Best Dane County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Innovation Grants

Our Madison Rotary Foundation's Innovation Grants Program includes one-time grants of up to $5,000 intended to encourage not-for-profit organizations within the greater Madison area to try new things, inspire change and creativity, and foster new approaches to community challenges. We encourage you to innovate ways to enable your organization to better serve those in need.

Innovations might include exploring the validity of potential new services, programs, efficiencies, alliances, or service areas; reaching new demographics, or improving the delivery of existing services. Other innovation types will also be considered.

Nonprofit and other tax-exempt charities in Dane County, Wisconsin can seek funding for community service, health, education, arts, relief, and Christian ministries projects. Focused on broad charitable support, DEW Foundation invites organizations with strong vision and sustainable plans, including those using fiscal sponsors, to apply for operating, program, or major construction support.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Madison4Kids Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for children and youth organizations in Greater Madison, WI. With grants not exceeding $1,000 and available quarterly, the initiative supports local youth by funding various needs, such as summer camps, playground equipment, and educational tools. Eligible applicants include individuals aged 17 and under, as well as local groups serving children. The grants foster confidence, health, inspiration, and learning among the youth, ensuring a brighter future.

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

The Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the We Energies Foundation, supports local public safety agencies with funding up to $2,000 per project. Eligible projects include equipment purchases and professional training that enhance safety initiatives within the communities served by the foundation. Grants must be utilized within two years, and projects should be special, one-time efforts. This initiative emphasizes the importance of safety and well-planned public safety responses.

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.

Individuals, groups, and nonprofit organizations in Dane County, Wisconsin can apply for The Awesome Foundation’s micro-grants, awarding US $1,000 for creative, community-focused “awesome” projects. Funding can support ideas in areas like arts, technology, or community development; applicants should apply to the local chapter or another chapter interested in their project.

Graduating high school seniors and continuing college students from Dane County and the broader Fox Valley area pursuing business, economics, or accounting degrees can apply for a US $2,000 Business & Accounting Scholarship. Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region offers one award for students attending 2- or 4-year UW institutions with at least 9 credits per semester.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The Women's Collective Grants support 501(c)3 organizations aiding women and families in Dane County. Eligible organizations can apply online to receive funding. A committee reviews submissions, inviting the top three to submit a two-minute video presentation. The community votes on the winner, who receives the grant at a quarterly event. 100% of the funds raised go directly to the winning organization, ensuring impactful support with the help of generous sponsors.

The 100 Men of Dane County Grants provide essential funding to 501(c)3 organizations that focus on supporting children and families in Dane County, WI. The grant process involves a rigorous review by the Executive Board, which selects three organizations to advance based on measurable outcomes. Each selected organization must submit a video proposal to further detail their programs, reinforcing the organization's commitment to making a significant impact in the community.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

Graduating high school seniors, continuing college, and non-traditional students in Dane County, Wisconsin and the broader Fox Valley area majoring in environmental or earth sciences can apply for the Dr. Leonard Weis Earth & Environmental Sciences Scholarship, awarding US $500 for fall semester costs. Preference is given to continuing students, non-traditional students, and veterans attending UW institutions.

Dane County, Wisconsin nonprofits and civic or trade organizations can access in-kind support such as used playing cards for adults and auction or raffle items for fundraising events. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offers restaurant gift cards, hotel stays, and recycled cards to eligible organizations within roughly 90 miles of its Milwaukee property, excluding K–12 schools and for-profit entities.

The C.J. Alexopoulos Prize, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes outstanding early-career mycologists. Candidates must be MSA members and hold a degree obtained within the last ten years. Self-nominations are permitted, and nominees not selected may be reconsidered for two additional years. The award includes a plaque and monetary prize, with a formal presentation at the MSA annual meeting. The prize promotes inclusivity across diverse backgrounds in the mycology field.

The International MSA Travel Award, offered by the Mycological Society of America, supports current student members and postdocs presenting at the annual meeting. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in mycology and encourages diversity among applicants. It allows recipients to attend and engage with fellow researchers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field. Previous award winners may reapply, with preference given to those who have not received the award more than twice.

Current student members of the Mycological Society of America presenting a paper or poster can receive US $750 to attend the society’s annual meeting, including applicants from Dane County, Wisconsin. With a mission to support mycology, the society provides travel awards that may benefit students affiliated with local nonprofit institutions or programs.

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.Middleton Endowment GrantThe Middleton Endowment (ME) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Middleton area for present and future generations. ME will accept grant requests from qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Key interest areas include: cultural enrichment, community development, education, natural and historic preservation and the needs of residents in the Middleton area.

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.About Monona Fund GrantThe Monona Fund embodies a collective passion for the vibrant community of Monona. Donors to the Fund share a commitment to pay it forward, fostering a culture of generosity that encourages others to contribute for the enduring benefit of the Monona community. The Monona Fund is an endowment fund designed to provide on-going resources to enhance the quality of life in Monona.The Monona Fund endeavors to encourage civic involvement through:

• Enhancing the quality of life
• Promoting citizen involvement
• Enriching public gathering spaces
• Supporting community values and a civic agenda

The A Fund for Women Grant, offered by the Madison Community Foundation, aims to empower women and girls in Dane County by supporting projects focused on economic empowerment and education. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations can apply for funding to enhance accessibility to education, promote financial literacy, and advocate for policy changes that support women's rights. The deadline for full applications is June 25, 2025, and multi-year grants may be considered.

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.