Search Through Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin in the U.S.

Background

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of underserved communities across the globe by supporting scalable, innovative, and impact-first solutions that leverage existing systems and stakeholders. Our goal is to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic products or services that have a proven ability to positively impact the lives of underserved people, and nurture those organizations at the early stages by providing capacity, capital, and community.

Our application process is designed to be open and accessible, and we accept applications year round from across our priority geographies and sectors. Borrowing from our venture capital legacy, we find exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with: 

Capacity

• The core of DRK’s model is deep and extensive operational and technical support for each portfolio organization, both through dedicated hands-on Board service and specialist capacity-building resources for fundraising, board and organizational development, leadership, financial support, and scaling strategy,

Capital

• DRK provides up to $300,000 USD in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over a three-year period, and

Community

• DRK convenes our portfolio and alumni annually, facilitating connections and community. 

What We Fund

DRK Foundation funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

What stage of growth does DRK Foundation typically fund?

Early stage: Organizations who are early stage, which we define as post-pilot and pre-scale. This typically means: 

• Your program, product or service is already being used in the market or in the field, 
• You have early indication that your model is having its intended impact on the beneficiary populations,
• Your organization is relatively young (ideally between two and five years old, although we will consider both younger and older organizations).

Venture funding: In the case of for profits, we typically support Seed to Series A organizations, and never lead rounds; we also generally but not exclusively refrain from participating in financings exceeding a $15M USD post-money valuation.  

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

La Crosse Community Foundation

Mission

Connecting people, passion, and giving in the La Crosse area forever.

Vision

The catalyst for a vibrant, generous, and inclusive community.

Funding

La Crosse Area Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations with missions aimed at enhancing the quality of life in La Crosse County Wisconsin. In 2024, we awarded $1,052,149 in competitive grants across our eight impact areas: Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement, Culture & Diversity, Education, Environment, Faith, Health & Human Services, and Recreation & Wellness.

Micro Grants

Micro grants are designed to be responsive to the needs of nonprofit organizations serving La Crosse County who may otherwise have limited access to resources. La Crosse Community Foundation has allocated $70,000 this calendar year specifically for nonprofits seeking awards of $250 - $3,000 for projects offering a new strategy, improved strategy, or to support growth in order to meet community needs/demand.

Our Approach

The Midwest Climate & Energy program uses its philanthropic funding to support efforts that build power through partnership, aligning climate and equity goals to advance bold action on the climate crisis.

Our program takes a systems change lens, focusing on shifting the conditions that perpetuate the climate crisis, which include structural racism. We direct grantmaking toward work that shifts mental models, changes power dynamics, engages communities, and advances transformative policies, practices, and resource flows, in order to dramatically cut carbon pollution in the Midwest by 2030.

Our Strategies

Transform the Energy System

We aim to ensure that the Midwest equitably transitions to an energy grid capable of powering an increasingly electrified society – a grid that’s powered by clean energy sources, accessible and affordable to ratepayers, and flexible and resilient to accommodate more clean power and withstand disruptive events.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Engage the utility sector and related decision-making venues as a crucial lever for system transformation.
• Amplify stories of the clean energy transition and combat mis- and disinformation.
• Expand solutions that advance customer options for clean energy that is accessible, equitable, and affordable.
• Elevate voices that are representative of the rich diversity of the Midwest.

Decarbonize Transportation

We aim to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in the Midwest through electrification and reducing driving (vehicle miles traveled, or “VMT”) by increasing the use of transit, biking, and other mobility options. We support the Midwest States leading in transportation infrastructure implementation that is equitable, and sustainable and ensures that everyone has access to clean, affordable, and accessible transportation mobility options.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Support increased public sector investment in transit, active transportation modes, and other shared mobility options.
• Support the equitable deployment and implementation of electrification infrastructure.
• Elevate the engagement of diverse Midwest communities to advance transportation planning that prioritizes climate and equity and repairs historical harms resulting from discriminatory policies.

