Best Ashland County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, and churches in Ashland County, Wisconsin can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Samuel F. Atkins and Barbara H. Atkins Memorial Fund, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for basic needs or animal welfare projects. Funding can support special projects, equipment, or general operating costs, with priority for services involving animals that address human needs.

The Anishinabe Fund Grant, offered by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to promote Anishinabe knowledge and culture in community improvement projects. It prioritizes collaborations that respect Anishinabe traditions and encourages co-funding initiatives. Eligible applicants must be charitable organizations located in specific counties of Wisconsin and Minnesota, ensuring that funding supports local communities while honoring Anishinabe heritage.

Graduating seniors and current college students in agriculture fields from Ashland County high schools can receive $1,000 toward study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Focused on agricultural education, Ashland County Community Foundation invites students, especially those in animal agriculture, to apply for the Carl & Thelma Stitzlein Cattlemen's Association Scholarship.

Ashland County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can access funding for biodiversity projects such as habitat preservation, restoration, environmental education, and climate adaptation planning. The Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Biodiversity Fund- Small Grants provide US $5,000 - US $50,000 for one-year, community-centered efforts in the Duluth-Superior region, including Ashland County.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Ashland County, Wisconsin can seek funding for transformational projects that advance opportunity, resilience, and belonging. With a mission to strengthen community systems, Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides up to US $300,000 for collaborative, equity-centered initiatives, systems change efforts, and community-led solutions.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Ashland County, Wisconsin can seek funding for transformational projects that address equity, opportunity, resilience, and belonging. Grants from Boreal Waters Community Foundation offer up to US $300,000 for community-led initiatives, systems change efforts, and long-term capacity building that strengthen local nonprofits and residents.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Ashland County, Wisconsin can seek funding for transformational projects that build resilience, opportunity, and belonging. Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Transformation Grant offers up to US $300,000 for collaborative, equity-centered initiatives that address root causes, strengthen systems, and enhance long-term community stability and capacity.

Focused on music education, Ashland County Community Foundation invites Ashland County, Wisconsin students pursuing college majors or minors in violin, viola, cello, or string bass to apply for the Carol Pederson Music Scholarship. Graduating seniors or recent graduates connected to Ashland County schools or the Mansfield Youth Orchestra may be eligible.

Graduating seniors from Hillsdale High School and continuing college students planning to study agriculture or animal sciences can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year colleges. Grants from Ashland County Community Foundation help students with FFA or 4-H experience and at least a 2.5 GPA, which may benefit Ashland County, Wisconsin families seeking higher education aid.

The Elizabeth Pastor Ashland University Music Education Scholarship supports music students at Ashland University, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Pastor, a renowned pianist and educator. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing a music-related career, reflecting Pastor's belief in the transformative power of art. Established through her estate plan, it embodies her commitment to fostering musical talent and enriching the community through education and the arts.

The June G. Patton Memorial Graduate Scholarship, established by the Ashland University Rho Nu at Large chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, honors Dr. June G. Patton's legacy in nursing education. This scholarship supports graduate students with a BSN pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. Active members of Rho Nu at Large are eligible to apply, and past recipients may reapply. Most awards are designated for Ashland County residents, contributing to the community's educational advancement.

The Lighthouse Wealth Management Scholarship is designed for residents of Ashland County who aim to pursue a major in Business or Finance at an accredited college or university. This scholarship welcomes applications from high school seniors, continuing students, and non-traditional students, ensuring that financial support is available for those committed to their education. Prior recipients are eligible to reapply, fostering continued support for their academic journeys.

Graduating high school seniors and adult residents pursuing college in Ashland County, Wisconsin can receive scholarship support for two- or four-year degree programs. Ashland County Community Foundation provides this Altrusa Club of Ashland Scholarship for students with a 2.5–3.0 GPA, helping nontraditional and traditional learners advance their education and career preparation.

Graduating high school seniors and past recipients in the Ashland County 4-H Program planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year college can apply for this academic scholarship in Ashland County, Wisconsin. Grants from Ashland County Community Foundation support higher education costs, with selection based on 4-H involvement, activities or work experience, and financial need.

