1,000+ Opportunities
Find the right grant
Search federal, foundation, and corporate grants with AI — or browse by agency, topic, and state.
BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation Investments is an equity investment program from BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit venture capital firm dedicated to getting capital to Wisconsin entrepreneurs. The Foundation accepts philanthropic donations and deploys those funds as equity investments into early-stage Wisconsin technology companies, with returns recycled into additional startup investments.
To date, BrightStar has made 80+ tech startup investments, supported portfolio companies that have attracted over $1. 5 billion in follow-on capital, and helped create 1,500+ jobs. Eligible recipients are early-stage technology companies based in Wisconsin.
Investment amounts vary based on company stage and opportunity.
Get alerted about grants like this
Save a search for “BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Inc.” or related topics and get emailed when new opportunities appear.
Search similar grants →Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation | Nonprofit Venture Capital Firm Job creation through capital donation BrightStar invests in the future of Wisconsin! BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to getting capital to Wisconsin entrepreneurs. Why?
They are the most efficient and effective creators of jobs, talent, innovation, and value that our state has. The proven model is simple: we accept donations and then use those funds to make equity investments into Wisconsin early-stage tech companies. When these investments are successful, returns are re-deployed into more entrepreneurs in our great state.
“It’s not too strong a statement to say that the kind of State that Wisconsin becomes will depend upon efforts such as BrightStar. ” Journal/Sentinel Editorial Board “My BrightStar ROI is seeing dozens of innovative Wisconsin start-ups get funded and creating thousands of quality jobs throughout our state …. exactly what BrightStar promised 10 years ago.
” “Brightstar invests wisely, operates with integrity, and adds tremendous value to startups as well as investors. ” Matthew Kee, Manager, Tundra Angels 80 + Tech startup investments $ 1 .
5 B+ Follow-on capital received by portfolio companies after BrightStar investment 1 , 500 + Jobs created by portfolio companies “We grew from an idea to the largest rewards app in the country and employ over 800 incredibly skilled people in under 10 years. I believe that Fetch’s founders, employees, and investors will start and fund dozens of new tech businesses in Wisconsin following the company’s success.
This is how ecosystems develop and BrightStar will be there to help seed these new businesses like they were for us. ” Wes Schroll, CEO, Fetch Rewards “BrightStar was the first investment group to support us with capital. We showed proof of concept and then were able to raise over $1.
5MM in new investment, build out a lab, advance exciting corporate relationships, and take the team to over 10 skilled employees. We intend to make Wisconsin the hub for domestically sourced sustainable battery materials in the U.S. and are appreciative of BrightStar’s efforts in the beginning to help make it happen.
” Carol Hirschmugl, CEO, COnovate “I have seen firsthand how BrightStar leverages its venture philanthropy model to launch businesses and create tech jobs throughout the state. As the President of the Judd S. Alexander Foundation and an active participant in business development in Central Wisconsin, I can say that we are a proud donor and supporter of BrightStar Wisconsin and its mission.
BrightStar is an incredible asset for our state! ” We’re eager to see your ideas succeed. BrightStar Wisconsin can help you launch and scale.
Investment earnings are reinvested again and again, allowing your donation to live forever. BrightStar has a long track record of investing in Wisconsin innovation to create jobs. Do you have a high-growth potential startup or idea in Wisconsin?
Please register your business with BrightStar Wisconsin at the following link to start the evaluation process. GeneralInfo@brightstarwi. org 710 N.
Plankinton Ave. , Ste. 340
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Early-stage tech startups in Wisconsin. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation Investments is funded by BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Inc.. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Wisconsin. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.
The Families First Community Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) offering approximately $27 million in funding to support nonprofit organizations serving low-income Tennessee families. Grants fund programs across four priority areas: education, health, economic stability, and family well-being, aligned with TANF goals of promoting self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Tennessee that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged families. The 2025 application cycle closed July 10, 2025. This program reflects Tennessee's broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment in local organizations that address the root causes of poverty.