Community Connections, an initiative of Pittsburgh 250 administered by The Sprout Fund, selected 100 regional and grassroots projects to receive a total of $1 million in funding for activities and events occurring during the region's 250th anniversary in 2008.

Following the submission of more than 500 requests for support, The Sprout Fund engaged more than 270 citizens from across Southwestern Pennsylvania in a broad and comprehensive community decision-making process to select projects that contribute to the "Pride & Progress" of Southwestern Pennsylvania -- the theme of Community Connections.

Funded projects will begin their activities as early as January and will continue throughout the anniversary year across all of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Funding commitments to Pittsburgh 250 Community Connections have been made by more than 20 private foundations, corporations and community foundations from across the region.

Learn more about Community Connections and the Sprout Fund.

The Pittsburgh 250 Regional Community Connections Projects are 12 compelling initiatives that affect large audiences, leave a lasting impact on communities and contribute to the "Pride & Progress" of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Most projects received awards of $50,000 for their activities in 2008. Decisions were made by a 33-member panel of regional leaders that included representatives from all 14 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh 250 Grassroots Community Connections Projects are 88 community initiatives that have been developed by community members in each of the 14 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. These projects involve local residents and organizations, are focused on local interests and demonstrate civic engagement and innovation at the grassroots level. Most projects received awards of $5,000 for their activities in 2008. Decisions were made by panels of community leaders convened in each county.

Click on the counties below for details of the awards:

• Pittsburgh 250 Community Connections: By The Numbers
  
• Pittsburgh 250 Community Connections: What The Participants Are Saying
  
• ImaginePittsburgh.com: Learn all about the activities occurring in Southwestern Pennsylvania in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the region in 2008.