Best Grants for Minorities in Wisconsin

Federally recognized tribal governments in Wisconsin can receive matching funds to run summer programs engaging Native youth ages 13–19 in hands-on natural resource conservation projects. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports staff, youth stipends, training, equipment, materials, and limited construction to build skills, mentorship, and interest in environmental careers through culturally grounded, community-driven initiatives.

NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conference offices in Wisconsin can apply for the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant to fund full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions that enhance ethnic minority and gender representation. Funding supports roles with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

NCAA Division II colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and women’s representation can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant, including schools in Wisconsin. With a mission to support diversity in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides US $48,000 over three years toward salary, wages, and benefits.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions in Wisconsin can apply for the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant to create or expand full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions focused on diversity and inclusion. Grants from the National Collegiate Athletic Association support roles that advance ethnic minority and gender representation in leadership while overseeing key athletic department functions.

Wisconsin NCAA Division III member institutions seeking to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for this coaching enhancement grant. Focused on diversity in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides two years of matched funding to support salary, wages, and benefits for the hired assistant coach.

Wisconsin NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conference offices can apply for National Collegiate Athletic Association funding to create a full-time, yearlong athletics administration internship that advances ethnic minority and women’s representation. Awards of US $30,000 support intern salary, with an additional US $3,000 for professional development in areas like planning, compliance, and diversity initiatives.

Minority health and physical education professionals in Wisconsin who are long-standing SHAPE America members may be eligible for the E.B. Henderson Award recognizing scholarship, mentorship, and service to underserved populations. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators honor individuals increasing minority involvement in HPERD fields and within SHAPE America nationwide.

Undergraduate and associate-degree students who are Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members can receive scholarships for full-time study at accredited U.S. colleges and universities, including those in Wisconsin. Focus areas include Black, Hispanic and Latino, and Asian American services. Presbyterian Mission Agency awards up to US $6,000 per student through this program.

Minority high school students pursuing education careers in Wisconsin can receive renewable scholarship support to become certified teachers in Janesville. The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin provides this funding for multicultural students from Janesville high schools who plan to apply for employment with the School District of Janesville and maintain required academic standards.

Minority students pursuing marketing, advertising, design, or computer science at accredited institutions can receive scholarship support for their education, including those from Wisconsin. Focused on diversity in advertising and related fields, Innovia Foundation favors applicants who show academic achievement and may give special consideration to community involvement, school activities, and work experience.

Students of color pursuing higher education, including those from Wisconsin, can receive up to US $3,000 for college costs through scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. With a mission to support minority services, the foundation provides one-year awards that may be reapplied for annually and used toward tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Undergraduate engineering students in the U.S. from marginalized ethnicities and/or genders can receive renewable support for tuition and related educational costs through the PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship, administered by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon. Wisconsin students pursuing mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, architectural, or civil engineering with a passion for climate justice may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations with 5+ years serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls can seek funding to recruit and retain them in college-level computing programs, including in Wisconsin. Focused on research-backed, data-driven initiatives, Reboot Representation Tech Coalition prioritizes multi-geo programs that leverage existing infrastructure and funding to expand inclusive computer science pathways.

Minority high school seniors and recent graduates in Louisa or Fluvanna County Public Schools can receive funding for postsecondary education, including technical schools and four-year colleges. Grants from The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond support African American and other minority students, with preference for those attending select Virginia Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Graduating high school seniors or GED students pursuing higher education, especially students of color with financial need, can apply for the Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship from Community Foundation of South Puget Sound; awards US $3,000 and is renewable for up to three additional undergraduate years. Wisconsin students with similar backgrounds and goals may find this opportunity relevant.

American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing STEM PhD programs can receive substantial graduate scholarship and support funding, including a US $88,000 package, through Montana State University's LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate Scholars Program. With a mission to enrich graduate education, the program serves eligible U.S. students, including those from Wisconsin, who previously participated in an LSAMP undergraduate program.

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from Wisconsin, can receive US $5,000 academic scholarships to support higher education. The American Indian Science and Engineering Society offers this award for AISES student members in mechanical engineering, IT, manufacturing, supply chain, or related STEM areas, serving Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous Canadian communities.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Katrin Lamon Fellowship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Katrin Lamon.

The purpose of the Katrin Lamon Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in literature, communication, journalism, or other related fields.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Katharine Scallan Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Katharine Scallan.

The purpose of the Katharine Scallan Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian tribal and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in any field of study.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

KuuKuupa In Memoriam Endowed Fund

“In honor of William Daniel Ray and all our loved ones who we have lost.”

Willie had a huge heart and unconditionally loved his family – those he was given and those he chose. No matter how little he had, he was always willing to lend a hand to family and even a stranger in need. To honor him and the care and compassion he had for those around him, his family started the Kuukuupa Fund. To celebrate and honor Willie’s spirit and the person he was, his family hopes the Kuukuupa Fund can be a way for others to honor loved ones who have journeyed home by supporting Native students in their educational pursuits to achieve their dreams.

The KuuKuupa In Memoriam Endowed Fund was established to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund provides emergency support scholarships directly to students in need of assistance for emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency housing and utility costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other difficult choices that will benefit the student and their families in the hopes that some of those needs can be met.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

The purpose of the Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, and conservation or cultural preservation. 

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Lynne Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher.

The purpose of the Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students attending full-time at an accredited institution pursuing mathematics, Medicine, or life sciences are eligible to apply.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward Student Relief Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund established the Student Relief Funding to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other educational expenses.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in library science attending accredited U.S. institutions, including those from Wisconsin, can receive need-based tuition support through the Jeanette Elmer Scholarship. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help Indigenous students with demonstrated tribal affiliation cover educational costs as full-time, degree-seeking scholars in library and information science.

Wisconsin Indigenous students in arts-related vocational, undergraduate, or graduate programs can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund for tuition and educational expenses. This merit-based scholarship supports American Indian and Alaska Native students, including eligible descendants, studying fine and performing arts, creative writing, film, photography, culinary arts, fashion or jewelry design, and related fields at accredited U.S. institutions.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Latinos Count Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Inez Peppers Lovett and Charlie Ellington Scholarship Fund

Founded by Inez Peppers Lovett and Charlie Lovett Ellington, this scholarship is available to African-American graduating senior from any Palm Beach County high school who will be pursuing a career in elementary education.