The Bright Foundation
Des Moines, IA, US
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501(c)3
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EIN
42-6073848
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•
Private Operating Foundation
Private Foundation
Regional Funder
Des Moines, IA, US
•
501(c)3
•
EIN
42-6073848
•
•
Private Operating Foundation
Private Foundation
Regional Funder
AI Summary
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The Bright Foundation is a 501(c)3 grantmaking organization that focuses on funding initiatives within Iowa. With a total of $2.2 million in grants paid to 11 grantees in 2025, the foundation operates on a relationship-based, invitation-only model and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Nonprofits interested in engaging with The Bright Foundation can explore warm-introduction pathways through Impala's Funder Prospecting.
Cause Areas
2
Foundations
Scholarships & Financial Aid
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Explore this org's ecosystem
See top causes for this funder's grantees, who else funds them, and their grants.
Grantee
Total Funding
Funding Share
IOWA STATE UNIVERISTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
$4.2M
22%
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FOUNDATION
$4M
20%
STATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA FOUNDATION
$2.8M
14%
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit an unsolicited grant proposal to The Bright Foundation?
No. The Bright Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Where does The Bright Foundation give?
The Bright Foundation primarily gives to organizations located in Iowa. These states represent the largest share of the foundation’s grantmaking by dollars awarded. Additional geographic details are available to registered users.
What size are The Bright Foundation’s grants?
The largest share of grants from The Bright Foundation fall in the $500 thousand to $1 million range. The median first-year grant is about $25 thousand. More detailed grant size data is available to registered users.
How many grants does The Bright Foundation make each year?
In 2025, The Bright Foundation awarded about 3 grants, totaling nearly $2.2 million. More detailed grant metrics are available to registered users.
Who did The Bright Foundation fund recently?
In 2025, The Bright Foundation awarded grants to about 10 grantees. Recent grantees include IOWA STATE UNIVERISTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FOUNDATION, and STATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA FOUNDATION. More detailed information on all recent recipients is available to registered users.
How do we apply to The Bright Foundation?
The Bright Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.