Events & Newsletters – Stardust Startups

Here’s what we’re currently up to.

Our upcoming events and important dates are listed below, as well as our Facebook page, which is a great way to get updates about what our past recipients are doing and read some interesting articles. Further below you’ll find links to all our past newsletters and photo galleries from past meetups and events.

Upcoming events

21 March

Spring Deadline for Submissions

21 September

Autumn Deadline for Submissions

21 March

Spring Deadline for Submissions

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Check out all of our past newsletters.

The Constellation

This newsletter focuses on a new topic each month, either having to do with entrepreneurship or our focus areas, and includes interesting articles and interviews with Stardust partners.

- Physical Health 💪 | read here
- Sustainability 🌱 | read here
- Learning 📚 | read here
- Mental Health 😇 | read here
- Creativity 🎨 | read here
- Women in Business 👩‍💼 | read here
- Building Community 🗳️ | read here
- Eating Mindfully 🌎 | read here
- Goodbye Fast Fashion 👠 | read here
- Learning for the Lunar New Year 🧧🌷 | read here
- Spending time outdoors 🎣 | read here
- Social impact entrepreneurship🌱 | read here
- It takes help to build something great 🤝 | read here
- Living to learn 📙 | read here
- Gratitude and preservation 🐝 | read here
- Sustainable holiday cheer 🎁 | read here
- Where do you stand with coffee? ☕ | read here
- Be my sustainable Valentine 💘 | read here
- Break the taboo 🤦‍♀️ | read here
- 4 habits to resist fearful narratives | read here
- How we’re staying creative 💬 | read here
- A time for action ✊ | read here
- Measuring well-being ☼ | read here
- Plastic waste ♻️ | read here
- How tech can help us 💻 | read here
- Entrepreneurial identity 👣 | read here
- Our everyday commitments 🌿 | read here
- Student entrepreneurship 🎓 | read here
- Our relationship with nature 🍄 | read here
- Stress-free, self-care 🧘 | read here
- Health & healing 🌤️ | read here
- 5 years in the making… ✍️ | read here

News & Updates

This quarterly newsletter is longer; it is focused on showing what we have been doing recently. You’ll get photos, stories, blogs, thank you messages, important events, and more.

Summer 2016 | read here
Fall 2016 | read here
Winter 2017 | read here
Spring 2017 | read here
Winter 2018 | read here
Spring 2018 | read here
Fall 2018 | read here
Spring 2019 | read here
Fall 2019 | read here
Spring 2020 | read here
Summer 2020 | read here
Fall 2020 | read here

View some photos from past events.

Midsummer Social

June 21, 2017
Morehead City, NC

View gallery

2nd Community Meetup

April 21, 2017
Annandale, VA

View gallery

1st Community Meetup

February 12, 2017
Arlington, VA

View gallery

Dance Under the Stars

June 11, 2016
Atlantic Beach, NC

View gallery

Find Your Way / Show The Way

June 9, 2019
New York, NY

View gallery

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<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/uploads/sb-instagram-feed-images/starduststartups.jpg" alt="Stardust Startups" width="50" height="50">

From the Russian underground press during the Sovi

From the Russian underground press during the Soviet era, to the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, to the George Floyd protests this past year...

Read this fascinating piece as our in-house writer @saffrmz takes you on a journey to explore how social movements throughout history have been bolstered by groups of passionate individuals spreading awareness.

https://starduststartupfactory.org/social-movements-media/

Feel free to share your thoughts below and share this post with others! ✨

#purpose #socialmedia #socialmovements #samizdat #freepalestine #georgefloyd #protests #impact

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="From the Russian underground press during the Soviet era, to the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, to the George Floyd protests this past year... Read this fascinating piece as our in-house writer @saffrmz takes you on a journey to explore how social movements throughout history have been bolstered by groups of passionate individuals spreading awareness. https://starduststartupfactory.org/social-movements-media/ Feel free to share your thoughts below and share this post with others! ✨ #purpose #socialmedia #socialmovements #samizdat #freepalestine #georgefloyd #protests #impact">

As the @ipcc releases their latest #climatereport

As the @ipcc releases their latest #climatereport on the impacts of global warming, it's evident that their recommendations for accelerating positive change are directly linked to the @unitednations Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

"Without societal transformation and rapid implementation of ambitious greenhouse gas reduction measures, pathways to limiting warming to 1.5°C and achieving sustainable development will be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to achieve" (Chapter 5).

