Best Dane County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarship, provided by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, aims to support undergraduate students majoring in geological sciences. With awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, this scholarship promotes student participation in the AIPG and helps cover college education costs. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores and either current student members of AIPG or have applied for membership. Up to ten scholarships will be awarded annually.

The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, established in 2008 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors individuals for their exceptional and long-term contributions to geoscience education. Named after Robert "Bob" Christman, who dedicated over thirty years of service, this award recognizes nominees who demonstrate significant impact at both national and section levels. Active NAGT members can submit nominations that detail the nominee's contributions, promoting excellence in the geoscience community.

The Carl Guell Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002, supports Wisconsin residents pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. This scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a dedicated student, reflecting the mission of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame to enhance community quality of life through education. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate passion for the field, and be active in their communities. Over $300,000 in scholarships supports students from preschool to post-graduate levels.

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Scholarships, including the Robert Payzer Memorial/EAA Chapter 640 Scholarship, aim to support Wisconsin residents pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. With over $300,000 in scholarships awarded annually, this program encourages applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrate passion and community involvement. The Robert Payzer Memorial Scholarship, established in 2013, honors a dedicated EAA chapter member, providing $1,000 to deserving students in the field.

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Scholarships, including the Thiessen Field Scholarship, aim to support Wisconsin residents pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. Established in 2005 by Jerome Thiessen, these scholarships total over $300,000 annually, benefiting more than 200 students. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, a passion for aviation, and be enrolled in an aviation program in Wisconsin. The scholarships encourage students with lower GPAs or financial challenges to apply.

The Sidney & Ruth Julson Scholarship, established in 2023, honors the legacy of the Julsons, former owners of Four Lakes Aviation. This scholarship provides a $2,000 annual award to Wisconsin residents pursuing education and careers in aviation or aerospace. Eligible students must be enrolled in specific flight school programs at Madison Area Technical College, or in Buffalo or Sheridan, WY. This initiative supports the future of aviation by investing in the education of aspiring pilots and aviation professionals.

The William K. Gottschalk Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, supports second-year or higher students at UWSP at Wausau or Northcentral Technical College pursuing degrees in accounting or engineering. Over 200 scholarships are awarded annually, totaling more than $300,000. Applicants must be Wisconsin residents with a strong commitment to their chosen field and plan to attend NTC or UWSP for at least two years.

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

The Kyle R. Long Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, aims to support graduating seniors from the Medford area who have special educational needs or learning disabilities. Scholarships encourage these students to pursue post-secondary education in any field. In total, over $300,000 will be awarded to more than 200 students across north central Wisconsin, reflecting a commitment to enhancing community life through educational opportunities.

The Carol Hoops Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin Scholarship provides essential financial support to graduating seniors, GED graduates, and both traditional and non-traditional college students from Northcentral Wisconsin. This scholarship aims to empower students involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for at least six months, helping them pursue their educational and career aspirations. With over $300,000 in scholarships awarded annually, the initiative significantly enhances the quality of life in the community.

The AROW Global Corporation Scholarship, established in 2022, provides up to $1,500 for high school seniors from central Wisconsin. This scholarship supports students who plan to attend accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools in any field. A total of over $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded to more than 200 students through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, enhancing educational opportunities and community growth.

The AROW Family Members Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, offers scholarships up to $5,000 for family members of AROW employees. Established in 2022, it supports students pursuing post-secondary education in engineering or other fields. Eligibility includes being a high school senior accepted into college or technical school. Over $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded to more than 200 students from the region, enhancing educational opportunities and community growth.

The AROW Global Corporation Engineering Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, awards two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in engineering. This initiative aims to support the educational aspirations of students in central Wisconsin, particularly family members of AROW employees or qualified individuals. Each year, the foundation distributes over $300,000 in scholarships to enhance the educational landscape in the region.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

The Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin Doctoral Dissertation Award in Astrophysics, provided by the American Physical Society (APS), honors outstanding doctoral research in astrophysics. It encourages effective communication of research findings. The award includes a $1,500 grant, a certificate, and a registration waiver for the APS April Meeting. Finalists receive up to $750 for travel reimbursement. Open to doctoral students who have defended their thesis within two years prior to the meeting, this award promotes excellence in astrophysics research.

The NIH Collaborative International Research Project aims to foster international research collaborations that align with the NIH mission. This grant encourages applications that incorporate at least one international subproject, offering oversight and tracking for NIH-funded international initiatives. Projects should leverage unique resources or populations abroad, contributing to advancements in health sciences relevant to NIH's objectives. This initiative underscores the importance of global partnerships in enhancing research capabilities and outcomes in the United States.

The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI) by NIGMS aims to enhance research productivity and flexibility for early career scientists. This program consolidates funding into a single award, allowing investigators to pursue ambitious projects while reducing administrative burdens. By supporting diverse research initiatives, MIRA helps cultivate a new generation of innovative researchers, ensuring essential breakthroughs in fundamental science.

The Cytokinetics Communications Grant Program provides five grants of $20,000 each annually to patient advocacy organizations focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure. This initiative aims to enhance communication and outreach efforts, helping organizations expand their community engagement and awareness. By supporting crucial marketing initiatives, Cytokinetics fosters improved resources for advocacy groups, ensuring they can effectively address the needs of patients facing muscle performance challenges.

The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) Grant supports nonprofits and schools leveraging technology to enhance lives in under-resourced communities. GTIA provides funding for innovative solutions addressing challenges like broadband access and educational equity. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, especially those referred by GTIA members. Key focus areas include educational technology, bridging the digital divide, and workforce initiatives that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities.

The Getty Foundation's Connecting Art Histories initiative enhances global art historical scholarship by fostering intellectual exchange among scholars, particularly in underrepresented regions. This ongoing grant program supports seminars and workshops that connect over 1,000 early to mid-career researchers from diverse areas, including Africa and Latin America, to promote collaborative research and career development. The initiative not only builds professional networks but also aims to strengthen the discipline of art history by addressing geographic and political barriers.

The Physician and Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship Program at Aspirus Wausau Hospital offers a 12-month, full-time opportunity for recent family medicine graduates and practicing physicians. This program aims to enhance skills in hospital medicine, with flexible start dates and two fellowship spots available annually. Aspirus Health, a nonprofit health system in Wisconsin, operates multiple facilities and employs a large team of healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive training and support for fellows.

The Cohen Gordon B Great Scholarship Fund honors Judy Gordon's legacy as a dedicated social worker and educator in Duluth. This fund supports students overcoming adversity, encouraging their pursuit of two-year or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants are graduates from any Duluth high school, with a preference for ESL or non-native English speakers. The scholarship awards $2,000 for one academic year, emphasizing the importance of resilience and belief in every student's potential.

The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2005, supports students from the Duluth-Superior area. Applicants are encouraged to submit essays or creative works that reflect their understanding of race relations and community service. The fund, initiated by local residents to honor the memory of three African American men lynched in 1920, awards $3,000 for one year, with school selections occurring in the spring.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating senior athletes from Ashland High School. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500 for one year and can be used at accredited educational institutions. This scholarship honors Albert H. Roffers, a dedicated community member who supported local sports programs. Eligible applicants must have participated in two varsity sports, maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrated both character and financial need.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.