Built to Grow Bold Ideas—Sustainably
From our pilot year through legacy-building, each phase of IncuBrighter’s growth expands our capacity to support more leaders, deepen community roots, and build tools that last. Here’s how we grow.
Why It Matters
Too many grassroots leaders are carrying the weight of their communities with little more than passion and grit. They have the vision—but not always the structure, support, or funding to make it last. We built IncuBrighter because we’ve been there. We know what it’s like to be resourceful, not resourced. Our 10-year journey isn’t just about scaling a model—it’s about restoring faith in the fact that bold, care-centered work deserves bold, long-term support.
This matters because the future of social change doesn’t come from institutions alone—it comes from neighbors, organizers, and lived-experience leaders. It comes from the spark.
Our 10-Year plan
Year 1: Foundation
- Launch pilot programs (Community Bower, PWYC toolkit store)
- Build brand, website, and operating model
- Begin partnerships and early collaborations
Year 2: Infrastructure
- Build infrasctructure to provide fiscal sponsorship
- Expand toolkit offerings and intake consults
- Launch 1st annual report + impact dashboard
Year 3: Replication
- Refine incubator process
- Begin testing replication in 1–2 new counties
- Host first regional convening of grassroots leaders
Year 4: Network Building
- Launch formal mentorship/cohort model
- Offer microgrants through community nominations
- Expand community partnerships and collaborations
Year 5
- Pause expansion to refine operations
- incubate 4-7 projects
- Begin 20-year planning for sustainability fund
Year 6: Sustainability Fund Launch
- Launch the IncuBrighter Spark Fund
- Begin multi-year funding commitments
- Expand fiscal partnerships and shared services
Year 7–8: Regional Expansion
- Support 3–5 regional incubator sites
- Develop a shared technology platform for collaboration
- Pilot storytelling/media fellowship program
Year 9: National Scaling Prep
- Evaluate outcomes from regional models
- Document learning and prep for national toolkit release
- Secure partners for replication
Year 10: Legacy
- Launch the “Light the Way” Legacy Program
- Sustain 10+ incubated initiatives with lasting community impact
- Transition into a national support network for grassroots incubation
Want to Help Shape the Journey?
Whether you’re a funder, partner, or fellow builder—we’d love to hear from you. This vision grows stronger with every person who joins it.
Stay in the Loop
Sign up for updates on new programs, upcoming events, and behind-the-scenes sparks from the IncuBrighter community.