Decarbonize Buildings

We aim to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings sector in the Midwest, cutting energy usage, electrifying equipment and appliances, and resolving the energy insecurities and burdens of under-resourced households.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Engage with the utility sector and related decision-making venues as a crucial lever for building decarbonization.
• Raise the bar on building performance to incorporate increasingly electrified end-uses, promote health, safety, and comfort, and center the real needs of people.
• Bridge across sectors and break down silos to fundamentally shift the paradigm for how buildings are built.
• Scale innovation to advance real-world examples of carbon-free buildings in the Midwest.

Support Working Lands

We aim to partner with the stewards of working lands to advance solutions that cut greenhouse gas emissions (carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide), sequester carbon, and build soil resiliency in the face of increasing climate disruptions, while centering the leadership of farmers and rural communities’ prosperity.

Our Grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Promote the leadership of farmers and farmer-led organizations to advance climate solutions.
• Build partnerships with public and private sectors to seed and scale farming practices that reduce emissions and sequester carbon.
• Support organizing and advocacy infrastructure in the Midwest for an inclusive farming system with strong workers’ rights that honors Indigenous farming knowledge and has equitable opportunities for low-income, communities of color, and emerging farmers.

Strengthen Democratic Participation

We aim to increase statewide infrastructure and capacity, engage diverse people in advancing our shared prosperity, and create platforms for broader participation in movements to realize vibrant, equitable, and climate-resilient communities.

Our grantmaking through this strategy will:

• Bolster organizations, networks, and intermediaries working to engage and organize communities toward more powerful participation in civic life.
• Ensure our democratic institutions and policymaking arenas are accessible and equipped to meet the challenge of the climate moment. ​

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants

Every day, nonprofits across the St. Croix Valley meet urgent community needs while balancing limited resources, growing demand, and constant change. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program was created to support you — with flexible funding for the people, plans, and systems that keep your organization strong.

​Whether you’re planning for the future, implementing new systems, or collaborating with partners to meet regional needs, these grants are designed to help you build strength for the long haul.

​Funded through the Nonprofit Stability Collaborative Fund, this program invests in the long-term health and sustainability of our region’s nonprofits — so together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Valley. 

What We Fund

Capacity building is an investment in your organization’s ability to grow, sustain impact, and adapt—whether through refinement, expansion, collaboration, or even sunsetting—in service of your mission and the greater good. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program supports organizations at different stages of readiness through four distinct avenues of funding.

• ​Experiences – Learning and professional growth for nonprofit leaders and staff. 
• Planning – Strategic assessments and planning to chart a path forward. 
• Implementation – Putting a clear capacity-building plan into action.
• System-Wide Infrastructure – Shared tools and collaborations that strengthen the entire sector. 

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Experiences – Learning and professional growth for nonprofit leaders and staff

Examples: Executive coaching, peer learning cohorts, leadership training, DEIB learning journeys, or conference participation.

Grant size: Up to $10,000

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants

Every day, nonprofits across the St. Croix Valley meet urgent community needs while balancing limited resources, growing demand, and constant change. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program was created to support you — with flexible funding for the people, plans, and systems that keep your organization strong.

​Whether you’re planning for the future, implementing new systems, or collaborating with partners to meet regional needs, these grants are designed to help you build strength for the long haul.

​Funded through the Nonprofit Stability Collaborative Fund, this program invests in the long-term health and sustainability of our region’s nonprofits — so together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Valley. 

What We Fund

Capacity building is an investment in your organization’s ability to grow, sustain impact, and adapt—whether through refinement, expansion, collaboration, or even sunsetting—in service of your mission and the greater good. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program supports organizations at different stages of readiness through four distinct avenues of funding.

• ​Experiences – Learning and professional growth for nonprofit leaders and staff. 
• Planning – Strategic assessments and planning to chart a path forward. 
• Implementation – Putting a clear capacity-building plan into action.
• System-Wide Infrastructure – Shared tools and collaborations that strengthen the entire sector. 