Check out the report: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="As the @ipcc releases their latest #climatereport on the impacts of global warming, it's evident that their recommendations for accelerating positive change are directly linked to the @unitednations Global Goals for Sustainable Development. "Without societal transformation and rapid implementation of ambitious greenhouse gas reduction measures, pathways to limiting warming to 1.5°C and achieving sustainable development will be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to achieve" (Chapter 5). Check out the report: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/">

You are what you eat! 🍋 "You know the feeling

You are what you eat! 🍋

"You know the feeling when there just doesn’t seem like you have any more to give?

Despite all your best efforts to get a project going or paddle your life into a new stream, you just seem to break after four or six weeks.

No matter all the driving energy I carried into a new project, I would lose momentum. It was as if my paddle would break and I’d be trying to move my boat with just my hands.

I was trying to meditate my way to better mental health but it just wasn’t working because my body, the vessel, was a straw boat - staying together for a while but breaking at the first sign of rocks.

So, I tried several radical changes to my diet to set a strong foundation."

Check out Colin's article relating his experience with psychobiotics. Plus, read until the end for his homemade kefir recipe!

https://starduststartupfactory.org/kefir-psychobiotics/

#kefir #psychobiotics #health #nutrition #focus #energy

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="You are what you eat! 🍋 "You know the feeling when there just doesn’t seem like you have any more to give? Despite all your best efforts to get a project going or paddle your life into a new stream, you just seem to break after four or six weeks. No matter all the driving energy I carried into a new project, I would lose momentum. It was as if my paddle would break and I’d be trying to move my boat with just my hands. I was trying to meditate my way to better mental health but it just wasn’t working because my body, the vessel, was a straw boat - staying together for a while but breaking at the first sign of rocks. So, I tried several radical changes to my diet to set a strong foundation." Check out Colin's article relating his experience with psychobiotics. Plus, read until the end for his homemade kefir recipe! https://starduststartupfactory.org/kefir-psychobiotics/ #kefir #psychobiotics #health #nutrition #focus #energy">

Faces from our July team meeting! Always so gratef

Faces from our July team meeting! Always so grateful to have a team of dedicated and passionate interns, staff, and volunteers working with us to help support entrepreneurs in making positive social and environmental impact! 🌟

[Pictured from top left: Kristina, Director of Funding & Partnerships; Camille, Senior Director of Operations and Communication; Jean, Managing Director and Board Chair; Saffanah, volunteer writer; Fran, Board of Directors; Clara, Funding & Outreach intern]

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Faces from our July team meeting! Always so grateful to have a team of dedicated and passionate interns, staff, and volunteers working with us to help support entrepreneurs in making positive social and environmental impact! 🌟 [Pictured from top left: Kristina, Director of Funding & Partnerships; Camille, Senior Director of Operations and Communication; Jean, Managing Director and Board Chair; Saffanah, volunteer writer; Fran, Board of Directors; Clara, Funding & Outreach intern]">

Kristina is our new Director of Funding and Partne

Kristina is our new Director of Funding and Partnerships! 💸

⇢ What did you like best about your Funding & Outreach internship with Stardust Startups? What did you learn?

Kristina: "Through my research and outreach, it’s become clear to me that Stardust fills a really important gap in the impact investing ecosystem by funding promising projects at the earliest stages. I think the most important thing I learned from my internship is that the passion and determination to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals is out there, but we at Stardust need to work to find those connections that can bring our impact to the next level."

⇢ What does the new position mean for the Stardust team and what are some of the responsibilities it entails?

K: "I feel that the creation of the Director of Funding and Partnerships position signals Stardust’s dedication to progressing and expanding our impact. My job is to increase Stardust’s visibility not just for its own sake, but for the purpose of attracting and creating relationships with donor partners who are passionate about the same things we are."

⇢ What do you hope to accomplish within the next few months in your new position?

K: "In the next few months, I’m looking forward to introducing myself to the existing Stardust community and building new relationships with people and organizations that are excited about the impact that Stardust can have. I believe that, in this role, the key to success will be building relationships and sharing the Stardust story. So, don’t be surprised if you hear from me soon!"

