The Rising Fund: Responsible AI Funding Cycle Grant

The Rising Fund by New Rising Ventures is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering social entrepreneurs who are reimagining democracy through innovative AI solutions. With a focus on enhancing equity and community engagement, this funding cycle seeks to support early-stage organizations that can catalyze meaningful change. By providing $50K in unrestricted grants and additional resources, the fund aims to strengthen civic life and build social power for marginalized communities across the U.S.

Our signature four activities include investments and grantmaking, portfolio support, field building, and convenings.
Social entrepreneurs working on mission-oriented projects face unique barriers to funding and scaling their organizations: access to capital, introductions and networking opportunities, experienced advice, and peer-to-peer relationships that serve as a critical layer of support.
Strengthen trustworthy media ecosystems:AI-powered tools or platforms that counter disinformation, democratize information access, amplify trusted sources, challenge corporate influence over media and culture in new and unexpected ways, etc.Reimagine civic engagement: AI applications that foster democratic participation, make institutions more accessible, bolster community organizing or create new pathways for community-led decision-making, etc.Enhance civic life and public interest technology: AI innovations that strengthen community infrastructure, or improve access to essential resources in areas like worker and immigrant rights, climate resilience, reproductive and LGBTQ+ protections, and beyond.
Early-stage organizations with bold ideas and community-rooted leadershipSolutions with strong potential to scaleOrganizations where a $50K grant/investment would be truly catalyticTeams based in the U.S. or working toward national impact
Award Information
$50K in unrestricted grants.
A network of founders where leaders ask questions, identify problems, and surface solutions in community.Webinars and one-on-one coaching to help new leaders navigate organizational and operational challenges, like setting goals and managing cash on hand.Catalyzing additional funding by connecting them to donors at our events and at other times of the year when possible.Virtual and in-person events

Eligibility

Nonprofit criteriaWe are only able to fund organizations with:National impact in the U.S.: We can only fund nonprofit organizations (c3, and fiscally sponsored projects) headquartered in the US, with a focus on the US.At a stage where $50K in funding would be catalytic (as a proxy, we use an annual operating budget of <$1.5M).For-Profit criteriaWe prioritize and seek out early-stage startups that meet the following criteria:Stage: Seed-stage companies that have raised less than $2 million and operate with an investable legal structure.  Innovation: Startups offering innovative solutions or scalable tech tools with strong growth potential.  Impact: Startups dedicated to empowering historically overlooked communities and building their social power.  Funding Need: Startups for which $50K in funding would be transformative. (As a guideline, we consider those with total fundraising to date under $2.5 million.)  Location & Focus: Based in the U.S. or working to create a significant national impact.