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Implementation – Putting a clear capacity-building plan into action

Examples: Launching a new CRM or financial system, upgrading operations, expanding fundraising or communications, implementing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, temporary staff or consultants, professional services for organizational change.

Grant size: Up to $100,000 

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants

Every day, nonprofits across the St. Croix Valley meet urgent community needs while balancing limited resources, growing demand, and constant change. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program was created to support you — with flexible funding for the people, plans, and systems that keep your organization strong.

​Whether you’re planning for the future, implementing new systems, or collaborating with partners to meet regional needs, these grants are designed to help you build strength for the long haul.

​Funded through the Nonprofit Stability Collaborative Fund, this program invests in the long-term health and sustainability of our region’s nonprofits — so together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Valley. 

What We Fund

Capacity building is an investment in your organization’s ability to grow, sustain impact, and adapt—whether through refinement, expansion, collaboration, or even sunsetting—in service of your mission and the greater good. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program supports organizations at different stages of readiness through four distinct avenues of funding.

• ​Experiences – Learning and professional growth for nonprofit leaders and staff. 
• Planning – Strategic assessments and planning to chart a path forward. 
• Implementation – Putting a clear capacity-building plan into action.
• System-Wide Infrastructure – Shared tools and collaborations that strengthen the entire sector. 

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Planning – Strategic assessments and planning to chart a path forward

Examples: Organizational assessments, business or strategic plans, succession planning, technology or financial system evaluations, exploration of mergers or restructuring, fundraising or communications strategy, temporary staff or consultants.

Grant size: Up to $25,000 

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

We are here to be transformational - not transactional.

We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.

Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below, and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grant at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.

Meaningful Work

Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it. 

Forging Character

We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life. 

Connections to Nature

We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation. 

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building grants typically cover activities and technical support that enhance the capabilities, knowledge and resources nonprofits need to more effectively achieve their mission. The amount and duration of these grants is commensurate with the need and potential for increased scale and program quality.

We are here to be transformational - not transactional.

We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.

Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grants at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.

Meaningful Work

Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it.

Forging Character

We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life.

Connections to Nature

We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical, and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation. 

Seed Grant

Seed Grants are for nonprofit or social enterprise organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofit organizations starting up a new program or service. Seed Funding grants are one-time grants intended to cover startup activities.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Capacity Building Grants

Strengthening organizations that drive local development

Wisconsin’s Capacity Building Grant Program is designed to further WEDC’s efforts to foster an advanced economic development network within the state of Wisconsin.

Introduction

Background Information:

The Capacity Building (CB) program provides funds to assist economic development focused local, regional, Tribal and state-wide nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to foster an advanced economic development network in Wisconsin by furthering the goals of WEDC in alignment with its Mission and Vision – to strategically invest in Wisconsin and support an economy for all where every Wisconsinite has the opportunity to thrive.

Thrive Rural Wisconsin funds grants made to local economic development organizations, units of government and/or Tribal communities to access financial support that increases their capacity to develop community facilities, community economic development initiatives, and housing projects that will enhance the community as a thriving place to live. Thrive Rural Wisconsin Pilot funds are only available to communities approved in concept prior to submittal of an application.

Cooperative Development Grants support the development of new and existing for-profit and nonprofit entities looking to create or expand a cooperative in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.

Program’s Purpose:

The Capacity Building program is a flexible program – broad project range, financing structure, client type – to quickly help address a variety of economic development issues with WEDC’s not-for-profit / governmental partners. While not an emergency response type tool, it does allow for more rapid response, due to its flexibility, to address the lack of capacity or the need to pilot solutions within Wisconsin’s economy.

The CB program also allows for pilot programs at WEDC to be tested within the CB framework prior to a permanent program being developed (recent examples – Thrive Rural and Cooperative Development).

