Best Plant Grants in Wisconsin

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

Large U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits serving Wisconsin and beyond can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards of more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Grants from Hearst Foundation help organizations fund program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, including arts education and artist development that may complement plant or STEAM-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working in health and welfare, education, or community services can seek funding for programs like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports U.S.-based charities, and Wisconsin groups with plant- or conservation-related health initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services in Wisconsin and worldwide can seek support for marginalized communities. Focused on human welfare, Semnani Family Foundation invites programs addressing healthcare access, women and children’s health, literacy, social services, and humanitarian aid, which may benefit groups integrating botanical or environmental components into community health initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on botanical conservation, education, science, or health can seek funding for charitable programs that operate within the U.S. Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides support to soundly managed organizations whose projects have broad impact and materially advance general welfare, which may include Wisconsin plant-focused initiatives.

Private woodland owners in Wisconsin seeking help with forest and habitat management can apply for the Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program, a cost-share program reimbursing up to 50% of eligible practice costs. Funding supports tree planting, invasive plant control, forest stewardship plans, forest improvement, and related soil, water, and wildlife habitat conservation work that benefits plant ecosystems.

Nonprofits and community organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Alliant Energy can apply for Community Grants supporting hunger and housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety projects. Grants from Alliant Energy help Wisconsin groups fund specific programs like food access, housing, environmental conservation, first responder equipment, youth development, and educational or workforce initiatives.

Organizations in Wisconsin seeking funding to install habitat and water-quality practices can apply for Healthy Lakes & Rivers Grants, offering up to US $25,000 per project. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports projects like fish sticks, native plantings, diversions, rock infiltrations, and rain gardens that follow its Healthy Lakes and Rivers Action Plan guidelines.

Qualified lake and river associations, surface water management groups, nonprofit conservation organizations, and school districts in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grants up to US $150,000 to manage aquatic invasive species. Funding supports large-scale, multi-season control projects that protect lakes, streams, wetlands, and plant habitats from established invasive populations.

Qualified lake and river organizations, nonprofit conservation groups, and school districts in Wisconsin can receive up to US $50,000 to manage established aquatic invasive plant populations through small-scale projects. With a mission to preserve natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides plant-focused conservation efforts with up to 75% cost-share for long-term suppression activities.

Agricultural and forestry partners in Wisconsin seeking to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and related natural resources can access funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin help collaborative projects address priorities like water quality, soil erosion, and degraded plant conditions, which may benefit plant and botanical conservation efforts.

Rural governmental entities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin can secure funding to prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water access. Focused on sanitation and clean water, USDA Rural Development invites eligible communities to improve or restore water transmission lines, wells, reservoirs, and treatment plants, which may benefit plant and botanical conservation efforts.

Environmental and justice-focused organizations working on climate policy or Great Lakes and drinking water issues in Wisconsin and other Great Lakes states can seek funding for policy and advocacy initiatives. The Joyce Foundation supports work on carbon-free electricity, freshwater protection, and equitable water access, with an invite-heavy process and priority for communities most impacted by environmental harms.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities in Wisconsin communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment initiatives. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides support to programs that align with its mission and create long-term value for plant communities, which may include botanical or conservation-related efforts.

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.

Local governments and public entities in Wisconsin can use this grant to fund community tree planting on public property within Alliant Energy’s service area. Grants from Trees Forever help cover the cost of landscape-sized trees, supporting greening, beautification, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship in eligible communities.

Friends Groups that are 501(c)(3) or (4) nonprofits in Wisconsin can receive up to US $30,000 for operation and maintenance of state parks, southern state forests, state trails, or state recreation areas. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources funding may benefit groups whose plant or habitat projects support interpretive programming, accessibility, native vegetation, or trail and facility upkeep.

Nonprofit organizations with IRS tax-exempt status running education programs in Wisconsin manufacturing communities can apply for Donaldson Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Donaldson Foundation help Wisconsin groups deliver impactful, sustainable educational opportunities, which may benefit organizations integrating plant science, botanical conservation, or related environmental education into their work.

With a mission to protect regional biodiversity, Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides Wisconsin and northeast Minnesota nonprofits and public entities with US $5,000 - US $50,000 for habitat preservation, restoration, research, education, and climate adaptation projects. Organizations serving eligible counties and Tribal Nations may use funding for community-led, equity-centered plant and ecosystem conservation efforts.

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations working on habitat and plant conservation in Wisconsin and northeast Minnesota can seek multi-year funding for biodiversity projects. Focused on ecosystem preservation, Boreal Waters Community Foundation invites applicants to propose habitat restoration, support for vulnerable species, climate adaptation planning, research, and environmental education rooted in local, native ecosystems, with awards up to US $150,000.

Weed management groups working on invasive plant control and forest stewardship in Wisconsin can receive reimbursement grants covering up to 75% of eligible project costs, up to US $5,000. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help support education, outreach, inventory, control, and long-term management planning for invasive plants affecting private forest lands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Eligible programs must primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific and can include botanical conservation, habitat restoration, and other plant-focused environmental initiatives.

Wisconsin rural public entities and nonprofit corporations seeking to support small rural businesses can access funding through USDA: Rural Development for technical assistance, training, and community economic development. Grants from US $100,000 - US $500,000 may benefit projects that indirectly support botanical conservation through rural business incubators, feasibility studies, and long-term strategic planning.