Best Dane County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Mental Health & Counseling Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in mental health and counseling:

• Programs and services that improve life for those with physical and mental challenges.
• We support programs that help students deal with a mental health diagnosis and life stressors, to help navigate the changes that occur during early childhood development through college.

The Richard L. Reetz Engineering Scholarship offers four non-renewable awards of $2,500 each for students majoring in engineering at UW institutions. Eligible applicants must be enrolling as sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to support engineering students in their educational journey, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed during their academic careers.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation After-School Enrichment Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in after-school enrichment:

• Programs with trained instructors that provide students with opportunities to participate in enrichment activities to learn new things and develop skills they will find useful in real life.

Adams Collaborate Public Service Advertising Program

The Adams Collaborate Public Service Advertising Program is designed to uplift local non-profits by giving them the chance to partner with Adams Outdoor Advertising and receive a professionally crafted outdoor advertising campaign—free of charge. This program is an opportunity for organizations to elevate their message, strengthen their brand, and expand their reach across the communities they serve.

Each year, we donate billboard space to local non-profit organizations who are selected through our application process. These year-long campaigns provide our partners with branding and awareness across many of our markets – helping our Collaborate partners amplify their mission and connect with more people in the communities.

Organizations chosen for the 2026 program will be invited to give a brief presentation at our office, showcasing the work you do and how outdoor advertising can help advance your cause.

What finalists receive

After the interview process, finalists will be selected to receive:

• A complete year-long billboard branding campaign, serving millions of impressions.
• Dedicated Adams Outdoor Advertising team to concept, design, and install your campaign.
• Featured marketing content on the Adams Outdoor website and in press releases, email, and social media channels.

The Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on health & wellness, hunger, and youth education. Since its inception in 2013, the foundation has granted over $800,000 to eligible organizations that align with these key areas. Applications from 501(c)(3) entities are prioritized, with a one-year waiting period for previous grantees. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare and making a positive impact.

The Madison Rotary Foundation's Student Veterans Assistance Fund supports veterans in need of financial aid for urgent living expenses. Established by generous donations, this fund assists eligible veterans, including those enrolled in local colleges, with housing, utilities, medical costs, and textbooks. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including residency and service requirements, to qualify for this one-time grant. This initiative honors the sacrifices of veterans and aims to ease their financial burdens during their educational pursuits.

Tax-exempt public charitable organizations serving disadvantaged children and youth in Dane County, Wisconsin can apply for Kids Fund grants up to US $5,000 to support local programs. Funding can enhance existing services, launch start-up efforts, or pilot projects in areas like youth development, mental health, disabilities, recreation, and family support.

Dane County, Wisconsin students pursuing higher education can access funding through the Quest for Truth Scholarship, which offers a one-time US $1,000 award for college costs. Administered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, this scholarship supports full-time students at UW institutions who demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing.

Students from Dane County, Wisconsin pursuing full-time study at a 2- or 4-year UW institution can receive a one-time US $600 Sara Ruth Krueger Memorial Scholarship for cost of attendance. Grants from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region may benefit local nonprofits that support college preparation and persistence for these students.

Dane County, Wisconsin students pursuing business-related majors at UW institutions can receive support for their first semester of post-secondary education through the Van Wyk Family Scholarship. Administered by Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, this one-time US $2,000 award assists with cost of attendance for eligible academic scholarship recipients.

High school graduates planning to attend a UW institution and pursuing post-secondary education can receive support for tuition through the Verne Imhoff Scholarship in Dane County, Wisconsin and other eligible counties. Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region offers one non-renewable US $2,000 award for the first semester to students maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA.

The Veldor Kopitzke Scholarship, established in 2004, supports students pursuing degrees in Business or Economics at UW institutions. Named after a dedicated community member and Professor Emeritus of Economics, this scholarship awards $800, non-renewable, for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must register as full-time students in their chosen fields. This scholarship honors Professor Kopitzke's commitment to education and community service.

The Edgerton Community Fund Grant, established in 2001, serves as a permanent financial resource for the Edgerton community. Each year, this fund distributes grants to local non-profits, schools, and government agencies, aligning philanthropy with community needs. Managed by a volunteer board, it emphasizes supporting charitable programs that enhance the community's welfare and development.

The Madison Rotary Foundation's Innovation Grants Program offers one-time grants up to $5,000 to inspire local non-profits in the Madison area to implement innovative solutions for community challenges. With approximately $50,000 available for grants, organizations are encouraged to explore new services, improve existing programs, and reach underserved demographics. This initiative aims to foster creativity and enhance the support provided to those in need, making a significant impact in the community.

The William Guither Science Scholarship, established in 1981 and named in honor of Emeritus Professor William Guither, offers a $2,500 award to full-time students majoring in a science-related field at a UW institution. The scholarship provides $1,250 for each of the fall and spring semesters. To maintain eligibility, students must uphold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. This scholarship supports future scientists and acknowledges academic excellence in the physical sciences.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

501(c)(3) public charities and government entities in Dane County, Wisconsin can apply for Madison Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grants, awarding up to US $50,000 for programs, capital projects, or endowment challenges. Funding supports arts and culture, community development, environment, learning, and organizational capacity building to improve quality of life for local residents.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

Students from Dane County, Wisconsin and other eligible Wisconsin counties pursuing studies at any UW institution can receive a one-time US $900 scholarship for fall semester expenses. Grants from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region honor Emeritus Professor John D. Silha and may benefit local nonprofits that support college access and persistence.

The Wahlin Foundation Grant aims to support charitable initiatives in communities near Stoughton Trailers, LLC manufacturing plants. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply, but unsolicited requests may not always be invited to submit a full application. The foundation emphasizes projects that enhance community opportunities, while ensuring that funding does not conflict with the ethical standards of its Board of Directors. This grant fosters local development and enriches lives within the targeted regions.

The Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in south-central and southeastern Wisconsin that promote strong families and healthy children. Each August, eligible organizations can apply for funding to help empower youth to achieve their dreams. This initiative not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a healthier future for generations to come, with award notifications sent out in November.

The Dane County Parks Conservation Fund Grant Program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governmental units for acquiring land or land interests as outlined in the Dane County Parks & Open Space Plan. It emphasizes partnerships to maximize County funding, allocating up to 20% of the Conservation Fund for these grants. Applications are accepted year-round, but a preliminary meeting is required before submission to discuss the project details.

The Legacy UW-Fox Cities Foundation General Scholarship offers four non-renewable awards of $500 each for students enrolling in the fall semester at a 2-year or 4-year UW institution. To remain eligible, students must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment. This scholarship is funded by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, which supports local educational initiatives.