Finally, the CB program acts as a leading indicator for WEDC staff to spot emerging economic issues that may need a more formal program or type of support, as well as a “learning lab” of vetted ideas to share elsewhere in WEDC’s network of partners. This may involve activity start up or emphasis with other collaborating agencies. Projects must be economic development related, pilot or new idea, replicable, and sharable across the state.

Mission

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

Vision

PFund Foundation invests in thriving and more equitable communities for queer people in the upper Midwest.

PRISM Fund

PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grants support rural LGBTQ+ organizations from across PFund’s five-state service area.

The PRISM program works to increase the capacity and connection of rural LGBTQ+ serving organizations through grants, trainings and cohort collaboration.

PFund builds community and provides resources for LGBTQ+ individuals across the upper Midwest and the First Nations therein.

 Prioritized Communities

The LGBTQ+ community of the upper Midwest is not monolithic. Factors such as age, race/ethnicity, geography, disability, income, and gender all influence the challenges facing queer individuals. PFund Foundation recognizes that some subpopulations of the queer community may need elevated levels of support to achieve equitable outcomes. To address this need, PFund Foundation has identified three prioritized communities who are especially important to our work:

Queer People of Color

LGBTQ+ people who also belong to minority racial and ethnic groups experience additional oppression and discrimination—both inside and outside of queer communities. 

PFund demonstrates its commitment to queer people of color through its programs. 55% of 2022 PFund Scholars identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. During the worst months of the COVID-19 pandemic, PFund launched a $90,000 emergency fund (now known as the Equity Fund) for queer entrepreneurs of color in Minneapolis to help their businesses survive the economic impacts of the coronavirus and unrest following the murder of George Floyd. In 2022, PFund offered a second round of grants from the Equity Fund for queer BIPOC business owners in Minneapolis.

Gender-Expansive People

Transgender, gender-expansive, and nonbinary individuals are being made the targets of discriminatory legislation and scapegoating at the regional and national levels. The pandemic has also disproportionately impacted transgender and gender non-conforming college students: the Williams Institute at UCLA found that transgender students were six times more likely to have been seriously ill or hospitalized with COVID-19 than their cisgender peers. 55% of 2022 PFund Scholars identify as transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, or nonbinary.

Queer People in North and South Dakota

LGBTQ+ people living in North or South Dakota face a unique set of challenges, including the ongoing impacts of high COVID-19 rates, political environments actively hostile to queer and trans individuals, and fewer nonprofit resources for queer communities (especially outside of large cities). PFund estimates there are at least 82,000 queer individuals living in the Dakotas and the foundation is in the process of building a new targeted outreach program to LGBTQ+ people in rural areas the upper Midwest in 2022.

Old National Bank Foundation

The Old National Bank Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations to fund widespread community impact programs and/or projects. The Foundation is part of Old National's overall charitable giving initiative, which enables us to support programs that improve quality of life in areas of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. We believe in supporting where our clients, team members and shareholders live and work.

Funding Priorities

Our funding targets innovative programs that enhance the quality of life within our communities in support of the following four strategic initiatives: Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment. We prioritize programs that serve underrepresented communities and low- to moderate-income people. 

Examples of funding priorities with measurable outcome focus areas include:

Affordable Housing

• Increase Homeownership Opportunities: We seek initiatives that enable individuals and families to purchase homes through accessible financing, down payment assistance, and homeowner education.
• Support Critical Home Repairs and Revitalization: We fund programs that ensure safe, habitable housing by assisting with essential repairs for homes
• Promote Multi-Family Housing Developments: We prioritize programs that develop or sustain affordable rental units

Economic Development

• Small Business Development and Growth: We aim to support programs that help small businesses scale, access resources, and build sustainable growth plans.
• Capacity Building for Technical Support: We encourage projects that enhance the capability of organizations offering technical support to small businesses and nonprofits.
• Entrepreneurship and Business Coaching: We support programs that offer entrepreneurship education, business coaching, and professional development for new or aspiring business owners.

