman Street, Millvale, PA 15209
  • Ohio Valley: Wednesday, May 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Whitted Media Content House, 507 Seventh Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Deadline to apply is May 20th at 8PM.
  • Monongahela Valley: Thursday, May 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Clairton Family Center, 734 Miller Ave, Clairton, PA 15025. Deadline to apply is May 28th at 8PM.

***Projects who attend an Ignite EJ workshop will be given preference for the Launch EJ incubator (details to be announced June 2024)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Workshop participants will benefit through:

  • Education: Get knowledgeable about the concepts of environmental justice, resilience, and Justice 40 funding opportunities
  • Mentorship: Receive support to develop and communicate your project plan
  • Advocacy: Practice pitching your project benefits and needs through an optional pitch competition

The categories of investment that fall under Justice 40 include areas like: climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation and reduction of legacy pollution, and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure. All participants in the pitch event will be connected with SWPA Municipal Project Hub support for developing community-serving projects.

The Justice 40 Opportunity Navigator is a partnership between New Sun Rising and RiverWise.

Ignite Creative Advocacy

A mentoring workshop + pitch competition to plan your advocacy campaign

Do you or your community have a need that could benefit from advocacy? While advocacy is often focused on changing public policy, creative advocacy includes a broader set of strategies. Maybe you need to share information to create awareness about an important issue. Or maybe your cause needs to inspire people to become better connected and engaged. Your advocacy could also be focused on mobilizing resources to take action such as fundraising.

Whatever the reason, community advocates and nonprofit leaders were encouraged to apply for the Ignite Creative Advocacy workshop: a virtual event held on March 30, 2023. Participants will receive support to develop an advocacy campaign plan that uses public forms of engagement and artistic practice to disrupt prevailing narratives and strengthen community movement toward their goals.

The workshop will include information about concepts and strategies from the Creative Advocacy Playbook, mentoring to develop your campaign plan, and an optional pitch competition where participants share their plans with a panel of judges. Three Creative Advocacy campaigns will then be selected to each receive a $5000 grant and technical assistance to support the implementation of their plan. The Creative Advocacy initiative is a partnership between New Sun Rising and RiverWise as part of their efforts to build community capacity and power across Allegheny and Beaver Counties.

The application deadline for this workshop has passed.

WORKSHOP AGENDA

1:00 – 1:30  Introduction + Learning

1:30 – 2:30  Campaign Building Breakouts with Mentors

2:30 – 3:00  Campaign Pitches

Ignite Vibrancy: Collective Impact

A mentoring workshop + pitch competition to ignite collective action

Do you have an idea for a collaborative project to improve your community? Get support and the opportunity to pitch for $30,000 in total grants during the one-day Ignite Vibrancy workshop. Participants receive guidance from mentors and peers to further develop their project.  Awardees will also receive 12 months of ongoing support from New Sun Rising’s GIT-COL initiative (Growing Impact Through Data + Collaboration).  NOTE: this workshop has already occurred

 

THE COLLECTIVE IMPACT PROJECTS

On September 7, 2019, over 30 community leaders representing 10 collective impact projects received support from 8 mentors to develop their collective impact projects and pitches. Special congrats to our pitch winners who will receive an additional year of capacity building from NSR:

  • $15,000 to Coraopolis Community C.A.F.E (Coraopolis Alliance for Excellence), a central resource hub organized by Coraopolis Youth Creations, Coraopolis Community Foundation, and When She Thrives to increase access to services for community members of all ages help them move from surviving to thriving.
  • $10,000 to SURGE Braddock, a pilot program developed by Greater Valley Community Services (GVCS) and Paradigm Global Innovations (PGI) to work with 15 – 20 community youth members partnering with local businesses to develop analytical business and design skills acknowledged by Braddock’s small business owners as high needs.
  • $5,000 to C.H.A.M.P.S Northview Heights + Crafton (Change Agents Mentoring Peers in Sport), a partnership between Open Field, JFCS Pittsburgh, Somali Bantu Community Association of Pittsburgh, ARYSE, Youth Places, and the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, which utilizes the global game of soccer to promote social cohesion, increase life skills education, and improve the health and well-being of young people in Northview Heights and Crafton Heights.

