Best Grants for Immigration Nonprofits in Wisconsin

State agencies, local governments, and tribal governments in Wisconsin can seek funding to support immigration-related law enforcement activities, including apprehension, detention, transport, and prosecution of certain noncitizens and related gang, drug, and human trafficking crimes. With a mission to strengthen justice systems, Bureau of Justice Assistance provides support for domestic security and police operations nationwide.

Russell Sage Foundation provides Wisconsin immigration researchers with funding for social science studies on immigration and immigrant integration, including immigrant services and immigration and refugee rights. Doctorate-holding principal and co-investigators, or in rare cases equivalent scholars, can apply for up to US $200,000 to conduct rigorous, peer-reviewed research projects in the U.S.

Researchers studying immigration and refugee rights or immigrant services in Wisconsin and across Latin America and the Caribbean can apply for the IAF Research Fellowship Program, which offers US $20,000 for rigorous, field-based studies on community-led development. Grants from Social Science Research Council support projects on issues like migration drivers, social inclusion, violence, and disaster resilience.

Nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin seeking support for LGBTQ+ equality, social justice, or immigration and refugee rights can apply for grants ranging from US $100 - US $15,000. Focused on equality for all Americans, B.W. Bastian Foundation funds general operating support, specific projects, advocacy, and capacity building for 501(c)(3) entities.

Early-career faculty researching immigration, immigrant integration, or related social inequalities in Wisconsin and across the U.S. can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation’s Pipeline Grants. Awards of US $35,000 - US $50,000 support one-year social science projects on economic mobility, structural barriers, civic engagement, and systemic inequities affecting immigrant communities and others.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions researching social science topics such as immigration, inequality, and racial or ethnic justice can receive up to US $15,000 for dissertation data collection, analysis, and writing. Grants from Russell Sage Foundation help support projects focused on U.S. social and living conditions, which may include immigration-focused work impacting Wisconsin communities.

Wisconsin immigrant-serving and cultural 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Vilcek Foundation to support projects highlighting immigrant contributions in the arts, sciences, culture, and society, with awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Eligible U.S.-based organizations must operate independently (no fiscal sponsors) and provide standard IRS and financial documentation when applying.

Researchers with doctorates conducting social science studies on race, ethnicity, and immigration in Wisconsin can apply for Russell Sage Foundation’s core research grants, with awards up to US $200,000. Projects examining immigrant, refugee, or minority experiences may benefit immigration-focused nonprofits through evidence and insights, though only individual scholars (not organizations) are eligible applicants.

Doctoral-level researchers studying behavioral science, decision making, and related social science topics can apply for Russell Sage Foundation grants of up to US $200,000 in the U.S., including Wisconsin. Projects examining immigration, immigrant integration, or racial/ethnic relations in contexts like housing, employment, or the criminal legal system may be especially relevant for immigration-focused nonprofits and partners.

Individuals born in North Korea or their immediate family members pursuing accredited higher education in the U.S., including Wisconsin, can apply for the Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship from Communities Foundation of Texas, offering up to US $10,000. This support may benefit students connected to immigration and refugee communities and is renewable annually.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools providing food to people in need can receive ongoing donations of unsold baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Focused on food distribution and community meals, Panera Bread Foundation invites immigrant service providers and related programs to partner for weekly pickups and distribution.

New immigrants pursuing degrees at Berkshire Community College can receive tuition support through the New World Fund Scholarship, which honors academic success, leadership, and concern for others. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation supports higher education for recent immigrants in the U.S.; Wisconsin immigration nonprofits may share this focus when assisting clients with college access or preparation.

Current or former USCRI Albany clients pursuing higher education or technical/trade certificates in the Greater Capital Region may be eligible for this scholarship. Grants from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region help students access 2- or 4-year colleges, universities, or professional certificate programs, and may benefit those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.

Wisconsin immigrant-serving nonprofits can access funding through the Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region’s William and Susanna Botts Scholarship for Immigrants, which awards US $1,000 scholarships to foreign-born, financially needy graduating seniors. Organizations supporting immigrant or refugee youth education may be able to help eligible students apply and benefit from this higher-education support.

Immigrant and first-generation college-bound students whose primary residence is in Torrington can receive US $750 toward accredited higher education costs. Grants from Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation help those with immigrant backgrounds pursue college or university; Wisconsin immigration nonprofits may share this opportunity with eligible clients who have ties to Northwest Connecticut.

Nonprofits providing child welfare, foster care, or immigration and refugee services in Wisconsin can access substantial federal funding to deliver home studies and post-release support for unaccompanied children. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Administration for Children & Families funds safe sponsor placement, community connection, and ongoing assistance while immigration cases proceed, with awards from US $1,000,000 - US $50,000,000.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and fiscally sponsored projects rooted in BAMEMSA communities and movements can seek up to US $25,000 in general operating support for community power-building and rights advocacy. Grants from Proteus Fund help Wisconsin immigration and refugee rights organizations that advance civic engagement, challenge harmful security frameworks, and defend civil and human rights for BAMEMSA communities.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Sidney and Carol Aroesty Family Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to East High School graduating seniors planning to pursue a degree in any science discipline at a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $12,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Patrick Caroselli Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for college to high school seniors in Monroe County whose parents immigrated to the United States and attained citizenship.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; award amount may be split between two or more recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Average award $5,000; not to exceed the cost of tuition.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards must be used for costs related to enrollment in a higher education program, prioritizing tuition fees.

Bold Foundation

Our Mission: Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship

Immigrating to a new home takes resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to achieving one’s aspirations.

Many immigrants have overcome extraordinary challenges and obstacles to continue their academic journeys and pursue their dreams. As a result of these hurdles, many students from immigrant backgrounds have limited financial resources which can make higher education inaccessible.

This scholarship seeks to support immigrant students so they can continue working toward their educational goals.

To apply, tell us about your experience as an immigrant and your career aspirations.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program, funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, aims to provide safe and child-centered care for unaccompanied minors. This initiative supports organizations that can offer 24/7 services and are licensed to provide necessary care, including group homes and transitional foster care, particularly in areas near the U.S. southern border, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children.

The William T. Grant Scholars Program provides crucial support for early-career researchers aiming to expand their expertise through innovative research and mentoring. This five-year program focuses on reducing inequality and improving the use of research evidence to benefit young people in the U.S. By emphasizing the development of new disciplines and methods, the program encourages applicants to take bold risks in their research trajectories, ultimately fostering a supportive academic community.

The Institutional Challenge Grant aims to foster collaborative research by requiring institutions to adapt their policies and enhance capacities for meaningful partnerships. It encourages applications from diverse leadership teams in youth-serving areas, focusing on addressing inequalities in youth outcomes. The grant outlines four key goals: strengthening partnerships, pursuing a joint research agenda, facilitating institutional change, and enhancing collaborative capacities for producing actionable research evidence.

The H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on peace, justice, and racial harmony. With a mission to support ecumenical efforts, the foundation has expanded its assets significantly since the passing of H. Robert Gemmer in 1992. The foundation prioritizes funding initiatives that promote peace education, human rights, and social justice, while providing grants to organizations that demonstrate financial stability and effective community impact.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Cultivate: Leadership Grant Program empowers women and nonbinary leaders of color in Chicago by enhancing their skills in social, economic, and racial justice. Since 2013, it has fostered collaboration among diverse leaders, promoting gender and racial equity through intentional developmental support. Participants receive mentorship and coaching to strengthen their professional capabilities while building a connected community. This initiative is a partnership among significant local foundations, focusing on sustainability and growth within organizations led by women of color.