Best Florence County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

This funding opportunity aims to advance HIV/AIDS research by implementing human new approach methodologies (NAMs) to reduce the reliance on specific pathogen free (SPF) animal models. It emphasizes the integration of NAMs-enabled frameworks for in vitro testing while supporting essential SPF colony resources. The initiative seeks to enhance research rigor and reproducibility through innovative strategies that prioritize human-relevant models, ultimately improving HIV research outcomes and facilitating collaborative development in the field.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Yellow Dog Studio Memorial Scholarship

The Yellow Dog Studios Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Mari Zimmerman-Thompson and Christopher Thompson. Mari and Chris became husband and wife in May of 2002. They lived their remaining years together as kindred spirits until July 2, 2015 when a tragic automobile accident took them from their family and friends.

Evaluation Criteria

• Special skills/interests (30)
• Career goals (20)
• Essay (15)
• Letters of recommendation (15)
• Extracurricular activities (5)
• Awards and honors (5)
• Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (5)
• Academic performance (5)

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

Women Giving to Women Scholarship

Women Giving To Women (WGTW) provides intellectual and emotional support for women of diverse backgrounds. WGTW scholarship was established to empower women to complete a bachelor’s degree and become leaders in the community. WGTW also provides financial support for the following community endeavors: The Child Abuse and Neglect Council (CAN) Great Lakes Bay Region, The McNally House of Covenant Hospital, Underground Railroad of Saginaw and The Women’s Studies Section of the Frankenmuth Wickson District Library.

Evaluation Criteria

• Scholastic record (25)
• Community involvement (15)
• Leadership (10)
• Essay (25)
• References (15)
• Non-traditional field of study (10)

Village of the Living Dead Kenneth Fulton Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Fulton was a member of the St. Charles Haunted House since its very beginning in 1985 until his passing at the haunted house in 1998. He volunteered and also brought along with him his kids and brothers to volunteer as well. Ken was a quiet gentle man that loved what the haunted house stood for and who it was all about – the kids. His favorite character to play was Michael Myers. He was tall and quiet and was able to scare the patrons with his eerie silence. He loved the members of the haunted house as his own family. He is greatly missed and would be so proud to be a part of this scholarship.  

Evaluation Criteria

• Community service (50)
• Financial need (25)
• Letters of recommendation from two volunteer organizations (13)
• Extracurricular/school activities (12)

Tiderington Family Scholarship

The Tiderington Family Scholarship was established in 1996 by Dr. Robert H. and Charlotte Hughes Tiderington and their three sons, Robert III, James and Thomas, to provide funding for students pursuing a vocational career. Neither Dr. Tiderington nor his wife Charlotte graduated from college. Dr. Tiderington remarked: “It was important to us that our boys went to college. We always stressed education. When you give a gift of education, you give a gift for life.”

Team One Credit Union Scholarship

Team One Credit Union established its scholarship program as a way to help make a college education more affordable for its members children. Since its inception in 1978, the program has grown to award 14 $1,000 scholarships.

Team One prides itself as a leader in the credit union industry and feels a strong commitment to helping people grow, both as individuals and as credit union members. In addition to its scholarship program, Team One Credit Union offers student loans and tuition savings programs.

Steve Wagner Scholarship

Steve Wagner retired as executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) in 2003 after 34 years of service. As a member of the Capitol Club and Michigan Society of Association Executives, Steve was well respected by his peers and colleagues and is known for his honesty and integrity.

Steve and his wife, Lana, were married in 1965 and have two daughters, Shelley and Whitney. Throughout his career, Steve has been a proponent of community service and has given many hours himself to church and community programs. Steve also has been a strong proponent of education. ACEC/M has established this scholarship in honor of Steve Wagner to award engineering and surveying students who, like Steve, are active in the community and find it important and necessary to give something back.

The American Business Women’s Association – Saginaw Charter Chapter Scholarship supports women pursuing higher education, fostering personal and professional growth. Established in 1954, this scholarship encourages female students in Saginaw County to achieve their academic goals, particularly those enrolled in career and technical education programs. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to empower women in various fields by providing financial assistance, ensuring that the next generation of businesswomen can thrive and contribute to their communities.