Graduating high school seniors and current college students in Ashland County, Wisconsin, pursuing agriculture-related majors can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year colleges. Ashland County Community Foundation partners with Ashland County Farm Bureau to assist local youth with at least a 2.5 GPA who are preparing for higher education in agriculture.

The Ashland County Pilot's Association created the Leo K. Heyl Memorial Scholarship to honor Leo's passion for aviation. This scholarship assists high school seniors from Ashland County or neighboring areas, particularly those majoring in Aviation, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. It reflects the foundation's commitment to nurturing future aviators and maintaining Leo's legacy, ensuring that his love for flying continues to inspire new generations.

Graduating high school seniors in Ashland County, Wisconsin planning to study wildlife-related fields can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year colleges, trade or tech schools, or vocational programs. Grants from Ashland County Community Foundation help students with a 3.0+ GPA, including home-schooled and career center students, pursue higher education in wildlife-focused disciplines.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college and academic study in Ashland County, Wisconsin can receive scholarship support for higher education costs through the Bill and Cay Harris Scholarship. Ashland County Community Foundation awards this scholarship to students with at least a 2.5 GPA, with preference for history or social studies majors; past recipients may reapply.

Nursing students and registered nurses pursuing advanced nursing degrees at Ashland University can receive scholarship support through the Dr. Carol J. Chrisman Nursing Scholarship. Focused on higher education and nursing, Ashland County and surrounding-area applicants, including those in public/community health, may benefit from this Ashland County Community Foundation opportunity.

Students pursuing baccalaureate nursing degrees in the U.S. can apply for the Edwin and Ina Ayers Scholarship to support their higher education costs. Offered by Ashland County Community Foundation, this scholarship may benefit Ashland County, Wisconsin residents preparing for nursing careers and seeking academic scholarship assistance.

The Judith Halama Ebert Scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, pursuing Education, particularly in Special Education. Established by Judy Ebert, a passionate advocate for education, the scholarship reflects her commitment to assist students demonstrating leadership and community engagement. This initiative not only honors Judy's educational legacy but also fosters future educators who will positively impact the community.

The Max L. and Marilyn Harshman Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school graduates who are in their senior year of college majoring in Social Work. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing their educational goals while contributing to the community through their chosen field.

About Us

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation was established in 1983 by visionary community leaders. We are a collection of hundreds of endowed funds established by individuals, families, private foundations, and businesses to enhance the quality of life in our region. Since our inception, we have distributed more than $40 million in grants and scholarships and currently administer over 360 different funds, each with its own charitable purpose. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation promotes private giving for the public good.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus

Projects must enhance the ability of organizations, families, or communities to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from challenges, creating sustainable, long-term solutions that reduce risk and promote resilience.

Examples include:

• Leveraging partnerships and resources to implement scalable, lasting solutions that strengthen community resilience.
• Expanding access to knowledge, training, and tools that improve economic, social, or environmental stability for individuals and families.
• Developing community-driven solutions that address housing stability, food security, workforce resilience, or climate adaptation.
• Applying innovative or proven strategies that increase a community’s ability to prepare for and respond to systemic challenges (e.g., disaster preparedness, economic shifts, public health crises).

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus

Creating spaces and opportunities where all people are valued, heard, and are able to thrive. Projects amplify voices, foster creative expression, and create a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Examples:  

• Elevates diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.  
• Embraces the common humanity of all individuals.
• Implements practices that increase connection, respect, and safety.
• Strengthens community bonds and promotes equity for all.

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus 

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

Nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Ashland County, Wisconsin can seek $25,000 - $50,000 to advance economic stability and opportunity for residents. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds programs, operations, and capacity-building that expand affordable housing, create living-wage jobs, support education access, and strengthen long-term economic well-being.

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations focused on environmental conservation and education in Ashland County, Wisconsin and the western Lake Superior watershed can request up to US $25,000 for operating, capital, start-up, technical assistance, or program support. With a mission to protect regional natural resources, Boreal Waters Community Foundation prioritizes groups rooted in and serving historically marginalized communities.

Nonprofits, public entities, tribal governments, and faith-based organizations serving Ashland County, Wisconsin can seek support for projects advancing peace, justice, human rights, economic well-being, and environmental sustainability. With a mission to strengthen global awareness, Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides funding for initiatives like global education, media on international issues, conferences, and peace and justice centers.