 

THE WORKSHOP

The facilitated activities with your mentor will focus on concept development following a Collective Impact Lean Canvas. Mentors will assist project leaders through the design and development of their idea, identifying key steps and necessary resources. Project leaders will leave more able to:

  1. Clearly explain the purpose and value of the project to the broader community and potential funders
  2. Develop and follow a plan to inclusively engage your community and potential funders
  3. Create agreements on how the group will operate as a collective
  4. Understand best practices for collective impact
  5. Explore the role of data and storytelling in their project

 

THE PITCH

Each group will also have a chance to “pitch” to a panel of judges. Selected organizations will receive funds and capacity building support to further implement the project. In addition to economic impact, businesses and projects supported through the Vibrant Communities Framework prioritizes a triple bottom line, which includes people and planet.  Collective Community Impact project winners will be reviewed considering these indicators:

CULTURE: Access to learning, capacity building, community development, engagement, connectivity, equality, and empowerment

SUSTAINABILITY: Responsible management and restoration of water, energy, food, air, and land resources

OPPORTUNITY: Developing equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs, employment, housing, and wealth building

At NSR, we believe that collaboration is the key to scaling up equitable social, environmental, and economic solutions. However, we understand the challenges that may arise when multiple organizations, sectors, and community stakeholders come together to design and implement strategies for change. Ignite Vibrancy is designed to be the starting point for these new ideas to form and strengthen relationships between partners.
The Ignite Vibrancy workshop is made possible in part through the support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, UPMC Center for Engagement and Inclusion, and Google.

 

About New Sun Rising
New Sun Rising (NSR) co-powers initiatives that create economic opportunity, solve social challenges, and strengthen the vibrancy of place. Through our Vibrant Communities Framework, NSR strengthens organizations, increases their impact, and helps to improve quality of life. Our focus is on under resourced communities and how regenerative growth strategies can be utilized for equitable economic and social development. The overarching goal of the Vibrant Communities Framework is equitable revitalization, by building Culture, Sustainability, and Opportunity; through Planning, Connectivity, and Resources; to develop an authentic community Identity.

Launch Culture Grant

The Vibrancy Funds support people building culture, sustainability, and opportunity within their community.

New Sun Rising is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity to launch organizations and collaborations who build Vibrant Communities. Through the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, the following program seek proposals which promote innovation, engagement, and equity in the Pittsburgh region.

LAUNCH 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 engage, explore, or express culture in their communities are encouraged to apply for a $5,000 to $10,000 Launch Culture Grant. While not necessary to apply, preference may be given to NSR Vibrant Communities (Allentown, Beltzhoover, Etna, Knoxville, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Northside neighborhoods, Sharpsburg, Stowe Township, Wilkinsburg), NSR fiscally sponsored projects, and Ignite Culture workshop participants.

In addition to the grant, Launch Culture Grantees will be provided 3 monthly coaching sessions. Questions will be answered by emailing vibrancyfunds@newsunrising.org or attending one of the following information sessions at the Millvale Moose, 112 Sherman St, Milllvale, PA 15209:

  • April 4, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • April 24, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Projects supported by this grant can start May 1st, 2018 and must end by November 30th, 2018.

CRITERIA

In acknowledgment of the importance and role of culture in our rapidly changing region, successful applicants will be established non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with a project demonstrating the following:

Equity: activities are aligned with, help to identify, or create community values
Collaboration: creates connections or opportunity for those with barriers
Adaptability: incorporates human-centered design by positioning clients as decision makers

Application deadline is 11:59 PM on April 25th, 2018. Grantees will be notified on May 1, 2018.

School of F & E

School of Finance + Entrepreneurship is developing a comprehensive curriculum from freshman to senior of high school in the discipline of financial literacy and business ownership. Founder Sherry Williams has garnered local and national interest while building a team of professionals to help youth become financially sound, develop critical soft skills such as public speaking and business etiquette, while pursuing apprenticeships in their field of their interest in preparation for business ownership. 

Contact Us today if your child is currently enrolled in High School in Western PA area. We are currently accepting applications for the next school year. Scholarships are currently available!

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

 

The Language Access Project

Global Wordsmiths’ Volunteer Initiative, The Language Access Project (LAP), was designed to provide free language translation and interpretation services to local nonprofits (Partner Organizations) working directly with immigrants and refugees. LAP is structured as an internship that provides bilingual university students with comprehensive interpreter training, service learning experience, monitoring and support, mentorship and professional references as well as a stipend or college credit in exchange for volunteer hours. Global Wordsmiths then pairs these trained volunteer interpreters with Partner Organizations at no cost so that these organizations can provide their clients with language interpretation and translation services.

Each intern is required to commit a minimum of five hours per week to LAP during the 23-week cycle. With five interns approved to participate in the fall 2017 pilot program, LAP will provide nearly 1,200 hours of free language services to its Partner Organization for this cycle, Jewish Family and Children’s Services. This represents significant output and provides an invaluable service to clients of JFCS with limited English proficiency, and it serves the Global Wordsmiths’ core mission, which is to improve language access in Western Pennsylvania.