Financial Education

• Old National Bank’s Real-Life Finance e-learning curriculum provides robust financial education training for community partners

Workforce Development

• Access to Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning: We support workforce readiness through initiatives offering hands-on training, particularly in trades and high-demand fields.
• Job Creation, Employment Entry, and Retention: We support projects that connect individuals to stable employment and increasing levels of income. This can include higher education with dual credentialing, leadership and professional development

Financial Empowerment

• Financial Wellness: We fund long-term initiatives that reduce barriers to banking and credit access, especially for underbanked groups. This can include culturally relevant and multilingual outreach, foreclosure prevention, and credit counseling with the goal of financial independence
• Community Lending Access: We support organizations that provide access to affordable microloans, emergency loans, and community cooperative lending as safe and sustainable alternatives to predatory loans

Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants

Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants provide funding for projects and programs that most effectively make a positive impact on the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. 

Focus Areas

The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin’s quarterly Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants application process matches funding with innovative ideas of nonprofits meeting our community’s needs in the focus areas of:

• the Arts,
• Education,
• Health and Human Services, and
• Resource Preservation.

We attempt to understand both the specific objectives of a request and the long-term benefits to be derived by the community if a project receives funding.

What We Fund

We look for proposals that:

• Provide a long-term, tangible difference in meeting a specific need.
  • Examples include capital improvements and equipment needs.
• Provide capacity building resources to escalate your organization’s level of service.
  • An example is new program development.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants

Every day, nonprofits across the St. Croix Valley meet urgent community needs while balancing limited resources, growing demand, and constant change. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program was created to support you — with flexible funding for the people, plans, and systems that keep your organization strong.

​Whether you’re planning for the future, implementing new systems, or collaborating with partners to meet regional needs, these grants are designed to help you build strength for the long haul.

​Funded through the Nonprofit Stability Collaborative Fund, this program invests in the long-term health and sustainability of our region’s nonprofits — so together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Valley. 

What We Fund

Capacity building is an investment in your organization’s ability to grow, sustain impact, and adapt—whether through refinement, expansion, collaboration, or even sunsetting—in service of your mission and the greater good. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program supports organizations at different stages of readiness through four distinct avenues of funding.

• ​Experiences – Learning and professional growth for nonprofit leaders and staff. 
• Planning – Strategic assessments and planning to chart a path forward. 
• Implementation – Putting a clear capacity-building plan into action.
• System-Wide Infrastructure – Shared tools and collaborations that strengthen the entire sector. 

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: System-Wide Infrastructure – Shared tools and collaborations that strengthen the entire sector

Examples: Shared data or referral systems, joint training platforms, shared back-office or HR services, collaborative advocacy or regional knowledge-sharing networks.

Grant size: Up to $250,000 

Rooted in the North. Growing a future where everyone thrives—together.

We believe our northern communities hold the power to shape our shared future. Our name honors the boreal forest, an ecosystem known for its resilience, diversity, and deep-rooted connection.

For over 40 years, we’ve been committed to this work—originally as the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. In 2025, we became Boreal Waters to better reflect the full reach of our region and the growing impact of our mission.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is the heart of our work at Boreal Waters. It’s how we unite generosity across the region to spark bold ideas, strengthen local nonprofits, and create lasting change for communities across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Fund directs resources where they’re needed most—supporting transformative, collaborative projects that help communities thrive, even in times of challenge. And it’s made possible by people like you.

Belonging Grant

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 are:

• 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

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

History

It was the wish of Richard and Ethel Herzfeld that, upon their deaths, their assets would be added to their Foundation dedicated to Wisconsin but with emphasis on the greater Milwaukee area. Since Ethel's death in 1997, the Foundation translated that wish into an investment of many millions of dollars in the community with more to come in the future.

