Best Forest County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

The Habitat Protection and Restoration grant by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust aims to fund projects that protect and restore vital fish habitats in the Great Lakes region. Priorities include enhancing fish passage, supporting sustainable reproduction, and utilizing decision-support tools for project identification. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, focusing on projects within the Lake Michigan basin. This grant emphasizes community support and long-term management, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

The Valley Kids Foundation Grants are designed to provide essential support to children in the Fox River Valley area of Wisconsin. With zero operating expenses, all contributions directly assist children under eighteen years old in need of medical help, educational assistance, and recreational opportunities. The Foundation is committed to using donations efficiently and complying with all regulations, ensuring that every dollar helps make a significant difference in the lives of local children.

The We Energies Foundation Grants support community development, health services, arts, education, and environmental initiatives. They prioritize projects from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations located within their service areas, aiming to foster relationships that yield lasting community benefits. Funding is restricted to one grant per organization per year, with a preference for supporting specific projects rather than general operating expenses. Overall, they encourage innovative approaches to enhance community well-being and cultural enrichment.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the We Energies Foundation, supports local public safety agencies with funding up to $2,000 per project. Eligible projects include equipment purchases and professional training that enhance safety initiatives within the communities served by the foundation. Grants must be utilized within two years, and projects should be special, one-time efforts. This initiative emphasizes the importance of safety and well-planned public safety responses.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Fund for Lake Michigan Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of Lake Michigan through projects that yield both immediate and long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions focusing on water quality improvement. Grants range from $700,000 to $900,000 quarterly, with priorities on projects that directly impact water quality and promote sustainable practices. This grant fosters economic growth while ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Universal Service Fund - Nonprofit Access Grant supports nonprofit organizations in obtaining partial funding for projects aimed at improving affordable telecommunications access. Targeting low-income households and individuals with disabilities, this program allocates up to $500,000 annually to help address high service costs in underserved areas. By facilitating essential telecommunications services, the grant fosters greater connectivity and support for vulnerable communities across Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation offers Local Community Grants to support initiatives that enhance community development, health, arts, education, and the environment. Nonprofit organizations in the service areas are eligible for funding. The foundation emphasizes partnerships that promote educational opportunities and community improvement. With a history of providing financial support since 1964, the foundation encourages projects that engage local residents and foster collaboration among diverse groups. Preference is given to specific programs or projects that align with their mission.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation Grant, established in 1998, supports projects under $5,000 that enhance arts, education, health, economic, and social development in North Central Wisconsin. Applications are reviewed monthly, with deadlines on the last Wednesday of each month. The foundation encourages diverse funding sources and prefers not to fund the same organization more than once a year. Clear and concise applications are welcomed to ensure meaningful community impact.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation provides grants over $5,000 for meaningful projects in North Central Wisconsin that enhance arts, education, health, economic, and social development. Applications are accepted six times a year, with deadlines on the last Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. The foundation encourages innovative initiatives that engage diverse communities, improve well-being, and support productive citizenship, while promoting appreciation for the area’s natural resources.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant supports local communities through charitable contributions, focusing on areas such as arts, education, and human services. Funded by shareholders, not utility customers, the foundation awards nearly $1.4 million annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance community quality of life. Eligible projects must align with specific funding areas and be located within the service area. The foundation encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement and development.

The Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, supports emergency response agencies in their safety initiatives. Since 2014, over $500,000 has been awarded to enhance public safety through equipment purchases and professional development. Each project can receive up to $2,000, with applications open to local, county, and volunteer fire, law enforcement, and rescue agencies within the service area. Grants should be utilized within two years to ensure impactful and sustainable safety efforts.

The Wisdom Family Foundation Grant Program supports organizations that empower children and strengthen communities. Founded in 2007, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on providing essential resources such as food security and educational assistance. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger capital grants considered on a case-by-case basis. The Foundation operates primarily in Greater Chicago, Northern Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities, promoting a spirit of generosity and collaboration within communities.

The Forest County Potawatomi Foundation aims to combat poverty and promote community development through grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. With a commitment to responsible citizenship, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and environmental services, focusing on areas with significant economic challenges. Since its inception in 1999, it has allocated over $30 million to various charitable causes, fostering self-sufficiency and improving the quality of life for families in Forest County and the Greater Milwaukee area.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Eugene F. Zordan and Erminia Zordan Scholarship Fund

Academic Focus:

Unspecified

Average Award:

• $4,300

Established by Marie Zordan, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students who lives in NCCF’s *20-town service area.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Four scholarships are awarded, two in honor of George J. Slykhouse, the founder of the Economic Club.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Douglas and Janet Roberts Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Unspecified

Award Average:

• $4,000-$8,000