Read Kristina's bio and meet more of our team: https://starduststartupfactory.org/about-us/

#partnerships #donors #cfo #finance #sdgs #fundraising #jobs #millenial #startups #socialimpact #outreach #impactinvesting

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Kristina is our new Director of Funding and Partnerships! 💸 ⇢ What did you like best about your Funding & Outreach internship with Stardust Startups? What did you learn? Kristina: "Through my research and outreach, it’s become clear to me that Stardust fills a really important gap in the impact investing ecosystem by funding promising projects at the earliest stages. I think the most important thing I learned from my internship is that the passion and determination to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals is out there, but we at Stardust need to work to find those connections that can bring our impact to the next level." ⇢ What does the new position mean for the Stardust team and what are some of the responsibilities it entails? K: "I feel that the creation of the Director of Funding and Partnerships position signals Stardust’s dedication to progressing and expanding our impact. My job is to increase Stardust’s visibility not just for its own sake, but for the purpose of attracting and creating relationships with donor partners who are passionate about the same things we are." ⇢ What do you hope to accomplish within the next few months in your new position? K: "In the next few months, I’m looking forward to introducing myself to the existing Stardust community and building new relationships with people and organizations that are excited about the impact that Stardust can have. I believe that, in this role, the key to success will be building relationships and sharing the Stardust story. So, don’t be surprised if you hear from me soon!" Read Kristina's bio and meet more of our team: https://starduststartupfactory.org/about-us/ #partnerships #donors #cfo #finance #sdgs #fundraising #jobs #millenial #startups #socialimpact #outreach #impactinvesting">

By educating their consumers on political conflict

By educating their consumers on political conflict and harrowing social crises important to them, peace-making entrepreneurs are using their business success to spread awareness about urgent humanitarian issues facing many countries today. 🕊️

Read on our blog: https://starduststartupfactory.org/projects-for-peace/

#socialentrepreneurship #makingimpact #palestine #gaza #humanitarianism #conflict #peace #impactprojects #syria #refugees #food

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="By educating their consumers on political conflict and harrowing social crises important to them, peace-making entrepreneurs are using their business success to spread awareness about urgent humanitarian issues facing many countries today. 🕊️ Read on our blog: https://starduststartupfactory.org/projects-for-peace/ #socialentrepreneurship #makingimpact #palestine #gaza #humanitarianism #conflict #peace #impactprojects #syria #refugees #food">

The team has thoroughly enjoyed having Natasha on

The team has thoroughly enjoyed having Natasha on as a Funding & Outreach intern these past few months. She has been a huge help and will go on to do much more with all the skills she's gained. Congratulations 🌟

"At Stardust Startups, I was fortunate to be exposed to many meaningful opportunities to learn and develop my understanding of Donor-Advised Funds, impact investing, and entrepreneurial support systems. I co-authored a white paper and specifically delved into the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework that guides Stardust’s project selection.

I had the privilege of working with a dedicated team whose mutual trust and collaborative spirit fostered synergies. Notably, co-founders Camille Babington and Laura Jean Palmer-Moloney’s phenomenal leadership never ceased to impress and inspire me through their hard-work and go-getter attitude.

Working at Stardust Startups has been truly life-changing both in reinforcing my sincere desire to help drive social change globally but as well by teaching me the power of democratizing impact investing."

#internship #impactinvesting #dafs #sdgs #entrepreneurship #socialentrepreneurship #socialimpact #impactentrepreneurship #impactprojects #innovation #impactinvesting #sri #projectportfolio #nonprofit

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="The team has thoroughly enjoyed having Natasha on as a Funding & Outreach intern these past few months. She has been a huge help and will go on to do much more with all the skills she's gained. Congratulations 🌟 "At Stardust Startups, I was fortunate to be exposed to many meaningful opportunities to learn and develop my understanding of Donor-Advised Funds, impact investing, and entrepreneurial support systems. I co-authored a white paper and specifically delved into the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework that guides Stardust’s project selection. I had the privilege of working with a dedicated team whose mutual trust and collaborative spirit fostered synergies. Notably, co-founders Camille Babington and Laura Jean Palmer-Moloney’s phenomenal leadership never ceased to impress and inspire me through their hard-work and go-getter attitude. Working at Stardust Startups has been truly life-changing both in reinforcing my sincere desire to help drive social change globally but as well by teaching me the power of democratizing impact investing." #internship #impactinvesting #dafs #sdgs #entrepreneurship #socialentrepreneurship #socialimpact #impactentrepreneurship #impactprojects #innovation #impactinvesting #sri #projectportfolio #nonprofit">

