Best Columbia County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is committed to community support through philanthropy, providing jobs and financial assistance. Their Heart of Canal Street program has donated over $13.6 million since 1994, helping local children. They recycle used playing cards for nonprofit organizations and donate auction items for fundraising events within a 125-mile radius. However, they do not support K-12 schools or for-profit entities, ensuring their contributions are directed to those in need.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Columbia County, Wisconsin can apply for Old National Bank Foundation grants of approximately US $15,000 to support community-impact programs. Grants from Old National Bank help fund affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, and financial empowerment initiatives, with priority for underrepresented and low- to moderate-income communities within the bank’s regional footprint.

Columbia County, Wisconsin environmental and boating-related nonprofits can access funding through Great Lakes Foundation to support marine safety education, wilderness preservation, and cruising-related projects on the Great Lakes. Eligible 501(c)(3) efforts may include research, infrastructure like breakwaters or dredging, and public education that enhances appreciation and protection of Great Lakes cruising areas.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities running food access or nutrition education programs in Columbia County, Wisconsin can seek support for comprehensive malnutrition and hunger alleviation initiatives. Bayer Fund provides funding for experienced, financially sound organizations in designated legacy-Monsanto communities, including programs like food pantries, school backpack efforts, community gardens, and behavior-change nutrition education.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Great Lakes ecosystem and water resource projects in Columbia County, Wisconsin can access funding through the Great Lakes Protection Fund to achieve measurable, regionally significant ecological improvements. The Fund supports collaborative, science-based initiatives worldwide from nonprofits, universities, governments, businesses, and individuals that deliver transformational, basin-wide benefits to the Great Lakes through real-world, action-oriented solutions.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

With a mission to support bird conservation, The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin provides Columbia County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities with up to US $3,500 for ornithology-related conservation, preservation, and education projects. Eligible programs must serve the Driftless Area counties of southwest Wisconsin and may include citizen science initiatives or academic studies focused on bird conservation.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. 

Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.Columbus Area Endowment GrantColumbus Area Endowment Grant (CAE) is dedicated to enhancing the educational, cultural and economic vitality of the Columbus area for present and future generations. It supports the community’s quality of life through charitable grants. Interest areas include cultural enrichment, community development, education, environment and historic preservation.

CAE awards grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the Columbus and Fall River communities in parts of Dane, Columbia and Dodge Counties.

Specifically, we provide:

• Program grants that support new programs or expand existing programs that have a track record of success.
• Capital grants that support construction or purchase of facilities, land, vehicles or equipment.

Nonprofit, charitable, and educational organizations addressing health and wellness, hunger, or youth education in Columbia County, Wisconsin can seek up to US $5,000 to support community programs. Grants from Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation help local 501(c)(3)s improve general welfare through cancer care, food access, K–12 education, and youth development initiatives.

The Seneca Foods Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. Since 1988, it has provided funding for education, community assistance, and internships. The Foundation prioritizes organizations connected to Seneca employees, located near its operational facilities, and those that align with its mission. It requires documented performance results and considers only one request per organization annually, ensuring that grants foster measurable impact within the communities served.

Nonprofit organizations in south-central and southeastern Wisconsin serving Columbia County, Wisconsin, can apply for the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation Grant to support programs that build strong families and healthy kids. Funding may benefit child welfare, youth development, children’s health, mental health, and early childhood initiatives in eligible communities.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Columbia County, Wisconsin can apply for funding to purchase specialized emergency response equipment. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Compeer Financial provides up to US $7,500 toward items like chest compression systems, hydraulic extrication tools, or oxygen tank refill equipment for regional response teams.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Columbia County, Wisconsin, that run digital literacy or broadband education programs for families or seniors may be eligible for US $2,500 - US $50,000. Charter Communications supports existing programs in Spectrum service areas that bridge the digital divide and can report clear impact metrics for low-income or multicultural communities.

Farmers market vendors in Columbia County, Wisconsin can receive up to US $500 to improve education, marketing, or technology for their booths, including branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and display equipment. Grants from Compeer Financial help eligible client vendors strengthen their presence at bona fide farmers markets serving local agricultural producers.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

With a mission to support hunger relief, military and veterans services, and hope-focused programs, this grant provides Columbia County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for local community impact. Eligible organizations must align with Hunger, Heroes and Hope and be located within 30 miles of a SpartanNash store, office, or distribution center.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

Columbia County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt charitable organizations seeking to pilot innovative community services can apply for Madison Rotary Foundation Innovation Grants of up to US $5,000. Funding supports one-time projects that test new programs, partnerships, efficiencies, or service approaches to better serve people in need in the greater Madison area, including Columbia County.