Best Dodge County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Bodge County, Wisconsin nonprofits and public entities running food access or nutrition education programs can receive support for malnutrition and hunger-relief initiatives. Bayer Fund provides funding for behavior-change nutrition education and food security efforts like pantries, backpack programs, and community gardens in eligible legacy-Monsanto communities; organizations must be established, financially sound, and not startups.

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 Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Dodge County, Wisconsin communities served by Alliant Energy can apply for Alliant Energy Foundation’s Community Grants to support specific programs in hunger and housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety and engagement. Eligible groups may benefit year-round for projects like food access, shelters, education, first responders, parks, and trails.

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.

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 DEW Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt charitable organizations globally, aiming to promote the common good through financial contributions and personal involvement. The foundation prioritizes charities where family members are actively involved and focuses on ministries, health, education, and community service. While it may fund its own projects, it typically does not exceed 10% of an organization's operating budget and avoids supporting politically affiliated causes or normal church operations. Innovative and effective organizations are especially welcome.

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.

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.

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.

The Seneca Foods Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. Since 1988, it has provided funding for education, community assistance, and internships. The Foundation prioritizes organizations connected to Seneca employees, located near its operational facilities, and those that align with its mission. It requires documented performance results and considers only one request per organization annually, ensuring that grants foster measurable impact within the communities served.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

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 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.

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 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.

Nonprofit or academic CESU partner organizations conducting pollinator conservation research in Dodge County, Wisconsin can access funding through the U.S. Geological Survey to study long-term bumble bee demography. This cooperative agreement supports work on rusty patched and other imperiled bumble bees, including surveys, monitoring technologies, sampling design, and data compilation, with awards up to US $399,000.

Dodge County, Wisconsin nonprofits and civic or trade organizations holding fundraising events can request donated auction or raffle items such as restaurant gift cards and hotel stays, as well as used playing cards for adult use. Eligible groups may access these in-kind donations from Potawatomi Hotel & Casino if they are within roughly 90 miles and can pick up items.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Dodge County, Wisconsin can seek support for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects near its manufacturing communities that advance long-term well-being and sustainability; Metro Atlanta applications follow a separate process.

Dodge County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct services to children can apply for Heart of Canal Street support to improve kids’ lives through food, safety, arts, and other programming. Focused on children’s health, mental health, disabilities, welfare, and early childhood development, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will select 30 charities across southeastern Wisconsin.

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.

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 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 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 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.

Public and charter schools in Dodge County, Wisconsin offering PLTW Launch and serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students can receive US $5,000 to expand their STEM curriculum. Project Lead The Way funding may cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, program equipment and supplies, and teacher core training with related travel costs.