Best Columbia County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Nonprofit organizations planning capital projects in arts, education, or health in Columbia County, Wisconsin can seek support for community-impact initiatives. RCU Foundation provides Wisconsin and Minnesota nonprofits with grants for projects showing strong need, broad community benefit, and sustainability, especially in areas near Royal Credit Union office locations.

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.

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 Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

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.

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

The Fund for Lake Michigan Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of Lake Michigan through projects that yield both immediate and long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions focusing on water quality improvement. Grants range from $700,000 to $900,000 quarterly, with priorities on projects that directly impact water quality and promote sustainable practices. This grant fosters economic growth while ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

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.

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.

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 W.I.L.D. Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from designated high schools in several counties. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need, although it is not a requirement. This initiative aims to foster leadership development and enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing further studies in accredited institutions.

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, 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 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.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

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.

Research institutions and organizations conducting fisheries and ichthyology studies in Columbia County, Wisconsin can apply for Great Lakes Fisheries Trust’s ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations program; awards up to US $1,300,000 for ecological and biological research, tools, and capacity-building that inform fishery management and support resilient, self-sustaining fish communities.

Nonprofits and other organizations restoring fish and aquatic habitats in Columbia County, Wisconsin can access funding through the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust; awards up to US $750,000 for prime habitat protection and restoration projects. Eligible capital projects include land acquisition, dam removal, fish passage, and connectivity enhancements where other funders and long-term management are in place.

Grants from Nestlé Purina help Columbia County, Wisconsin animal welfare nonprofits fund capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter work. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations in the U.S., with priority for those within 50 miles of Purina’s St. Louis headquarters or its manufacturing locations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth baseball, softball, or related youth programs in Columbia County, Wisconsin can receive in-kind support through Minnesota Twins Community Fund. The Minnesota Twins Grant provides donated items to help local groups raise funds, with requests submitted online at least six weeks before the event.

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 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 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.