Best Technology Grants in Wisconsin

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

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 Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

The Arthur C. Cope Postdoctoral Fellowship, awarded by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding achievements in organic chemistry. This two-year fellowship provides $85,000 annually to early-career researchers, promoting innovative research in sustainable organic chemistry. Candidates, nominated by their mentors, must demonstrate excellence and a commitment to inclusivity in research. The fellowship encourages participation in ACS activities, fostering career development and collaboration within the scientific community.

The Antioch Foundation Grant supports innovative projects that share the Gospel and serve communities in faith, education, medicine, and humanitarian needs. Established in 2000, it prioritizes pilot programs and start-up costs, with most awards not exceeding $40,000 for a one-year period. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Evidence of support from other donors is encouraged to enhance funding opportunities.

The AnnMarie Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Wisconsin that were home to Phillips Plastics Corporation employees. It prioritizes educational, humanitarian, cultural, and recreational activities, providing monetary awards and scholarships. Eligible applicants must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status or have a fiscal agent. The foundation favors projects that engage students in STEM and prefers requests for durable items. Funding excludes consumables, ongoing fees, and political or religious purposes.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

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.

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Planning Grant, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides essential funding for nonprofit organizations in the St. Croix Valley region. Aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of established nonprofits, the program supports strategic assessments and planning efforts to ensure sustainability and growth. Eligible organizations must have a minimum of five years of operation, be located within the service area, and be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. Grants can be up to $25,000.

The Jewelers Mutual Impact Fund Grant aims to empower youth, advance technology, and foster community progression within the jewelry industry. Established in 1913 by jewelers, the fund supports nonprofit organizations that inspire the next generation through arts education, enhance the industry with technological innovations, and drive positive community development. Focused primarily on areas where employees reside, it also considers broader giving opportunities, ensuring a lasting impact on lives and communities.

The Kohler Foundation Grant focuses on preserving art environments and cultural heritage in Wisconsin and beyond. Grants up to $10,000 support innovative projects by tax-exempt public charities and institutions. With a preference for Sheboygan County, the Foundation encourages STEAM initiatives and programs enhancing access to the arts. Recent preservation efforts include notable sites like the Garden of Eden sculpture park and Pasaquan. The Foundation believes in impactful investments that foster lasting community benefits.

The Youth Telepsychiatry initiative by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services aims to enhance access to mental health care for pediatric, child, and adolescent patients through telepsychiatry. By funding hospitals and clinics, this program seeks to address the critical shortage of child psychiatrists in Wisconsin, especially highlighted in the 2019 Behavioral Health Gaps Report. This funding will support necessary technology and recruitment efforts to ensure continuity of care and improve access for underserved populations.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The Community Capacity Grant Program, established by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, aims to support Wisconsin-based organizations dedicated to advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. With grants of up to $20,000, this initiative encourages innovative projects that enhance organizational capacity without covering core operating expenses. By fostering partnerships and mentorship, the program seeks to empower smaller nonprofits to effectively achieve their missions and improve community health outcomes.

The Tele-Behavioral Health Grant in Wisconsin aims to enhance access to tele-behavioral health services by reducing technological and geographical barriers. It seeks to support underserved populations, ensuring they receive necessary mental health care. By partnering with non-traditional sites, such as schools and community centers, the grant facilitates innovative access hubs. Funding will assist providers in acquiring technology and improving internet services, ultimately fostering continuity of care for individuals who face challenges accessing traditional behavioral health resources.

Bader Philanthropies offers the Alzheimer's & Healthy Aging Grant to support nonprofits and government entities in Wisconsin. The grant aims to enhance services for older adults, including support for Alzheimer's patients, critical needs, and educational opportunities. With a focus on aging in place and technology use, this initiative fosters community engagement and caregiver support. Preliminary applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, ensuring timely responses for potential funding.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

EMS Leave Behind Program: Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strip Kits

The Division of Care and Treatment Services is providing fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits kits to Wisconsin EMS agencies operating leave behind programs.

Program overview

Drug checking technologies like fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits are an evidence-based method to prevent drug overdose deaths by educating people about the substances they are using.

Leave behind programs allow EMS professionals to share (“leave behind”) overdose prevention tools and resources with patients and/or their social networks (family, friends, roommates, etc.) at the scene of care or after a hospital transport. Leave behind programs also offer opportunities to provide connections to local treatment providers and overdose prevention organizations. This model presents an opportunity to provide the supplies and support people who use substances need to prevent and reduce health and safety complications.

EMS agencies interested in distributing fentanyl and/or xylazine test strip kits to community members as part of a leave behind program are invited to complete the application form linked in the "solicitation links" section to be considered for this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program.

Applicants accepted into this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program will receive test strip kits at no cost.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Jerome J. and Dorothy H. Holz Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. Established in 1996, it prioritizes initiatives focused on education for youth, food and housing security for families, cultural and scientific institutions, and civic support for Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Grants are limited to organizations exempt from federal taxation and do not fund individuals, religious activities, or political organizations.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Wisconsin aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. Funding is flexible, prioritizing smaller requests, and can be used for various purposes, including business training, infrastructure development, and community economic growth. The program targets projects in rural areas, enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and fostering economic development.