Forging new ways to make smart, positive change for sustainability, health, and learning challenges

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Mindkit
funded Fall 2020

The world needs solutions

In this era filled with climate change crises, economic gaps and instabilities, and political distrust, humanity is in great need of adaptive changes both locally and globally.

Inventive thinkers

Innovation and creativity are key to our future. Startups that have a focus on positive social and/or environmental impact are finding solutions each day that build towards solving these pressing issues.

A call for resources

Not all emerging entrepreneurs can access the capital they need. When they cannot find the financial support to begin, they often give up.

We offer opportunity

Stardust Startups proudly helps emerging, world-conscious small businesses and startups with funding, networking, and promotional support.

Aspiring impact entrepreneurs
are the key to a brighter future.

Listening to their ideas and supporting their projects gives them a chance to try something new, fill a gap, and impact their local communities. We provide emerging entrepreneurs and early-stage startups with initial funding and a platform for sharing, so that others may become inspired by their work, make connections, and see from new perspectives.

Read our full mission

26

Since 2015, we've supported 26 projects at their start and continue to follow their progress to this day. Quality and sustainability over quantity.

52,000

So far, we've granted over $52k worth of microgrants—thanks to our generous donors and the private foundations that have chosen us as their preferred nonprofit.

88

Within the first 12-18 months of receiving funds, 88% of entrepreneurs in our empirical study affirmed having made progress within their chosen SDG targets.

We focus on issues that matter.

Conscious eating

Food & Water accessibility

Natural remedies

Mental Health

Great mental health means keeping our minds stable, conscious, self-aware, curious, and positive, while plant-based nutrition, outdoor activity, and quality body treatment is the key for great physical health. Projects we fund in health are focused on these key elements.

More on health

Environment & behavior

renewing & reusing

Green economics

Durable business

Sustainability projects we fund explore smart solutions that promote accessibility and renewability. We strive to live in harmony with our environment and learn from it in order to help ourselves. Natural elements and resources are ours to harness if we can do it with great respect for the Earth.

more on sustainability

Accessible education

collaboration

Technological literacy

Do-it-yourself (DIY)

The value of education depends on its accessibility for all and affordability, more than anything. We all have a right to be curious, learn, and grow. Stardust values openness and transparency that cultivates this curiosity and the cooperation that allows knowledge to be shared.

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Caeli Energie team

Tech forum, July 2021

Find Your Way / Show The Way

2019 outreach event, NYC

Creopia Productions team

film editing workshop, June 2020

Tami Thomas

receiving her microgrant, March 2016

Dabba team

Dropping off containers in Grenoble, France, 2020

Ma Petite Maison Verte team

inauguration of their first tiny house, 2020

Lumbrick team

meeting in Cameroon, July 2017

SmartVrac team and Camille

NATEXPO, September 2020

Co-creators Jean and Camille

meeting in Montreal, 2017

“

Thanks for the kindness and the trust Stardust Startups has shown to us. It has made us confident, today more than ever, that what we do is important and that we are making a difference. Despite the COVID situation we keep moving forward, confident that we will keep growing.

Katherine TeraoFounder, Mindkit
“

This is an organization that cares deeply about its causes and focuses on making sure every dollar goes to make an impact. Their stories are inspiring. Their impact is tangible.

Erin MoloneyDirector of Marketing, Perficient Digital
“

I am truly grateful that your organization has given [our initiative] a gentle push to make kids' lives worthwhile. Thank you for believing in us!

Ihonwa SylvesterFounder, Educate A Child Initiative
“

If you are an inventor or trying to do something good for the world, Stardust is your best option for a microgrant. They are also like family.

Ethan KraussInventor, Microgrant Recipient
“

This is a great organization that has turned the loss of a loved one into a healing and helpful process to help creatives in sustainability, health, and learning.

A.J. HobbsMassage Therapist and Holistic Healer
“

We just won the World Vision pitch to get $30,000! Thank you for being the first organization to believe in us. We'll continue working hard to realize our goal.

The Lumbrick TeamStartup, Microgrant Recipient
“

On behalf of Alex and myself, I would like to express how grateful we are to be partners with Stardust on this challenging journey. The road ahead is full of hurdles but we have never felt as confident as we do now as we begin to catch our stride.

Adam RivaCEO and Founder, Dragonfly Effect Naturals

Recent stories from the Stardust blog

Check out our blog featuring collaborations with talented authors, stories on health,
learning, and sustainability, and news and updates about Stardust.

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Get involved with Stardust

There are many different ways to join us as we brighten the sky and brighten the future. See each column for details.

Give

See your money make real impact by helping fund innovative entrepreneurs and startups all over the world. Make one-time or recurring contributions, or help us fundraise.

Donate now

Apply

If you're an emerging entrepreneur, innovator, or inventor of any kind and have an idea for a project within our 3 focus areas, don't hesitate to apply for a microgrant!

Apply now

Share

Introduce our nonprofit to your community, fundraise on our behalf, and get a full Stardust media package. Spread the word about our mission & projects!

Learn how