Best Dane County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

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 Education 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 education:

• Programs and services that offer a range of activities and academic support, such as
  • homework help,
  • tutoring, and
  • extracurricular activities.
• Scholarships and financial support that help students meet their required expenses while in school.

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.

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.

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 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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, International Paper Company Foundation provides Dane County, Wisconsin nonprofits and public entities with US $2,500 - US $10,000 for education, hunger relief, health and wellness, disaster relief, and environmental initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, qualifying government units, and organizations in good standing near International Paper operations can apply within the annual grant cycle.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dane County, Wisconsin can seek project support for community development, education, environment, health and human services, or arts and culture. With a mission to strengthen local communities, We Energies Foundation provides funding to programs in communities it serves; organizations are generally eligible for one grant per calendar year.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

The SWE Wisconsin Section Scholarship, established in memory of Martha Maxwell, supports female undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees at accredited colleges in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Eligible applicants must be full-time students with sophomore standing or higher, graduating after December 31, 2025. The scholarship aims to encourage young women in engineering, honoring Martha's passion for inspiring future generations in STEM fields.

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.

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 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 Michael J. O’Brien Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Michael O’Brien, a dedicated educator and author from Green Bay, WI. This $700 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in history, political science, or international relations at a UW institution. Eligible candidates must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment. The scholarship, established in memory of Michael by his family, aims to recognize individuals with outstanding character and leadership, reflecting his commitment to education and mentorship.

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 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.

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.

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 IRONMAN Foundation's Community Grant Program aims to create a positive impact through financial support and volunteerism in select communities. Since its inception in 2003, the program has contributed over $60 million to more than 10,000 charitable initiatives worldwide, focusing on athletics, community health, and public benefit. Grants prioritize organizations that foster youth involvement in sports and meet specific community needs, ensuring measurable outcomes from funded projects.

The Schlecht Family Foundation offers Capacity Building Grants aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness and efficiency for nonprofits in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These grants support innovative solutions to community challenges, focusing on meaningful work, character development for youth, and fostering connections to nature. Eligible organizations must be 501-C3 registered or have a fiscal sponsor and must not engage in lobbying or political activities. Grants are tailored to meet specific needs, promoting sustainable impact.

The Schlecht Family Foundation Inc is committed to transforming communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin through innovative support for organizations. Their grantmaking focuses on capacity building, seed funding, general operating grants, and impact investments, aiming to empower individuals through meaningful work, foster connections to nature, and help youth develop essential life skills. The foundation prioritizes organizations that align with their mission and avoid funding capital campaigns or endowments.

The University of Wisconsin Publishing Subvention program, overseen by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, aims to support tenure-track faculty by subsidizing the publication costs of peer-reviewed scholarly monographs. This initiative seeks to lower book prices, enhance the dissemination of research, and bolster the open-access publishing ecosystem in the humanities and social sciences. Funding is directly provided to publishers, ensuring the authors can effectively share their work with a broader audience.

The Widen Family Foundation Grant, based in Madison, WI, supports local nonprofits focused on education, small business growth, and community advocacy. With funding ranging from $500 to $100,000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance educational opportunities, promote entrepreneurship, and ensure basic needs are met. Grant recipients must provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. However, requests for capital campaigns and staff salaries receive lower priority, and funds cannot be used for prior expenses or election influences.

The Oscar Rennebohm Foundation Grant aims to enhance education, health care, research, and human services in the Madison area. This foundation supports innovative projects and initiatives that positively impact the community, particularly focusing on senior support services and K-12 mental health programs. Organizations eligible for funding must be recognized as public charities under IRS regulations. The foundation encourages applicants to verify their proposals with the President before submission, ensuring alignment with grant requirements.

The Schlecht Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at transformative support for organizations in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These grants prioritize capacity building, innovative ideas, and measurable impacts. Eligible applicants must be 501-C3 organizations or have fiscal sponsors, and should not engage in lobbying. The foundation emphasizes meaningful work, character development for youth, and connections to nature for improved community well-being.

The Schlecht Family Foundation Inc offers Seed Grants aimed at nonprofit and social enterprise organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofits launching new programs in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These one-time grants support innovative ideas addressing community challenges and enhancing organizational effectiveness. The foundation seeks applicants dedicated to meaningful work, youth character development, and fostering connections to nature, ensuring a positive impact on the communities they serve.

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.