Best Eau Claire Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Students pursuing study at 2- or 4-year UW institutions, including those from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, can receive academic scholarship support through the Legacy UW-Fox Cities Foundation General Scholarship. With a mission to support education, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region provides four $500 non-renewable awards for college and career preparation each fall.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

Students from eligible Wisconsin counties, including Eau Claire, pursuing full-time study at a 4-year UW institution can apply for the Lynn and Roger Van Vreede Scholarship from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. One scholarship is awarded, with the amount varying and paid evenly across the fall and spring semesters, contingent on maintaining a 2.5 GPA.

Nonprofit organizations and schools supporting educational, humanitarian, cultural, or recreational activities in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and nearby eligible communities can seek project funding, with priority for education. Grants from Annmarie Foundation help Eau Claire, Wisconsin programs provide STEM-focused, hands-on learning and other student engagement initiatives, especially those requesting tangible, durable items and involving local school districts or 501(c)(3) partners.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development projects in Eau Claire, Wisconsin may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its geographic footprint build affordable housing, expand workforce training, improve water access, and strengthen local economic wellbeing.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Patricia S. Warrick Scholarship, established in 2006 by Professor Patricia S. Warrick, offers a $2,500 award split over two semesters for full-time students at UW institutions. This scholarship honors Warrick's legacy in literature and education, supporting aspiring scholars in their academic pursuits. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum of 12 credits to retain their eligibility. This scholarship reflects the commitment to fostering educational excellence in the Fox Valley community.

We Energies Foundation provides Eau Claire, Wisconsin fire, law enforcement, and rescue agencies with funding for one-time public safety initiatives, including equipment purchases and professional development. Eligible emergency response organizations in the utility’s service area can request up to US $2,000 per project for lifesaving gear or training that supports integrated safety efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin seeking in-kind support for youth sports or fundraising events can apply for donations such as tickets or memorabilia. Minnesota Twins Community Fund provides regional nonprofits with in-kind contributions, with requests accepted only via the online form at least six weeks before the event.

The Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Grant Program, funded by the Eau Claire Community Foundation, supports local nonprofits in Eau Claire by providing grants for professional development training. These grants, up to $500 per training, enable nonprofit staff and board members to gain essential skills through education and strategic planning sessions, making valuable opportunities accessible that might otherwise be unaffordable.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable or arts programs can access funding through the Pachel Foundation, which serves Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and, as of August 1, 2025, already have been funded by this foundation to apply for additional support.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraisers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin can apply for Old National Bank’s sponsorship support for activities like galas, tournaments, and special events. Programs serving underrepresented groups or low-to-moderate income communities, especially in areas like economic development, workforce development, housing, and financial education, may be prioritized.

The SWE Wisconsin Section Scholarship, established in memory of Martha Maxwell, supports female undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees at accredited colleges in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Eligible applicants must be full-time students with sophomore standing or higher, graduating after December 31, 2025. The scholarship aims to encourage young women in engineering, honoring Martha's passion for inspiring future generations in STEM fields.

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

The Michael J. O’Brien Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Michael O’Brien, a dedicated educator and author from Green Bay, WI. This $700 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in history, political science, or international relations at a UW institution. Eligible candidates must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment. The scholarship, established in memory of Michael by his family, aims to recognize individuals with outstanding character and leadership, reflecting his commitment to education and mentorship.

Farmers market vendors in Eau Claire, Wisconsin who are Compeer Financial clients can receive up to US $500 for education, marketing, or technology upgrades to strengthen their booths. Grants from Compeer Financial help fund branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and equipment like tents, tables, scales, coolers, and signage for eligible vendors.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Eau Claire, Wisconsin can seek funding for specialized emergency response equipment, with awards up to US $7,500. With a mission to support rural communities, Compeer Financial provides grants for items like chest compression systems, fit testing machines, and hydraulic extrication tools.

The Mid Wisconsin Grants, established under the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, provide funding for nonprofit projects in communities once served by Mid Wisconsin Bank. The grants support initiatives in health, education, and community development. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt entities based in specific Wisconsin locations. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with grant officers before submission. Note that political or strictly religious purposes are not funded, and prior recipients are ineligible for two years.

The Edina Realty Foundation, established in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless individuals and families in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With over $12 million raised, the Foundation supports non-profits that provide housing, food, and emergency services, ensuring that more than 95% of funds directly aid those in need. Their mission highlights the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reinforcing community investment for a better tomorrow.

The Richard L. Reetz Engineering Scholarship offers four non-renewable awards of $2,500 each for students majoring in engineering at UW institutions. Eligible applicants must be enrolling as sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to support engineering students in their educational journey, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed during their academic careers.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Fanchon B. Smith Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Carla and Todd Rabe Family and the James and Fanchon Smith Family, supports non-traditional students pursuing higher education. With a non-renewable award of $600, this scholarship is aimed at adult learners aged 22 and older attending 2-year or 4-year UW institutions. Eligibility includes a minimum 2.75 GPA and consideration of financial need, fostering educational opportunities in the Fox Valley Region.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

The Computational Mathematics program supports research that integrates computation with mathematical analysis, encouraging innovative algorithm development and application. Proposals may range from individual projects to interdisciplinary teams, focusing on new computational techniques to address significant application challenges. The program also emphasizes training for junior mathematicians through hands-on research. Conference proposals must adhere to strict submission timelines to ensure review and funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within the mathematical sciences.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship

The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is granted annually through The LPGA Foundation and the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship Fund. Established in 2006, the objective of the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is to provide a need-based scholarship to a female high school senior from a recognized minority background who will be pursuing a full-time course of study and playing collegiate golf at an accredited college or university in the United States.

Qualifications for all scholarships include strong academic programs, community service and recommendations.

Phyllis Galloway Meekins was a Professional, member of the LPGA Teaching Professionals Northeast Section Teaching Division, Founder of Phyllis G. Meekins Golf Clinics,Inc. (PGM) 1973.