Wisys Technology Foundation Inc
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in 2000, WiSys describes itself as an independent nonprofit supporting organization for the Universities of Wisconsin and says its mission is to support faculty, staff, students, and alumni in innovating for impact.
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Wisys Technology Foundation Inc gave $479K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $40K), mostly in Wisconsin. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $479,276
- +317.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- +100.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $39,940
- +108.5% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $25,694
- Total assets
- $3,237,212
- -14.9% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Wisys Technology Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
For Spark, use the WiSys application and follow the participating campus’s internal process; proposals must be submitted by the campus Authorized Organizational Representative or Sponsored Programs Officer. Ignite applicants were required to submit an Intent to Submit before a full proposal, and its listed 2026–27 deadlines have passed. For Launch, contact a WiSys regional contact for program details.
- Review Cycle
- The listed Ignite 2026–27 Intent to Submit deadline was November 24, 2025, and the full proposal deadline was January 20, 2026; both are past.
- Deadline
- The listed Ignite 2026–27 Intent to Submit deadline was November 24, 2025, and the full proposal deadline was January…
- Contact
Mailing address: 614 Walnut Street 13Th Floor 101, Madison, WI 53726
Phone: (608) 316-4037
Website: https://wisys.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Wisys Technology Foundation Inc
Ignite Grant Program
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Launch Grant Program
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Spark Grant Program
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc
Amount
$500 - $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Wisys Technology Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Wisconsin-Madison ($135K). Together the top 10 received $459K.
Grant Size Distribution
34 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 29 grants of 34 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
WiSys’s grant programs are described as serving Wisconsin Universities of Wisconsin institutions. The 2025 reported grants went entirely to recipients in Wisconsin. Spark and Ignite program materials exclude UW–Madison and UW–Milwaukee and list participating regional institutions, including UW–Eau Claire, UW–Green Bay, UW–La Crosse, UW–Oshkosh, UW–Parkside, UW–Platteville, UW–River Falls, UW–Stevens Point, UW–Stout, UW–Superior, and UW–Whitewater.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Wisys Technology Foundation Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $76K (2023) to $479K (2025). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $479K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $134,728 |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Foundation Eau Claire, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $76,540 |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $51,818 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $44,401 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $37,677 |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $27,079 |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $24,308 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $23,687 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $21,920 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation Milwaukee, WI | NSF Engines Subaward | $16,683 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing also states that WiSys received deposits in excess of grants paid during the fiscal year on behalf of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; those amounts were presented as restricted cash held for others.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,237,212 | $2,578,608 | $3,100,009 | $479,276 | 12 | $164,107 |
| 2024 | $3,805,998 | $2,032,663 | $2,581,624 | $114,930 | 6 | $-73,597 |
| 2023 | $3,843,590 | $1,837,439 | $2,082,223 | $76,298 | 2 | $16,294 |
| 2022 | $3,945,065 | $2,073,604 | $1,829,505 | $104,187 | 6 | $136,685 |
| 2021 | $4,244,354 | $1,305,162 | $2,053,232 | $294,616 | 8 | $139,106 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
WiSys’s stated mission is “Supporting Universities of Wisconsin faculty, staff, students, and alumni to innovate for impact.” Its website describes grant programs for short-term, early-stage projects; applied research, intellectual property, and prototype development; and further development of technologies and programs in WiSys’s portfolio. Its broader work includes research-development support, technology transfer, and assistance in developing ventures from university intellectual property.
The 2025 filing lists grants to Wisconsin university recipients, each with the purpose “NSF ENGINES SUBAWARD.” Recipient descriptions offer context about the organizations, not the funder’s grant purpose. For example, UW-Platteville describes its mission as supporting student organizations and campus activities, while the UW-La Crosse Alumni and Friends Foundation says it raises private support to advance the university’s mission.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, WiSys reported 12 grants totaling $479,276. Grants ranged from $10,095 to $134,728, with a median of $25,694. All reported grant dollars went to Wisconsin recipients, and every listed grant had the stated purpose “NSF ENGINES SUBAWARD.”
