Best Douglas County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

The Emberg Charitable Trust, established through the Kermit Charles Emberg Revocable Trust Agreement, supports educational grants in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Preference is given to vocational, technical, and trade programs that prepare candidates for key local industries, such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. The Trust, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, reviews applications annually in June, awarding grants to eligible nonprofit and governmental programs that meet its mission.

The Richard L. Reetz Engineering Scholarship offers four non-renewable awards of $2,500 each for students majoring in engineering at UW institutions. Eligible applicants must be enrolling as sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to support engineering students in their educational journey, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed during their academic careers.

The Patricia S. Warrick Scholarship, established in 2006 by Professor Patricia S. Warrick, offers a $2,500 award split over two semesters for full-time students at UW institutions. This scholarship honors Warrick's legacy in literature and education, supporting aspiring scholars in their academic pursuits. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum of 12 credits to retain their eligibility. This scholarship reflects the commitment to fostering educational excellence in the Fox Valley community.

The Lynn and Roger Van Vreede Scholarship offers financial support to students attending a 4-year UW institution. The award amount varies and is distributed evenly across the fall and spring semesters. To maintain eligibility, recipients must register as full-time students and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. This scholarship is managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, which aims to support local students in their educational pursuits.

The Legacy UW-Fox Cities Foundation General Scholarship offers four non-renewable awards of $500 each for students enrolling in the fall semester at a 2-year or 4-year UW institution. To remain eligible, students must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment. This scholarship is funded by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, which supports local educational initiatives.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The John D. Silha Memorial Scholarship, established in 1992 in memory of Emeritus Professor John D. Silha, offers a non-renewable award of $900 for students attending a UW institution. To maintain eligibility, students must register as full-time or part-time students in good academic standing. This scholarship supports students in their educational pursuits, ensuring a lasting legacy of academic excellence and community involvement.

The Quest for Truth Scholarship, established in 2020 by a caring donor, aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families in higher education. With a non-renewable award of $1,000, this scholarship encourages students demonstrating financial need to apply each year. However, recipients must maintain full-time student status at a UW institution and uphold good academic standing to retain eligibility. This initiative reflects a commitment to supporting educational aspirations.

The Sara Ruth Krueger Memorial Scholarship offers a one-time award of $600 for students attending a 2-year or 4-year UW institution. This scholarship is non-renewable and is intended to assist with the cost of attendance for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must enroll as full-time students. The funding is provided by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, a private organization dedicated to supporting local education.

The Van Wyk Family Scholarship, established in 1993 by Tom and Linda Van Wyk, awards a $2000 scholarship to a student pursuing a business-related major at the UWO-Fox Cities campus. To maintain eligibility, recipients must enroll in at least 9 credits per semester, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50, and continue majoring in a business field. This scholarship aims to support students in their educational endeavors.

The Verne Imhoff Scholarship, established in 2006, honors LaVerne J. Imhoff, a pivotal figure at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley. This $2,000 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to retain eligibility. The scholarship reflects the legacy of Dr. Imhoff, who significantly contributed to the university's development before his passing in 1997.

The Veldor Kopitzke Scholarship, established in 2004, supports students pursuing degrees in Business or Economics at UW institutions. Named after a dedicated community member and Professor Emeritus of Economics, this scholarship awards $800, non-renewable, for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must register as full-time students in their chosen fields. This scholarship honors Professor Kopitzke's commitment to education and community service.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus

Creating spaces and opportunities where all people are valued, heard, and are able to thrive. Projects amplify voices, foster creative expression, and create a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Examples:  

• Elevates diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.  
• Embraces the common humanity of all individuals.
• Implements practices that increase connection, respect, and safety.
• Strengthens community bonds and promotes equity for all.

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus 

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

The William Guither Science Scholarship, established in 1981 and named in honor of Emeritus Professor William Guither, offers a $2,500 award to full-time students majoring in a science-related field at a UW institution. The scholarship provides $1,250 for each of the fall and spring semesters. To maintain eligibility, students must uphold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. This scholarship supports future scientists and acknowledges academic excellence in the physical sciences.

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.

Unity Fund

Mission

This fund serves as a catalyst for advancing equity and justice for people of African Heritage in our community. It invests in initiatives that expand access to opportunity, strengthen systems, and ensure African Heritage individuals can fully participate in and benefit from community life.

Priorities include:

• Advance racial equity and dismantle systemic racism
• Increase health, wealth, resiliency, and long-term sustainability
• Engage community members in efforts to end racism
• Address inequities within systems (e.g., housing, education, health, policing, transportation, wealth-building)
• Create physically, emotionally, and culturally safe spaces for people of African Heritage
• Raise awareness of systemic racial inequities through education, outreach, and cultural sharing
• Support leadership development for African American and African Heritage individuals of all ages
• Build relationships across diverse backgrounds to foster understanding and connectedness

Other Considerations

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with the fund’s mission
• Demonstrated community engagement and need
• Potential for measurable impact
• Contribution to long-term or systems-level change
• Collaboration where appropriate

Award Range

• Individual organizations: $5,000 – $10,000
• Collaborations of multiple organizations (lead organization as applicant): $5,000 – $25,000

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The Minnesota Power Foundation Grant Program provides support to organizations focused on enhancing community health and vitality in service areas. Grants over $5,000 are reviewed quarterly by the Foundation's board. Eligible recipients include tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) and accredited schools, which must operate within the Foundation's designated service area.

The Community Opportunity Fund, managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, empowers local organizations to enhance economic stability and independence in northern communities. The fund supports projects focused on affordable housing, job creation, and access to education. By fostering collaborative efforts, it aims to create lasting change in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Organizations led by marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

The Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant, offered by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, supports transformative projects in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It aims to enhance community resilience by funding initiatives that foster adaptation and recovery from challenges. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits and grassroots organizations focused on equity and sustainability. The grant emphasizes collaborative solutions that address pressing issues like housing stability and food security, ensuring a lasting impact for historically marginalized communities.

The Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant, offered by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to foster inclusive spaces where all voices are valued. This grant supports community-driven projects that enhance collaboration and respect among diverse groups, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. It provides funding for program support, operating expenses, and capacity building to ensure lasting impact. By prioritizing equity and community ownership, this initiative seeks transformative change across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

The Community Opportunity Fund, managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, empowers local organizations in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin by providing essential funding for transformative projects. This initiative focuses on uniting community resources to foster innovative ideas, strengthen nonprofits, and drive impactful change. With a long-standing commitment to supporting civic engagement, the Fund directs support to where it's most needed, ensuring that communities can thrive even in challenging times.

The Wetherby Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support underprivileged children in Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI. Funding priorities include educational programs, nature appreciation initiatives, and basic needs support. Eligible projects may involve summer camps, collaboration with local organizations, and assistance for children with disabilities. Nonprofits, governmental entities, and religious organizations may apply for grants to enhance children's well-being and promote community strength.

The Edina Realty Foundation, established in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless individuals and families in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With over $12 million raised, the Foundation supports non-profits that provide housing, food, and emergency services, ensuring that more than 95% of funds directly aid those in need. Their mission highlights the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reinforcing community investment for a better tomorrow.