Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Wisconsin

K-12 school districts and 501(c)(3) education nonprofits in Wisconsin can seek funding for traffic safety, driver education, or financial literacy programs serving students. With a mission to create lasting solutions in these areas, Auto Club Group Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $15,000 grants to organizations within its 14-state and 2-territory footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from U.S. Bank Foundation help K–12-serving groups, including schools’ nonprofit partners, support youth development, financial literacy, arts education, and related community programs in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for organizations led by a person of color.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, K-12 education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program support in communities where Costco operates. Eligible organizations should demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; individual schools and PTAs are not funded directly.

Wisconsin K–12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs may be eligible for support, including new program directions. Focused on innovative approaches to societal issues, Creag Foundation invites organizations to submit a letter of inquiry for potential invitation-only funding opportunities.

Dan Paul Foundation provides Wisconsin K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with up to US $15,000 for programs serving children’s health, education, development, and welfare. Funding may support early childhood development, youth enrichment, scholarships, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and environmental education, including clean air and water initiatives for students.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit or mission-driven for-profit organizations working on scalable social impact solutions, including K-12 education initiatives in Wisconsin, can receive up to US $300,000 over three years for capacity and growth. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports data-driven, impact-focused models serving underserved communities in priority regions including the U.S.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

K–12 schools and education organizations in Wisconsin working on projects in the U.S. can apply for the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s grants, with awards of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include schools, education organizations, nonprofits, governments, and other social enterprises serving children and youth in education.

With a mission to support humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, and cultural projects, La Roche provides Wisconsin K-12 schools and accredited charities with philanthropic funding. Schools and education-focused nonprofits may be eligible for programs in STEM/STEAM education, children’s health, youth services, and related initiatives managed locally through Roche affiliate offices.

Nonprofit organizations supporting health, education, or humanitarian programs in Wisconsin and worldwide can use these grants to aid marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation supports K-12 education, health care access, literacy, and disaster relief across multiple countries, so Wisconsin schools and partners may be eligible when working with underserved populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Wisconsin K–12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) partners can access funding for community programs that advance economic mobility, basic needs, and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation sponsorships may support initiatives in workforce education, housing and shelter, hunger relief, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion that benefit local students and families.

Focused on education and economic mobility, this program invites nonprofits and select government initiatives in Wisconsin and other Great Lakes states to pursue policy-focused work in K-12 and postsecondary education. Grants from the Joyce Foundation support research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation to improve college and career outcomes for historically underserved students.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding initiatives can apply for funding from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national private foundation welcomes charitable projects that respect people, life, and the environment, which may include programs connected to K-12 schools and students.

Wisconsin K-12-serving nonprofits and youth programs can access funding through TJX Foundation for basic needs, out-of-school enrichment supporting school success, workforce readiness for at-risk youth, and safety from domestic violence. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and meet additional mission and policy requirements.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

K-12 schools and education-focused organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Alliant Energy can seek funding for programs in literacy, STEM, youth development, workforce readiness, and community safety. Focused on community impact, Alliant Energy invites applicants to propose specific projects such as classroom STEM initiatives, after-school programs, environmental education, or safety equipment for first responders.

K-12-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin that strengthen basic needs or community vitality may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial support. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, economic and workforce development, financial literacy, and cultural enrichment such as arts education and access, with priority for organizations engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

K-12 education organizations and related 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin can seek project funding in areas like education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental programs. With a mission to improve our world, Dr Scholl Foundation provides annual U.S. grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year initiatives.

K-12 schools and other community-focused organizations in Wisconsin can seek funding for arts education, folk and traditional arts, or local arts projects that actively involve the public. Focused on creative community projects, Wisconsin Arts Board invites applicants to propose new or newly expanded, collaborative arts initiatives distinct from their regular programs; awards range from US $1,500 - US $6,000.

K-12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin can apply for the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000 to share their impact through storytelling. Eligible projects must align with the foundation’s preservation, education, or wellness pillars, including early childhood and 21st-century education or teacher support.

Nonprofit organizations serving Wisconsin residents with youth education, family well-being, financial stability, or basic needs programs can apply for Herb Kohl Philanthropies Homegrown Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Herb Kohl Charities provides flexible support that invests in people, engages participants, and builds local connections, including K-12 and early childhood initiatives.

Wisconsin K-12 schools and youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations providing substantial, ongoing arts education in Milwaukee can access funding through the Richard & Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $40,000. Grants support arts education programs, innovative projects, collaborations, and capacity-building that enhance long-term fiscal stability and reach underserved youth up to age 18.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

K-12 education nonprofits and 501(c)(3) public charities in Wisconsin can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability projects. School-based programs run by separate 501(c)(3) organizations may be eligible if they primarily serve Union Pacific communities.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.