The Alpha Sigma Chapter, Alpha Delta Kappa, Inc. Scholarship supports aspiring educators in Saginaw County. Established in 2018, it honors the legacy of women educators dedicated to improving educational excellence. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, be full-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree in education, and demonstrate residency in Saginaw County. The scholarship amount ranges from $500 to $4,000, with preference given to previous recipients. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of educators.

About ACSM

ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified fitness professionals.

ACSM Fellowship

CSM Fellow members have demonstrated high standards of professional development and shown a commitment to the goals and long‑range activities of the college.

The purpose of fellowship is to recognize commendable service to ACSM; to encourage continued service to the College in a leadership role with ongoing dedication; also, to recognize distinguished achievement in sports medicine and related disciplines.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

No organization has all the answers, but together, with our partners and donors, we have the means and the will to chart a new course—one that will build upon generations of philanthropy and strengthen the fabric of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

Adirondack Construction Scholarship

A scholarship established by Adirondack Construction in Vernon to support the future career goals of students pursuing business or construction management.

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Off-highway Motorcycle (OHM) Trail Grants

Revenue collected from off-highway motorcycle (OHM) registrations is available for development, rehabilitation and maintenance of OHM trails in Wisconsin.

Ranking priorities

Trail funds are distributed according to the following ranked purposes (NR 65.11 [exit DNR]). Priority will be given to funding projects in which OHMs are the only designated motorized equipment.

• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle trails.
• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle facilities.
• Major rehabilitation of existing OHM trails and facilities.
• Development of new OHM trails and facilities on publicly owned land.
• Development of trails and facilities on privately-owned land using a lease or easement.
• Acquisition of land for OHM trails and facilities.
• Signage of off-highway motorcycle routes which provide access to OHM trails.
• Other eligible OHM projects.

Eligible items and funding levels include:

• Maintenance of OHM-only Trail: Funded at $53/mile with a $1K surplus for use on rehab that is more than basic maintenance. Requires minimum of 2x maintenance passes per year (includes brushing, spot maintenance related to the treadway and environmental concerns, sign maintenance and the like)
• Maintenance of Motorized Recreation Parks: For OHM only trails within the park, funded at $53/mile with no $1k surplus.
• Maintenance of Shared-use OHM Trails: No set rate, applicants can request an amount based on their evaluation of need. If the trail is shared with ATVs/UTVs, it is presumed that the use by those machines will far exceed that of OHM, but additional expenses may be incurred for signage, etc. Amount of maintenance award will not exceed $50/mile.
• Development of OHM trails and areas reimburseable up to 100 percent of eligible costs;
• Traditional grooming of OHM trails is not a routine component of trail maintenance. In the event there are section of trail that eventually need to be graded, this action will be considered as a separate trail rehabilitation request for each specific section. Grading can only be done by proper and authorized equipment.
• Major rehabilitation of bridge structures reimbursable up to 100% of eligible costs;

The Ian Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award Fund supports students from West Canada Valley Junior/Senior High School pursuing a degree or certification in trades like HVAC, trucking, welding, or farming. This award emphasizes promise and effort rather than academic grades, reflecting a commitment to fostering talent in essential skilled trades. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, a leader in community investment, manages this fund to empower local youth and strengthen the community's future.

The Ordinance Development Projects grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, supports the creation of local regulations aimed at benefiting surface water. Eligible activities include ordinance text development, legal work, compliance training, and outreach efforts. Applicants must submit a pre-application by September 15 and a full proposal by November 15, along with a letter of support from the implementing government unit, promoting sustainable management of Wisconsin's natural resources.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Recycling Consolidation Grant to Responsible Units

The Recycling Consolidation Grant is available in addition to the Basic Recycling Grant. This grant program was created in the state 2011-13 Budget to offer supplemental assistance for Responsible Units (e.g. cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes or solid waste management system) that meet the eligibility criteria in s. 287.24, Wis. Stats. The sum of the awards may not exceed the total net eligible costs of recycling expenses.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Basic Recycling Grant to Responsible Units

Recycling grant awards are made to responsible units (cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes or solid waste management systems) for residential recycling and yard waste program costs that are reasonable and necessary for planning and operating an effective recycling program. 