There has never been a more energized and exciting

There has never been a more energized and exciting time for impact investing to make positive social and environmental change. See your money propel conscious growth and innovation by supporting emerging entrepreneurs with projects making impact in the areas of health, sustainability, and learning. 🌟

Our Impact & Innovation Givenar is tomorrow! You can still register here: http://ow.ly/sX5x50ErS6X

#capital #investing #sri #webinar #impactinvesting

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="There has never been a more energized and exciting time for impact investing to make positive social and environmental change. See your money propel conscious growth and innovation by supporting emerging entrepreneurs with projects making impact in the areas of health, sustainability, and learning. 🌟 Our Impact & Innovation Givenar is tomorrow! You can still register here: http://ow.ly/sX5x50ErS6X #capital #investing #sri #webinar #impactinvesting">

Impact investing helps entrepreneurs launch innova

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Impact investing helps entrepreneurs launch innovative solutions that make positive social and environmental impact. ✨ Learn more about impact + angel investing in our brand new research paper → http://ow.ly/mB2z50ErRqv #impactinvesting #angelinvesting #socialentrepreneurship">

Trisha Anderson-Lundberg, a Stardust supporter fro

Trisha Anderson-Lundberg, a Stardust supporter from Virginia, recently gifted us with $2k, enough to pay for a whole microgrant. Here's why she did it:

"For me, giving to Stardust allows me to support Jean and Camille in honoring Angus who had his sights on seeing a better and bigger world.

Stardust is so special because they focus on helping others create and build ideas that have a true purpose behind it.

Seeing Stardust Startups come alive and thrive the last 5 years
has been remarkable! I have enjoyed seeing the results of how the microgrants have been used and what the entrepreneurs have done to get their ideas up and running."

You, too, can become an impact investor! Microinvesting is a small, agile step that, when used to support recoverable microgrants and make them more accessible, helps entrepreneurs launch innovative solutions that make positive social and environmental impact.

Trisha is pictured wearing the Purpose, Passion & Positivity tee!

Learn more about #microinvesting in our new research paper: http://ow.ly/IR2T50ErQUY

#impact #donoradvisedfund #socialentrepreneurship #democratizingimpact #impactinvesting #microinvesting

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Trisha Anderson-Lundberg, a Stardust supporter from Virginia, recently gifted us with $2k, enough to pay for a whole microgrant. Here's why she did it: "For me, giving to Stardust allows me to support Jean and Camille in honoring Angus who had his sights on seeing a better and bigger world. Stardust is so special because they focus on helping others create and build ideas that have a true purpose behind it. Seeing Stardust Startups come alive and thrive the last 5 years has been remarkable! I have enjoyed seeing the results of how the microgrants have been used and what the entrepreneurs have done to get their ideas up and running." You, too, can become an impact investor! Microinvesting is a small, agile step that, when used to support recoverable microgrants and make them more accessible, helps entrepreneurs launch innovative solutions that make positive social and environmental impact. Trisha is pictured wearing the Purpose, Passion & Positivity tee! Learn more about #microinvesting in our new research paper: http://ow.ly/IR2T50ErQUY #impact #donoradvisedfund #socialentrepreneurship #democratizingimpact #impactinvesting #microinvesting">

Capital, confidence, and credibility! ✨ Learn m

Capital, confidence, and credibility! ✨

Learn more about the benefits of microgrants for early-stage startups in our new research paper →
http://ow.ly/WCUG50ErQtw

#impact #socialentrepreneurship #democratizingimpact #socialentrepreneurship #socialimpact #impactentrepreneur

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Capital, confidence, and credibility! ✨ Learn more about the benefits of microgrants for early-stage startups in our new research paper → http://ow.ly/WCUG50ErQtw #impact #socialentrepreneurship #democratizingimpact #socialentrepreneurship #socialimpact #impactentrepreneur">

Our very first Stardust event in June of 2016. Our

Our very first Stardust event in June of 2016. Our goals were to raise awareness and sell t-shirts. How far we've come! #throwbackthursday

<img src="https://starduststartupfactory.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Our very first Stardust event in June of 2016. Our goals were to raise awareness and sell t-shirts. How far we've come! #throwbackthursday">

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