Richard and Ethel lived in Milwaukee and on Pine Lake for most of their lives. Richard’s father was the founder of a company that bought and managed the Boston Store from 1906 to 1948. There, after serving in World War I and graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Richard worked his way up from stock boy in 1920 to president in 1940. Boston Store was sold to Federated Department Stores, Inc. in 1948. Ethel Ann Davis Herzfeld was born in Chicago and attended Milwaukee-Downer College. She received her B.A. degree from Wellesley College in 1920. Her mother, Emma J. Davis, resided on Marietta Avenue in Milwaukee.

Richard and Ethel were active in the Milwaukee community and contributed significant time and resources to enriching cultural life in the city. Sparked by a spirit of innovation and recognizing the need to adapt to an ever-changing world, both took a lively interest in all aspects of the greater Milwaukee area and ways to enhance the quality of life of its institutions and citizens.

What We Support

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Civic Improvement (On a limited basis and by invitation only)

Small Arts Organization Project Grant

Grants are intended to help strengthen the capacity and build the sustainability of small- and medium-sized arts and cultural organizations; and support programs or projects that create opportunities for individuals to have meaningful arts-related experiences, particularly in underserved communities. While we will consider grants to support general operations, priority will be given to applications that propose use of grant monies in ways that enhance capacity-building and long-term organizational fiscal stability for the applicant(s) and that demonstrate innovation in audience-building, revenue enhancement, or financial/organizational management. For applications to support specific programs or projects, priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate or promote collaboration among two or more arts or community-based organizations and expand public access to and awareness of the arts.

Funding

Maximum grant is $25,000, minimum grant is $5,000

La Crosse Community Foundation

Mission

Connecting people, passion, and giving in the La Crosse area forever.

Vision

The catalyst for a vibrant, generous, and inclusive community.

Funding

La Crosse Area Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations with missions aimed at enhancing the quality of life in La Crosse County Wisconsin. Last year, we awarded $1,023,144 in competitive grants across our eight impact areas: Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement, Culture & Diversity, Education, Environment, Faith, Health & Human Services, and Recreation & Wellness.

Mini Grants

Mini grants are part of our historic competitive grants program to be responsive to the needs of nonprofit organizations serving La Crosse County. La Crosse Community Foundation has allocated $100,000 this calendar year specifically for nonprofits seeking awards of $1,000 - $15,000 for result-oriented projects and programs that address a proven community need or priority aimed at making La Crosse County a better place now and for future generations.

La Crosse Community Foundation

Mission

Connecting people, passion, and giving in the La Crosse area forever.

Vision

The catalyst for a vibrant, generous, and inclusive community.

Funding

La Crosse Area Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations with missions aimed at enhancing the quality of life in La Crosse County Wisconsin. Last year, we awarded $1,023,144 in competitive grants across our eight impact areas: Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement, Culture & Diversity, Education, Environment, Faith, Health & Human Services, and Recreation & Wellness.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Program Grants

Capacity-building grants aim to invest in the health and sustainability of nonprofit organizations serving La Crosse County. La Crosse Community Foundation (LCF) has allocated $300,000 this calendar year specifically for nonprofits who need investment in their internal infrastructure to create a more sustainable and effective organization. This year’s capacity building grant opportunity will give preference to applicant organizations with missions aimed at reducing disparities for La Crosse County residents who identify with historically marginalized communities. Individual awards are expected to range from $50,000-$90,000 for a minimum of two consecutive years and will be paired with significant in-kind support through robust, ongoing technical assistance offered throughout the entire grant award period.

Purpose of this Grant

La Crosse Community Foundation is committed to investing in our community’s nonprofit sector through evolving grant programs aimed at meeting needs identified by nonprofits during our recent nonprofit focus groups. We are also committed to building a more equitable and inclusive community by uplifting opportunities for area residents to build social capital across areas of difference.

La Crosse Community Foundation defines social capital as the trust individuals develop with one another through genuine, mutually beneficial relationships, most commonly called friendships. Individuals with high social capital have broad connections across areas of difference that help them endure difficult times and access better opportunities.