The largest reported awards were $134,728 to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, $76,540 to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Foundation, $51,818 to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, and $44,401 to the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.
WiSys’s website describes three grant programs. Spark awards $500–$10,000 per project for short-term projects and is open to faculty or academic staff at participating regional campuses; student-led projects may be funded with a faculty mentor serving as principal investigator. Applicants must follow their campus’s internal submission and approval process, and the proposal must be submitted by the campus Authorized Organizational Representative or Sponsored Programs Officer. Spark funds may support supplies, expenses, and student-worker salaries; faculty salary may not exceed 50% of the requested budget, indirect costs and publication costs are not allowed, and conference travel is limited to $1,000.
Ignite–Applied Research is for faculty and academic staff at UW universities, with a maximum request of $50,000 per project for a 14-month term. Its 2026–27 materials required an Intent to Submit by November 24, 2025, followed by a full proposal deadline of January 20, 2026; both dates have passed. The materials state that a final report is required. Launch supports further development of technologies and programs in WiSys’s portfolio; the website directs prospective applicants to their WiSys regional contact for details.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Arjuna Sanga as president. It lists David Brukardt as trustee/chair, Carol Dahl as trustee/vice chair, David Ward as trustee/secretary, Erik Iverson as trustee/treasurer, and Michael Alexander, Jeff Buhrandt, Tim Donohue, Katherine Frank, and Jennifer Gottwald as trustees.
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc is led by Arjuna Sanga, President on every filing since 2021; 2 of 14 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Arjuna Sanga
President
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$208K (2021) → $314K (2025)
David Brukardt
Trustee & Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Secretary, 2023
Trustee & Secretary → Trustee & Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adhira Sunkara
Director of Strategy & Innovative Ventures
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$111K (2023) → $135K (2025)
Carol Dahl
Trustee & Vice Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Ward
Trustee & Secretary
Trustee & Chair → Trustee & Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erik Iverson
Trustee & Treasurer
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Gottwald
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tomas Stafford
Trustee
Trustee → Trustee & Vice Chair, 2023
Trustee & Vice Chair → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Sherman
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Buhrandt
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Frank
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Alexander
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Donohue
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Patton
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Deborah Ford (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Tom Still (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Alex Shima (2021–2022) — Officer
- Former: Lorrie Keating-Heinemann (2021–2022) — Trustee & Secretary -
- Former: Toni Sikes (2021–2022) — Trustee & Vice Chair -
- Former: Jennifer Souter (2021) — Director of Patents & Licensing
- Former: Leon Ostrowski (2021) — Trustee & Vice Chair-
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $314K, to Arjuna Sanga (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Wisys Technology Foundation Inc
How much does Wisys Technology Foundation Inc give each year?
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc gave $479K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $115K across 6 grants.
What is Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,694, and its average grant was $39,940, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Wisys Technology Foundation Inc give grants?
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there.
Does Wisys Technology Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "NSF Engines Subaward" (12 grants).
Who are Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include University of Wisconsin-Madison ($134,728), University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Foundation ($76,540) and University of Wisconsin-Platteville ($51,818), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 55% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Wisys Technology Foundation Inc?
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc reported $3.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.6M.
What does Wisys Technology Foundation Inc fund?
WiSys’s stated mission is “Supporting Universities of Wisconsin faculty, staff, students, and alumni to innovate for impact.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Wisys Technology Foundation Inc?
For Spark, use the WiSys application and follow the participating campus’s internal process; proposals must be submitted by the campus Authorized Organizational Representative or Sponsored Programs Officer. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's EIN?
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1992463. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Live grants for the work Wisys Technology Foundation Inc funds
Education Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Wisys Technology Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/wisys-technology-foundation-inc-morg_23e507246a2449039b5fa04081e9818b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_391992463_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Wisys Technology Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/wisys-technology-foundation-inc-morg_23e507246a2449039b5fa04081e9818b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Wisys Technology Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Wisys Technology Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?