DESIGNING SMALL-SCALE PROGRAMS FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT

Hello!I’m Matt HanniganI’m the Co-Founder & Deputy Director of The Sprout Fund in Pittsburgh USA.Find me at matt@sproutfund.org.

1.About SproutResponsive philanthropy, participatory events, & effective networks.

Catalyst for seeding change

We invest in people, projects, and ideas—making Pittsburgh a better place to live, learn, and thrive.

Knit the Bridge (2013)$8,000

$7 millionGranted to more than 1,000 Pittsburgh-based

projects, organizations, innovators, and activities.

100 Days of USLocal solutions to pressing current national issues

$134,000Granted by 60 community advisors & 41K online likes

27 projectsSelected from more than 150 applicants

2.Inspiration to actionWorkshop your idea with colleagues and friends.

What’s your big idea? How will it change your community?How can you start small and later grow?

Celebrating pride & progress

Brainstorming with concept posters and making pitches helps share ideas still in development.

Pittsburgh 250 Ideation Session in Somerset (2007)

3.Ins, outs, and outcomesA clearly articulated theory of change makes your idea stand out.

How do you think your idea works?

OutputsActivities, products, and services offered.Participation level expected by customers or clients.

InputsPeople, time, money, and “special sauce” required to make it happen.

OutcomesChanges expected in the short-, medium-, and long-term as a result of your project.

Making Pittsburgh more bikeable

Bike Pittsburgh created functional artwork that echoed the 3 rivers as their first community project.

Public Art Bike Rack (2003) $9,000

4.Measuring successTest the links between your theory and your practice.

Process EvaluationIs the project operating as expected?Verifies inputs & outputs.Ensures accountability and enhances future services.

How do you know if it worked?

Impact EvaluationIs the project achieving what was expected?Measures net effect on the target population in terms of the change in observable characteristics.

Cleaning up vacant lots

GTECH Strategies tested whether hops could be grown on a hillside in Garfield and cultivated for beer production.

Garfield Hops Project (2012) $10,000

5.Big ideas, small changeNot every project starts at success—give it time to grow.

Internal SupportReserves of risk capital from unstipulated funds.Similar programs with budget flexibility.

How do you find the money for it?

Catalytic FundingSmall-scale specialists like Sprout & Awesome.Kickstarter & Crowdrise.Stipends from fellowships & personal awards.

Program Support from Major FundersLimited to specific activities.Easier reporting and tracking use of funds.

How do you find more money for it?

Operating Support from Major FundersGeneral “mission-level” support of an entire organization.Often only available after a track-record is established.

Breaking bread to cross cultures

Conflict Kitchen used a capacity-building grant from Sprout to open its pavilion in Schenley Plaza.

Conflict Kitchen Root Award (2012) $25,000

Roadmap for small project success

plan do review report renew

Thanks!!Question time!Message me at matt@sproutfund.org.Follow us @sproutfund.SlideShare: bit.ly/2rbfR4T

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