Best Dane County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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.

The Lynn and Roger Van Vreede Scholarship offers financial support to students attending a 4-year UW institution. The award amount varies and is distributed evenly across the fall and spring semesters. To maintain eligibility, recipients must register as full-time students and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. This scholarship is managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, which aims to support local students in their educational pursuits.

The Patricia S. Warrick Scholarship, established in 2006 by Professor Patricia S. Warrick, offers a $2,500 award split over two semesters for full-time students at UW institutions. This scholarship honors Warrick's legacy in literature and education, supporting aspiring scholars in their academic pursuits. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum of 12 credits to retain their eligibility. This scholarship reflects the commitment to fostering educational excellence in the Fox Valley community.

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.

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.

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 Social Services 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 social services:

• Programs that protect vulnerable children and support families in need of assistance.
• We also support projects that improve community safety and guide youth to become productive and engaged adults.

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 Community Outreach 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 community outreach:

• Programs that provide professional services to under-resourced families who may not otherwise have access.
• We support programs that help to identify existing problems or challenges in our local communities and provide the means and resources to solve them.

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.

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 Mentoring 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 mentoring:

• Programs that pair students with adult mentors who provide guidance and support to help students succeed academically and develop important life skills.
• These can go beyond the classroom, such as sports and recreation enrichment programs.

Graduating high school seniors and continuing college students in Dane County, Wisconsin majoring in arts or theatre at a UW institution can receive US $750 through the Elizabeth Guttenberg Memorial Scholarship. Administered by Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, this non-renewable award considers financial need and requires a minimum 2.0 GPA and full-time enrollment.

The Esther Kliefoth Stutzman Excellence Scholarship, established in 1998 by Charlie Kliefoth, honors his sister's memory. It offers a $1,800 award for high-achieving students from the Fox Valley area attending any 2-year or 4-year UW institution full-time. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate academic excellence. Preference is given to students attending UW-Oshkosh. This scholarship aims to support educational pursuits and foster community growth.

The Fanchon B. Smith Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Carla and Todd Rabe Family and the James and Fanchon Smith Family, supports non-traditional students pursuing higher education. With a non-renewable award of $600, this scholarship is aimed at adult learners aged 22 and older attending 2-year or 4-year UW institutions. Eligibility includes a minimum 2.75 GPA and consideration of financial need, fostering educational opportunities in the Fox Valley Region.

Students pursuing careers in education from select high schools in Dane County and Rock County, Wisconsin can receive scholarship support for college or training. The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin’s JAREA-Kathryn Mary Swingle Memorial Scholarship may benefit education-focused programs that help local students prepare for higher education and teaching careers.

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

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Mount Horeb Community Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the welfare of the Mt. Horeb community since 1988. They provide monetary grants to local organizations and projects, offering a personalized approach to philanthropy. Individuals and groups within the community can apply for funding to support initiatives that enrich the common welfare. However, the foundation does not fund general operating expenses, endowments, or political activities.

County fair boards and similar entities in Dane County, Wisconsin can seek funding to renovate, update, or construct agricultural buildings and livestock facilities through Compeer Financial’s County Fairground Improvement Grant, with awards up to US $4,000. Projects must serve agricultural displays, youth exhibitors, and agriculture education, which may benefit local 501(c)(3) partners.

The Stoughton Area Community Foundation Grants support local organizations and individuals, enhancing community life through charitable funding. Grants range from $300 to $5,000 and focus on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. Established in 1998, the foundation aims to connect donors with causes that matter, fostering collaboration and volunteerism to address local needs. Applications are reviewed annually, with deadlines set for September 15th.

The Waunakee Community Foundation, established in 2004, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Waunakee area by funding impactful projects. This private foundation supports charitable, educational, scientific, recreational, and literary initiatives that address community needs and foster collaboration. Organizations serving the Greater Waunakee Area, especially within the school district, are encouraged to apply, provided they uphold non-discrimination principles.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The J.C. Bubolz Memorial Scholarship provides two $2,000 awards for graduating high school seniors or continuing college students from the Fox Valley area. Eligible applicants must attend a 2-year or 4-year UW institution as full-time students, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship honors Julius Christian Bubolz, who valued education and community support, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.

The Pecatonica Excellence in Education Fund, established in 2010, is an endowment fund managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. It provides vital resources to support the Pecatonica Area Schools, enhancing educational programs and recognizing student achievements. Grants are awarded annually to fund projects that fall outside the district's budget, ensuring that students receive innovative and quality educational opportunities. This initiative strengthens educational programming not typically covered by tax dollars.

The Health Sciences Scholarship, established in 2000 by Emeritus Professor James Hauxhurst, supports students from the Fox Valley area pursuing health science majors at UW institutions. Awarding $3,000 in total, it is divided into two payments of $1,500 for the fall and spring semesters. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and continuing college students, with financial need being a consideration. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in health care for the community.

The Howard and Alice Curler Academic Excellence Scholarship offers three $2,500 awards to graduating high school seniors and continuing college students from the Fox Valley area. Eligible students must attend a 2-year or 4-year UW institution full-time and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for high school seniors or 3.0 for current college students. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing any major while demonstrating community and leadership qualities.

The Invest in Her Future Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, offers a renewable $2,500 award to single mothers in the Fox Valley area attending UW institutions as part-time or full-time students. This initiative supports educational advancement and addresses financial needs, ensuring that recipients can pursue their academic goals. The scholarship emphasizes community impact by fostering the growth and success of families in the region.