The Rising Stars
Foundry Circle
A foundry is where raw materials are forged into lasting structure.
The Rising Stars Foundry is a founding sponsorship and partnership community of companies, foundations, and industry leaders committed to building the future workforce for the construction and sustainable built environment industries. The Foundry supports Rising Stars' growth as a national independent nonprofit — currently operating across six cities — and ensures that more young people gain access to career pathways, industry networks, and economic mobility through hands-on training, mentorship, and employer-connected opportunities.
Rising Stars sits at the intersection of two urgent challenges: industries facing a deepening workforce shortage, and young people from environmental justice communities who lack access to the networks and credentials that careers in these fields require. The Foundry is how we close that gap, together.
Why this matters now.
As Rising Stars transitions into its next phase of growth as an independent 501(c)(3), long-term sustainability depends on diversified revenue beyond anchor funders and restricted grants. The Foundry allows Rising Stars to build predictable, renewable revenue; reduce over-reliance on a small number of funders; invest in the infrastructure required to scale responsibly; and engage corporate and individual supporters in a clear, value-aligned way.
This is early, catalytic investment in a program with a proven model, an active multi-city footprint, and a clear next decade of growth ahead.
The Foundry Partnership Structure.
Founding partners are recognized at four levels based on multi-year commitment. All Foundry partners receive ongoing engagement, recognition, and impact reporting.
Anchor Builder
$25,000+
BENEFITS:
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Lead recognition as an Anchor Builder Foundry Partner
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Prominent logo placement on website, annual report, and select Rising Stars materials
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Curated executive engagement and strategic partner conversations with Rising Stars leadership
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Speaking or engagement opportunities with students
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VIP access to events and site visits; first-look on new initiatives
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Annual impact and partnership report
Cornerstone Partner
$10,000-$24,999
BENEFITS:
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Recognition as a Cornerstone Foundry Partner
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Logo recognition on website and select materials
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Priority invitations to events and site visits
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Volunteer and mentorship engagement opportunities
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Co-branded thought leadership opportunities
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Annual impact update
Structural Partner
$5,000-$9,999
BENEFITS:
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Recognition as a Structural Foundry Partner
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Select digital recognition (website + annual report)
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Invitations to public and select private Rising Stars events
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Volunteer opportunities
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Preview access to new initiatives
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Annual impact update
Pipeline Partner
$2,500-$4,999
BENEFITS:
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Recognition as a Pipeline Foundry Partner
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Listed on website
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Invitations to Rising Stars events and engagement opportunities
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Annual impact update
Make a founding gift.
Prefer to give directly? Use the form below to make a Foundry contribution now. For multi-year sponsorship agreements, company partnership commitments, or in-kind contributions, contact us below.
Who's already building with us.
The Rising Stars Board is leading the Foundry effort, with founding commitments from the following companies and individuals.
Talk to us about joining the Foundry.
Foundry partnerships are relational by design. We'd love to walk you through the program, the numbers, and the opportunity — and hear what your organization is looking to build.
Or email info@risingstarsprogram.org