Stephen And Laurel Brown Foundation Incorporated

Open & Accessible
Private Foundation
MADISON, WisconsinMediumEIN: 462022174
ChurchesReligious and Faith-based OrganizationsReligious Educational InstitutionsCommunity Service Clubs

SL Brown Foundation (Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation) is a Madison, WI–based private foundation operating initiatives such as Upper House and the Lumen Center that focus on Christian study, hospitality, and campus programs. The site includes program descriptions, events, team and board pages, and contact details ([email protected], Madison address). IRS/Form 990 records and third‑party funder databases confirm the foundation distributes grants, though the website does not present a public grants application form.

Source: Website · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

A small or medium faith‑based nonprofit or campus ministry that advances Christian study, faculty/student engagement, or seed/Project‑level programs aligned with the foundation's Lumen Center / Upper House priorities.

Good Fit

  • Programs that integrate Christian faith with academic life or campus ministry.
  • Project‑level activities such as faculty fellowships, convenings, podcasts, or curricular pilots.
  • Willingness to accept relatively small, seed or single‑year grants.
  • Existing ties or credible introductions into the foundation's Wisconsin network or to listed staff.

Geography

Broad

Observed grants went to organizations in seven states (WI, CA, VA, MN, NC, NY, MA), indicating a multi‑state footprint even though about two‑thirds of dollars were directed to Wisconsin.

Recipient Variety

Moderate

The latest year shows eight distinct independent recipients across several states, which demonstrates a moderate breadth, but heavy dollar concentration into a single grantee tempers the observed variety.

New Applicants

Restrictive

The foundation explicitly indicates it funds only preselected recipients and the filing shows no public application path; with only one year of history available, direct turnover cannot be tested, but the preselection statement and funding concentration make unsolicited entry unlikely.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026