Eligible costs include those eligible recycling items associated ONLY with residential single family and 2–4-unit households.

If you are eligible to apply for this Basic Recycling Grant you may also qualify for the Recycling Consolidation Grant.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Boat Access Program

These grants may be used to construct boat access projects. Eligible components include boat ramp construction and renovation, along with related amenities such as parking lots, accessible paths, lighting and restroom facilities. Funding for this program comes from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and a portion of the federal gas tax.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Fishing Piers

These grants may be used to construct fishing piers that are primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible projects are fishing pier construction and renovations. Facilities that provide access to and amenities for fishing piers may also be eligible. Matching contributions for these grants must be from non-federal sources.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Underserved Drinking Water System

The federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) provided funds to assist public water systems in small, underserved and disadvantaged communities in resolving violations and action level exceedances of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The Wisconsin DNR received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set up the Underserved Drinking Water System Grant Program in Wisconsin. The DNR will issue approximately $1.3 million in grants to OTM and nonprofit NN public water systems serving small and underserved communities in Wisconsin.

What are OTMs?

Other-Than-Municipal Community (OTM) public water systems are not owned by a government or municipality and serve groups of 25 or more year-round residents. OTMs can include mobile home parks, apartment buildings and condominium associations that are not on city or municipal water.

What are nonprofit NNs?

Non-Transient Non-Community (NN) public water systems are nonresidential and regularly serve groups of at least 25 of the same people over six months of the year. NNs can include schools and daycare centers that are not on city or municipal water. A nonprofit NN is a government entity or an organization that is described under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue code, which does not lobby. NNs must be nonprofit in order to qualify.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Urban Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control (UWDAC) Grants

Urban Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control (UWDAC) grants help urban areas develop wildlife plans, implement specific damage abatement and/or control measures for white-tailed deer and/or Canada geese. They are available to any town, city or village in an urban area.

The following criteria will be used to rank applications for grant awards:

• the extent that the application addresses prevention and abatement of nuisance wildlife problems or wildlife damage to human safety, health, property;
• the extent that the application includes long-term solutions to wildlife problems such as habitat modification or adopting a "no wildlife feeding" ordinance;
• the cost-effectiveness of the plan or project;
• the severity of the wildlife damage or nuisance problem addressed by the application; and
• the likelihood of preventing the specified damage or nuisance.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program

The Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program (WFLGP) WFLGP program [PDF] is a cost-share program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is designed to assist woodland owners in protecting and enhancing their woodlands. This program reimburses woodland owners up to 50% of the cost of eligible practices.

Financial Assistance for:

• Tree planting
• Invasive plant control
• Forest Stewardship Plan development
• Forest improvement practices
• Crop tree release

Priority 1 Practices

• Stewardship plan development
• Tree planting/regeneration
• Forest health and improvement
• Soil and water protection and improvement

Priority 2 Practices

• Wetland and riparian protection
• Wildlife habitat enhancement
• Endangered or threatened resources, rare natural community, historic, cultural and archaeological protection, restoration, enhancement and maintenance

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Land Acquisition & Conservation Easements

(See page 34 of attatched PDF)

Grants under this subprogram provide funding for permanent protection of land associated with lakes and rivers. Grants may be used for the acquisition of property or some property rights (also called easements) to protect lakes, rivers, and their ecosystems in perpetuity. Land acquisition projects are reviewed and processed by local environmental grant specialists. 

Grants may cover 75% of eligible project costs.

The Updated National Dislocated Worker Grant Program Guidance addresses the opioid crisis by prioritizing funding for applicants who demonstrate a critical need and have not previously received opioid-related grants. Key updates include eliminating Disaster-Relief Employment as a requirement, emphasizing the inadequacy of workforce resources, and encouraging applications that focus on training qualified professionals in relevant fields. These changes ensure that the program aligns with current policies and effectively supports communities impacted by the opioid epidemic.