About the Authors

Diana Avart

Diana Avart served on the catalytic funding team at The Sprout Fund from 2015 to 2018. As Program Associate, Diana was responsible for the administration of Sprout’s funding programs, including preparing decisionmaking packets and funding round reports, managing the grants database, and producing grant-related paperwork. Diana additionally provided applicant and project management support by coordinating information sessions along with funded project meetings, cohort convenings, and showcases.

Diana was the primary author of the Catalytic Funding section of the Field Guide.

Ryan Coon

Ryan Coon worked at The Sprout Fund in a variety of capacities from 2006 to 2017. During his last 5 years, as a Program Officer, Ryan led Sprout’s communications and documentation team, helping promote important people, projects, and ideas. Through the collection, production, curation, and publication of original and syndicated multimedia content, Ryan raised awareness locally and nationally about the impact of Sprout’s work, its programs, and funded projects.

Ryan contributed content that was transformed into the Multimedia Documentation chapter in the Catalytic Funding section of the Field Guide.

Matt Hannigan

Matt Hannigan was a co-founder of The Sprout Fund and worked at the organization in a variety of capacities from 2001 to 2018. Ultimately, as Deputy Director, Matt provided oversight for program staff, actively participated in fundraising, and maintained responsibility for finance and business operations. From 2002 to 2004, Matt was the primary staff person responsible for Sprout’s catalytic funding programs.

Matt edited the entire Field Guide and contributed to the Catalytic Funding section. Matt also designed and implemented the Github-hosted website that publishes the Field Guide’s content.

Patricia Monticello Kievlan

Patricia Monticello Kievlan served on the community building team at The Sprout Fund from 2015 to 2018. As Program Associate, Tricia worked to foster collaboration and partnerships, manage signature programs, facilitate online and in-person community dialogue, and design and host engagement events and activities in order to build robust communities of practice, both within Pittsburgh’s Remake Learning Network and in communities nationwide.

Tricia was co-author of the Community Building section of the Field Guide.

Cathy Lewis Long

Cathy Lewis Long was the Founding Executive Director of The Sprout Fund and worked at the organization for its entire existence. Cathy provided leadership for the organization, acted as a champion for Sprout in the community, managed relationships with donors and funders, provided guidance to programs, and worked closely with Board of Directors to advance Sprout’s mission.

Cathy authored the Fundraising chapter and edited the Catalytic Funding section of the Field Guide.

Dustin Stiver

Dustin Stiver worked at The Sprout Fund for more than 11 years, ultimately serving as Senior Program Officer. Dustin led Sprout’s civic engagement programming—designing and implementing meaningful opportunities for people to contribute to the community’s civic and cultural life by sharing ideas, discussing pressing community issues, and participating in consensus-driven decisions, as a means of building social capital and facilitating community change.

Dustin was co-author of the Community Building section of the Field Guide.