Nonprofits are a vital resource for diverse communities, expanding relationships and connecting them with essential services needed to build social capital and thrive. When the infrastructure of these organizations is strengthened, the communities they serve benefit, and our region moves closer to reducing disparities.

The specific purpose of the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program is to align financial support for both general operating and capacity building along with intense, on-going technical assistance to support nonprofits in achieving new levels of organizational strength and effectiveness.

Grantees will closely partner with La Crosse Community Foundation to meet defined goals and manage the tracking and reporting requirements of this grant; they’ll also be asked to share lessons learned with other awardees through quarterly nonprofit networking sessions aimed to build new, trusting relationships across impact areas and organizations to help spur collaboration.

Our Mission

The DRA, through its gaming and entertainment facilities provides for social, economic and community betterment and lessens the burden of Dubuque city and area government, while contributing to the growth and viability of Dubuque area tourism.

Core Grant

• Focus on People Attraction: Population growth, retention, and tourism
• Coaching opportunities provided by the DRA and community partners throughout the grant cycle

Focus for Grant Applications

Applications should align with the mission of People Attraction: Population Growth, Retention and Tourism. This supports the DRA’s mission of fostering social, economic and community betterment while reducing the burden of the City of Dubuque and area government. It also reflects our vision of being a dynamic community resource, acting as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life and financial well-being of the tri-state community.

Capacity Building vs Material Purchases

Historically, the DRA primarily funded material items. However, in 2022, we shifted our approach to prioritize applications that include capacity building alongside material purchases.

What is Capacity Building?

Capacity building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, processes, resources, and strategies that organizations and communities need to adapt, grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Examples of capacity building activities and potential projects:

• Planning Activities: Organizational assessments, strategic planning, and creating development plans/strategies.
• Donor Development: Marketing and communications, online donor portals, and enhancements to the donor experience.
• Strategic Relationships: Strengthening relationships with professional advisors and nonprofit partners.
• Internal Operations: Improvements to donor database, financial management systems, volunteer management, and organizational websites.
• Professional Development: Staff, contractor, or affiliate volunteer attendance at regional or national conferences, or participation in local or online training.
• Financial Audits: First-time audits that open additional funding opportunities for the organization.
• Organization Marketing: Website creation/design, marketing materials, and tools to help promote the organization externally.

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

Rooted in the North. Growing a future where everyone thrives—together.

We believe our northern communities hold the power to shape our shared future. Our name honors the boreal forest, an ecosystem known for its resilience, diversity, and deep-rooted connection.

For over 40 years, we’ve been committed to this work—originally as the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. In 2025, we became Boreal Waters to better reflect the full reach of our region and the growing impact of our mission.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is the heart of our work at Boreal Waters. It’s how we unite generosity across the region to spark bold ideas, strengthen local nonprofits, and create lasting change for communities across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Fund directs resources where they’re needed most—supporting transformative, collaborative projects that help communities thrive, even in times of challenge. And it’s made possible by people like you.

Opportunity Grant

‍Projects empower individuals to achieve economic stability and independence.

Examples:

• Expands access to affordable housing
• Creates jobs that pay a living wage 
• Supports wealth-building opportunities 
• Provides access to high-quality education 
• Strengthens economic well-being through essential support services

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

Rooted in the North. Growing a future where everyone thrives—together.

We believe our northern communities hold the power to shape our shared future. Our name honors the boreal forest, an ecosystem known for its resilience, diversity, and deep-rooted connection.

For over 40 years, we’ve been committed to this work—originally as the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. In 2025, we became Boreal Waters to better reflect the full reach of our region and the growing impact of our mission.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is the heart of our work at Boreal Waters. It’s how we unite generosity across the region to spark bold ideas, strengthen local nonprofits, and create lasting change for communities across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Fund directs resources where they’re needed most—supporting transformative, collaborative projects that help communities thrive, even in times of challenge. And it’s made possible by people like you.

Resilience Grant

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:  

• 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).

