Best Dodge County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access, homelessness, or military and veterans services in Dodge County, Wisconsin can seek project support through the SpartanNash Foundation, if located within 30 miles of a participating site. With a mission to back Hunger, Heroes and Hope, SpartanNash Foundation provides community-focused partners with locally directed charitable funding.

Nonprofit organizations in Dodge County, Wisconsin focused on building strong families and healthy kids can apply for the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation Grant. This annual August cycle supports charities and educational initiatives serving south-central and southeastern Wisconsin communities that empower children and youth to pursue and achieve their dreams.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

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 PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dodge County, Wisconsin can seek project support for arts and culture, education, environment, health and human services, and community development. With a mission to strengthen local communities, We Energies Foundation provides funding to programs and capital projects in communities served by We Energies, with a preference for specific initiatives over general operations.

The Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on health & wellness, hunger, and youth education. Since its inception in 2013, the foundation has granted over $800,000 to eligible organizations that align with these key areas. Applications from 501(c)(3) entities are prioritized, with a one-year waiting period for previous grantees. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare and making a positive impact.

County fair boards and agricultural organizations in Dodge County, Wisconsin can apply for Compeer Financial’s County Fairground Improvement Grant, offering up to US $4,000 for renovations, updates, and new construction of agricultural barns and exhibitor facilities. Projects must support livestock, youth exhibitors, agricultural displays, education, or outreach within Compeer’s 144-county territory.

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.

Farmers market vendors in Dodge County, Wisconsin who are Compeer Financial clients can receive up to US $500 to improve education, marketing, or technology for their booths. Grants from Compeer Financial help fund branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and equipment like scales, tents, tables, coolers, labeling tools, and signage.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Dodge County, Wisconsin can seek funding for specialized emergency response equipment through Compeer Financial. With a mission to support agriculture and rural communities, Compeer Financial provides up to US $7,500 toward items like chest compression systems or hydraulic extrication tools for regional use.

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.

Connecting Community

Together, we bring to life what’s important to you.

Vision

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation will support efforts to enhance the quality of life in the Fond du Lac Area.

Mission

Creating a better community by promoting philanthropy, awarding effective grants, and providing leadership on important community issues … today & forever.

Rural Vitality Grants

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation and Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation are honored to partner with Compeer Financial to support rural vitality in our communities. The Rural Vitality grant cycle focuses on helping communities of less than 10,000 people or rural micropolitans of less than 50,000 people to create and maintain an active, strong, and thriving economy. Fond du Lac and Dodge County nonprofits and schools are eligible to apply, with the City of Fond du Lac and City of Beaver Dam being ineligible due to population.

This granting cycle there is approximately $50,000 available to fulfill grant requests. Requests may be $500 - $25,000.

Rural Vitality Grant applications are only accepted through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation’s online portal.

Nonprofit organizations running community programs in Dodge County, Wisconsin can seek support for start-up costs, equipment purchases, one-time projects, or capital improvements. With a mission to strengthen local initiatives, Watertown Area Community Foundation provides grants for arts and culture, education, health, environment, youth services, and human and social services in the Watertown area.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dodge County, Wisconsin that run digital literacy or broadband education programs for families or seniors can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand their impact. Charter Communications’ Spectrum Digital Education Grants support existing programs in Spectrum markets that bridge the digital divide in low-income and multicultural communities.

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.

Graduating high school seniors or residents pursuing higher education in Dodge County, Wisconsin and nearby counties can receive scholarship support for accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools. The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin provides this W.I.L.D. Scholarship for students with at least a 2.5 GPA, with preference for those demonstrating financial need.

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.

Dodge County, Wisconsin nonprofits and other tax-exempt charitable organizations can access funding through Madison Rotary Foundation to test innovative community service ideas and new approaches to local challenges. 501(c)(3) and similar organizations in the greater Madison area, including Dodge County, may receive up to US $5,000 for one-time innovation projects and service improvements.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

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.