Best Dodge County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

About Us

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. Since 1915, we have been at the heart of the civic community, helping donors achieve the greatest philanthropic impact, elevating the work of changemakers across neighborhoods, and bringing people and organizations together to help our region thrive.  

West Bend Community Foundation - Early Childhood Education

West Bend civic leaders Cliff Nelson and R. Douglas Ziegler believed that people ought to give back to the community in which they live. In 1999, the two men put their words into action by launching the West Bend Community Foundation, a Greater Milwaukee Foundation supporting organization that is a permanent charitable endowment serving the greater West Bend area.

Area served

Greater West Bend area 

Grantmaking focus

The West Bend Community Foundation has a separate grant application to support the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector. Nonprofits working to support high quality ECE facilities, expand the ECE workforce, advocate for increased ECE access, and/or work to promote healthy physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development for children 0 – 8 years of age may apply for grants up to $5,000.

Grant amount

• Multi-year grants will be considered, but generally not for more than three years
• Organizations may only apply for one grant of any type per year
• Grants cover operating support, special projects or capital projects

Evaluation criteria

• Significance of the problem(s) addressed to the people of the greater West Bend area
• Capacity of the agency (governing body, staff, financing) to respond to the problem(s)
• Number of greater West Bend area residents expected to benefit
• Urgency of need for support 

The Rotary Club of Appleton offers a grant to support projects benefiting children with disabilities in Appleton and the surrounding area. Funded through the Helen Thom Fund, this initiative aims to assist eligible charitable organizations with impactful programs within a 50-mile radius. However, the funds cannot be used for employee salaries or general operating expenses. This grant represents a commitment to improving the lives of challenged children through dedicated community efforts.

The Watertown Teachers Grant, established by the Educational Foundation of Watertown, has been supporting teachers and students since 1999. With over $330,316 awarded, the program offers grants up to $1,000 to help teachers enhance classroom resources and implement innovative projects. Priority is given to applications that demonstrate ongoing value and impact on multiple students. The foundation aims to facilitate creative educational experiences that benefit the Watertown Unified School District.

The John Deere Foundation is partnering with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to expand access to PLTW Engineering programs in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support 1 million youth in STEM by 2030, providing essential resources and educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW courses. The program emphasizes inclusivity, requiring participating schools to offer multiple engineering courses over three years.

The State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund, established by the Wisconsin Legislature, provides grants to Friends Groups for maintaining state parks and forests. Eligible groups must be nonprofit organizations with an endowment fund. Grants cover operation, maintenance, and project costs that align with DNR-approved plans, promoting outdoor recreation and accessibility. Priority is given to projects enhancing interpretive programs and native plant restoration, with funding capped at $30,000 per year per property.

The John Deere Foundation, in partnership with PLTW, aims to enhance access to engineering programs for underserved students in its home communities. This initiative is part of a 10-year commitment to support equitable educational opportunities. By providing grants, the foundation encourages schools to expand their PLTW Engineering courses, fostering critical STEM skills to empower students. Eligible schools must be near John Deere facilities and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and student engagement in engineering education.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

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 PLTW Gateway program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. By 2030, they intend to assist 1 million youth through inclusive educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW Gateway units, promoting real-world skill development. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate need and ensure student enrollment in these programs, fostering a strong foundation for future success.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in implementing PLTW Launch modules, fostering equitable opportunities for students. With a commitment to enroll at least 50% of students from the Free and Reduced Lunch program, the program focuses on real-world skills development to prepare youth for future challenges. The goal is to empower one million students by 2030.

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 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 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 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.

State agencies or their designees in Great Lakes states implementing approved Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans can seek US $100,000 - US $600,000 to control and manage aquatic invasive species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides competitive Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding that may benefit work affecting Dodge County, Wisconsin waterways.

The John Deere FIRST Tech Challenge grant supports teams engaging in STEM through robotics. It serves schools and non-profits, prioritizing those in John Deere's Inspire communities and with volunteer mentors. Grants cover registration and equipment costs, fostering innovation and inclusion among underserved students. Teams are encouraged to apply regardless of financial need, furthering John Deere's commitment to empowering youth in engineering and technology through hands-on learning experiences.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

FIRST LEGO League Discover teams linked to schools or 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Dodge County, Wisconsin can apply for John Deere Foundation support to participate in STEM programming. Eligible teams must be near a John Deere Inspire community or have an actively committed John Deere mentor and primarily serve underserved, underrepresented, or rural students.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Fund for Lake Michigan Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of Lake Michigan through projects that yield both immediate and long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions focusing on water quality improvement. Grants range from $700,000 to $900,000 quarterly, with priorities on projects that directly impact water quality and promote sustainable practices. This grant fosters economic growth while ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The Habitat Protection and Restoration grant by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust aims to fund projects that protect and restore vital fish habitats in the Great Lakes region. Priorities include enhancing fish passage, supporting sustainable reproduction, and utilizing decision-support tools for project identification. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, focusing on projects within the Lake Michigan basin. This grant emphasizes community support and long-term management, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.