Launch Sto-Rox

Catalyzing community change through social businesses, nonprofits, and collaborative initiatives

Launch Sto-Rox is a cohort of startup organizations whose values align with the Sto-Rox community’s priorities for development. Beginning in March 2018, participants will strengthen their business plan, build their leadership, connect with peer and professional networks, access funding, and engage the Sto-Rox community.

 

MEET THE TEAMS

The Joinery supports the development of small businesses and projects through co-working, office, and production space.

Strong Ambitious Women motivates young women to develop self-esteem and a positive identity.

Zellous Hope Project inspires hope for low-income men with barriers to seeking and obtaining employment.

PittMovers provides moving assistance with a personal touch for clients within Allegheny County.

Right Vibez fuses power yoga and dub (instrumental reggae) for a unique energizing and restorative experience in a transformative setting.

Digital Bridges closes the digital divide by using technology and digital literacy skills to decrease poverty and nurture strong social connections.

1st Layer is a branding, design, and printing shop incorporating workforce development training for teens.

Peddler’s Paradise creates a unique space for artisans and craft makers to connect and sell their products.

Gazette 2.0 provides crucial communication resources for the community.

 

ABOUT

Launch Sto-Rox is a Vibrant Communities program of New Sun Rising, held in partnership with the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation and Focus on Renewal, and supported through the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation.

Protohaven

Protohaven’s purpose is to serve the public good by providing space, tools, knowledge, and community for creation and innovation.

In a culture dominated by consumption, we believe that engaging people in the process of making things – from learning simple skills, to crafting things for a living, to inventing a new piece of technology – serves to both develop the individual and create a more productive, responsible society.

Our primary facility will be a professional-level design and fabrication co-working space and school. The space will be multidisciplinary (graphics, plastics, electronics, textiles, woodworking, and metalworking) and focus on combining digital technology (CAD, CAM, and CNC) with traditional design and fabrication techniques.

Millvale Food + Energy Hub

The Hub is a mixed-use community, event, and office space.

Whether you’re looking to relax, connect, work, celebrate, or inspire, the Millvale Food + Energy Hub offers multiple public and private spaces to work or play.  Featuring sustainable reclaimed materials and powered by solar energy, the 10,000 sq ft renovated Moose social hall provides a unique place to grab a coffee or sandwich from Lemon Tree, hop on our wifi and get some work done, hold a meeting, volunteer with 412 Food Rescue, socialize with friends, take in a show, perform, or rent for your next business, family or friends event!

What's Happening at the Hub?

Located just across the 40th Street Bridge from Lawrenceville and minutes from the Northside, the Hub is not only in Millvale but serves as home to multiple organizations helping to realize Millvale’s Ecodistrict goals around food and energy, including 412 Food Rescue, Lemon Tree, The Food Trust, FracTracker Alliance, and Royally Fit.  The Hub is a project of New Sun Rising and its wholly owned subsidiary, Moose MODE Inc.

Venue Rental

The Hub offers plenty of space for your remote work or weekday meetings. There are two rooms available for rent to host your next performance, nonprofit or business event, conference, family or friends gathering, baby shower, wedding, or wake. We especially love working with musicians and creatives.

In the Venue Rental Guide, you’ll find additional information about the features, floor plan, rental pricing, and more. We offer Wifi access, break room amenities, and are ADA accessible. Ready to rent? Complete the form below and let us host your next event!

View the Venue Rental Guide

Rent the Millvale Food + Energy Hub

 

Buy One Jar of Angry Man Salsa, Help Feed People in Need

Buy Four Jars of Angry Man Salsa, Help Feed More People in Need

 

Programs

New Sun Rising partners with the Community College of Allegheny County and Triboro Ecodistrict to offer a solar installer certification training program. Participation stipends are available for the 40 hour class. Classes are offered as funding is available.

Complete the Solar Installer Certification Interest Form

 

Tenant Partners

 

Funding + Financing

The Millvale Food + Energy Hub renovation was made possible through the financial support of First National Bank, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Neighborhood Allies, Borough of Millvale, The Heinz Endowments, The Hillman Foundation, Allegheny County Economic Development, United States Federal Community Project Funding, and New Sun Rising.

Focus on Renewal

NSR helped to strengthen the services, programs, and facilities of Focus on Renewal through an Action Plan to support the Sto-Rox community. The consulting project, also supported by the McKees Rocks CDC, included internal stakeholder analysis, scans of previous studies and reports, a community-led survey process, and Vision Labs with domain experts to synthesize findings and inform recommendations.

Photo credit: Will Halim, Storyburgh