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

History

It was the wish of Richard and Ethel Herzfeld that, upon their deaths, their assets would be added to their Foundation dedicated to Wisconsin but with emphasis on the greater Milwaukee area. Since Ethel's death in 1997, the Foundation translated that wish into an investment of many millions of dollars in the community with more to come in the future.

Richard and Ethel lived in Milwaukee and on Pine Lake for most of their lives. Richard’s father was the founder of a company that bought and managed the Boston Store from 1906 to 1948. There, after serving in World War I and graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Richard worked his way up from stock boy in 1920 to president in 1940. Boston Store was sold to Federated Department Stores, Inc. in 1948. Ethel Ann Davis Herzfeld was born in Chicago and attended Milwaukee-Downer College. She received her B.A. degree from Wellesley College in 1920. Her mother, Emma J. Davis, resided on Marietta Avenue in Milwaukee.

Richard and Ethel were active in the Milwaukee community and contributed significant time and resources to enriching cultural life in the city. Sparked by a spirit of innovation and recognizing the need to adapt to an ever-changing world, both took a lively interest in all aspects of the greater Milwaukee area and ways to enhance the quality of life of its institutions and citizens.

What We Support

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Civic Improvement (On a limited basis and by invitation only)

Early Childhood Education Grant

We are currently accepting grant applications from Milwaukee-based licensed nonprofit childcare providers for grants to support early childhood education initiatives.

Grants are intended to help ECE providers in Milwaukee invest in initiatives to improve the quality of their educational services and programming, expand their classroom capacity or hours of operation, improve educator retention and recruitment, build organizational capacity, or enhance financial stability and sustainability. We are particularly interested in proposals that allow ECE providers to implement or scale up new educational initiatives or business-related strategies. In addition, we encourage proposals that involve collaboration between two or more ECE providers or between an ECE provider or providers and one or more community-based organizations or educational nonprofits to offer new early learning opportunities or improve organizational efficiency and sustainability. Providers may apply for more than one grant if a second grant involves a collaboration with at least one additional entity.

Funding

Maximum grant is $60,000, minimum grant is $15,000.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

20th Anniversary Community Grant Program Request for Partnerships

Background

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) is home to the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP), a grantmaking program within SMPH established as the result of a generous endowment gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield United of Wisconsin (BCBS). The Wisconsin Partnership Program is committed to improving health and advancing health equity through investments in community partnerships, education and research.

A true embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea, WPP awards grants to innovative projects and initiatives that propel medical research, enhance health education and workforce development, support community health partnerships, advance health equity and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The work of WPP and its grantees touches all corners of the state, across a wide range of health challenges, communities, populations and geographic areas.

Goal and Description

The 20th Anniversary Community Grant Program is designed to support Wisconsin-based organizations working towards health equity and/or addressing social determinants of health in increasing their capacity. These grants will support projects designed to help organizations work more efficiently and effectively and increase the organization’s ability to advance its mission. Grants are not intended to cover core operating expenses or provide on-going programmatic support.

These capacity-building grants should assist organizations to strengthen their internal systems. Examples could include, but are not limited to:

• IT infrastructure updates or technology improvements
• Strategic, fundraising, communications, marketing, evaluation or business planning or development
• Leadership training, including board development or staff training
• One-time project costs, such as development of a new website or the purchase of software

Funding Scope and Duration

The 20th Anniversary Community grants are for up to $20,000 for one project, for up to one year. The Oversight and Advisory Committee (OAC) anticipates allocating up to ten 20th Anniversary Community grants during this grant cycle depending on the availability of funds.

In addition to the funding provided through this grant, WPP will offer to match each grantee with an established WPP grant recipient to serve as a mentor organization and optimize chances for sustained success. This will allow WPP staff, in addition to mentor organizations and grantees, to learn from, engage and problem-solve together. We believe that experiencing this work together – and looking for mutually beneficial opportunities – will increase the ultimate success and sustainability of these grants.