Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Wisconsin may be eligible for this funding. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites groups that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion—especially those led by people of color—to apply, which can include tourism-related workforce or cultural initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support from Costco Foundation. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding may be competitive. Travel and tourism initiatives that fit these priorities and serve local communities may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Wisconsin can seek support from the Creag Foundation. Focused on new approaches to societal issues, this private foundation invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and may intersect with tourism or community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare in Wisconsin can seek funding for programs such as child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, refugee enrichment, and environmental education. The Dan Paul Foundation supports these efforts worldwide with grants up to US $15,000, which may benefit ecotourism or tourism-related youth initiatives.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations in Wisconsin and other priority regions can apply for up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale innovative social or environmental solutions. Grants support post-pilot, high-impact models that benefit underserved communities and can grow to reach at least 10,000 people.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability that serve urban low-income youth in Wisconsin may be eligible for project or scaling support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds qualified U.S. entities whose programs benefit children and families and meet its location and focus criteria, including U.S.-based tourism communities.

Nonprofit charities managing community, environmental, educational, or cultural projects in Wisconsin may be eligible for funding that supports humanitarian, science education, community development, and contemporary arts initiatives. Focused on impactful, sustainable projects, Roche invites accredited charities to propose high-quality programs that can engage local partners and, where relevant, involve Roche expertise and employees.

Nonprofit and community organizations supporting health, education, or humanitarian services for marginalized people in Wisconsin and worldwide may be eligible for funding that can complement travel and tourism initiatives. Focused on global welfare, the Semnani Family Foundation backs programs such as health care access, disaster relief, literacy, and related social services that serve vulnerable communities.

Wisconsin organizations seeking to attract or host major competitive events and opportunities that boost travel and tourism can apply for funding of US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation supports projects that enhance the state’s image as a place to travel and live while driving significant economic impact and community benefits.

Destination marketing organizations and Native American tribes in Wisconsin can receive matching support for convention facility, transportation, and host costs as they bid for regional or national meetings and conventions. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Meetings Mean Business Grants offer up to US $30,000 to attract events that generate hotel overnights and significant local economic impact.

Focused on tourism promotion, this program invites Wisconsin nonprofit organizations partnering across at least three municipalities to seek reimbursement for destination research and marketing campaigns. Administered by Travel Wisconsin, the Joint Effort Marketing Destination Marketing grants fund off-season advertising and related promotional costs, with awards up to Up to US $39,550 to boost visitor spending and local economic impact.

Destination marketing organizations and Native American tribes in Wisconsin can seek matching funds to secure competitive sporting events that are not regularly held in the state. Wisconsin Department of Tourism supports tourism by covering up to 50% of bid or eligible site and venue fees, with awards up to US $30,000 per request.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Tourism organizations and local entities in Wisconsin seeking to develop or expand visitor attractions, amenities, or experiences can apply for Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau funding. With a mission to strengthen tourism, the bureau provides support for projects in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties that generate overnight stays or enhance the visitor experience, with awards from US $1,900 - US $1,000,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Wisconsin can apply for Dudley T Dougherty Foundation support; awards fund mission-driven projects. Programs that integrate ecotourism or tourism with conservation, community benefit, or environmental stewardship may be eligible under this broad, future-focused foundation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Wisconsin communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides support to initiatives that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in these manufacturing communities, which may include local tourism or destination-improvement efforts.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations planning tourism promotions or events that attract visitors and boost local economic impact can apply for reimbursement of eligible marketing expenses, with awards up to Up to US $79,100. Grants from Travel Wisconsin help Wisconsin tourism groups fund short-term sales promotions, including digital, print, broadcast, direct mail, PR, and influencer campaigns targeting markets beyond the local area.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations planning repeatable, new tourism events beyond daily operations can receive reimbursement for qualified promotional costs, with awards up to Up to US $39,550. With a mission to boost travel and local economies, Travel Wisconsin provides support for advertising campaigns that attract visitors and generate positive economic impact.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations promoting one-time or one-of-a-kind tourism events can receive reimbursement for qualified marketing costs through this program, supporting campaigns that draw visitors and boost local economies. Wisconsin travel and tourism groups can access funding through Travel Wisconsin for regional-scale promotions using media such as email, print, radio, TV, online ads, and billboards.

Nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities, and Native American tribes in Wisconsin can apply for Travel Wisconsin’s Tourist Information Center Grant, offering up to US $15,000 to reimburse 50% of eligible operating costs. Funding supports staffing, signage, and display equipment for regional tourist information centers that serve travelers and promote local tourism businesses.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can access funding through Ameriprise Financial for programs like hunger relief, shelter, workforce readiness, and community development. Organizations must serve U.S. clients, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may be especially competitive if Ameriprise employees or advisors are actively volunteering with them.

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 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.

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 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.