Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Wisconsin agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices on working lands. Wisconsin land stewards can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin Public Service Foundation’s service area can seek project funding for arts and culture, education, environment, community development, and health and human services programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides Wisconsin nonprofits with support for specific programs, projects, capital campaigns, and event sponsorships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations working on education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can seek McGraw Foundation support, generally awarding US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, McGraw Foundation provides Wisconsin nonprofits with potential funding for operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital needs, though grants are generally limited to the greater Chicago area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can seek funding for social services, health and human services, environmental conservation, education, and arts and culture access programs. Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund prioritizes under-resourced and low-income communities in Metropolitan Chicago and Wisconsin, with LOIs accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

Wisconsin graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Offered by the American Water Works Association, this academic scholarship provides US $3,000 for timely, actionable research addressing current challenges in the water industry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing economic opportunity, affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Wisconsin can seek funding for programs that strengthen work, home, and play. With a mission to create equitable, lasting community change, US Bancorp Foundation provides collaborative grants, prioritizing organizations led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service can seek funding for specific programs or projects in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, and health and human services. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation supports capital projects, start-up efforts, and other initiatives benefiting its Wisconsin and nearby Michigan service areas.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Alliant Energy can receive funding for hunger and housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety projects. Alliant Energy supports specific programs like food access, literacy and STEM education, park and trail improvements, first responder equipment, disaster relief, and youth development, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed three times annually.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for local programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability. With a mission to strengthen communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides project-based support to organizations serving Union Pacific rail communities, especially those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented residents.

Nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin serving women and children through humanitarian aid, education, health care, or disaster relief can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s competitive grants, with awards up to US $750,000 to expand self-sufficiency-focused programs. Eligible projects may address homelessness, food security, employment readiness, microfinance, child welfare, or related services worldwide.

Private forest landowners in Wisconsin can receive cost-share assistance to protect and enhance their woodlands through the Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program, covering practices like tree planting, invasive species control, and forest improvement. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help with stewardship plan development, forest health, soil and water protection, and wildlife habitat or wetland enhancement.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Wisconsin and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, providing up to US $375,000 for small-scale biomedical research projects. These grants support undergraduate research experiences and strengthen campus research environments in areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, mental health, and HIV/AIDS.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic opportunity or affordable housing can access funding and leadership development through the Neighborhood Builders Program, including in Wisconsin. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help build income creation, workforce readiness, small business resiliency, and stable, equitable housing while strengthening long-term nonprofit capacity.

Nonprofit charities in Wisconsin can seek funding for humanitarian, social development, science and education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage local partners and volunteers. La Roche supports accredited charities through its global Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program, with local affiliate offices funding organizations operating within their own country.

Early-career medical and health research faculty at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Focused on global health research, the National Institutes of Health supports work that may connect Wisconsin nonprofits to LMIC partners or projects.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development can access funding through Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards. U.S.-based Altra Federal Credit Union members nominate organizations they’ve personally supported, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $10,000 for impactful local programs.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Faculty-led interdisciplinary research teams in Wisconsin can apply for University of Wisconsin Madison’s Collaborative Health Sciences Program, with awards up to US $600,000 over three years for innovative health research or education projects. Eligible PIs must hold qualifying appointments in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and address complex health or health equity challenges.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Wisconsin working on climate and clean energy systems change can seek operating or project support for advocacy, organizing, and policy work. The McKnight Foundation funds efforts that cut greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy, transportation, buildings, working lands, and democratic participation, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving low- and moderate-income communities can seek program-specific support for community services, affordable housing, and economic and community development. With a mission to build vibrant communities, Huntington National Bank provides invited partners in Wisconsin and other footprint states with impact investment philanthropy focused on self-sufficiency and equity.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- and middle-income countries can seek approximately US $140,000 in mentored career development funding to pursue country-relevant health research. The National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports three to five years of protected research time, which may benefit Wisconsin-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

The Schoen Family Charitable Trust Grant, established by John and Joan Schoen in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Midwestern communities. With a board comprised of the founders' family members, the trust emphasizes charitable giving, allocating over 98% of funds to various causes. Their mission focuses on education, health, wellness, and family support, aiming to empower individuals and improve lives through targeted assistance and community engagement.

The Surface Water Grants: Management Plan Implementation Projects, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, support initiatives aimed at enhancing and protecting surface water resources. With a focus on approved management plans, these grants facilitate projects that improve aquatic ecosystems. Applications are due by September 15 for pre-proposals and November 15 for full proposals. Each waterbody can submit one application, ensuring targeted, impactful management efforts for Wisconsin's vital water resources.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation, established in 1986, supports Wisconsin charities that promote family values, athletics, and welfare. Eligible organizations can apply for grants addressing specific focus areas, including animal welfare and education, during the 2026-2029 cycle. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities with a valid IRS Tax ID, ensuring they meet community needs effectively. The Foundation prioritizes impactful projects that align with its mission of enhancing community well-being and preventing cruelty to animals.