Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, including in Wisconsin, can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants; awards up to US $100,000 support innovative, early-stage social impact solutions. With a mission to strengthen communities, Cisco Systems Foundation provides global social impact partners with year-round LOI-based funding opportunities.

Educational institutions, government programs, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Organizations working on affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, sustainable housing and transportation, or related community development efforts may be eligible for this U.S.-wide corporate funding.

Organizations such as nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, and public entities in Wisconsin working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low‑income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are More than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Programs must operate in the U.S. and align with the foundation’s values and focus areas, and may complement affordable housing initiatives serving children and families in poverty.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations planning community events or fundraisers related to equitable and affordable housing can seek sponsorship support for specific activities. Focused on economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education, Old National Bank prioritizes programs serving underrepresented or low-to-moderate income communities within its eligible Wisconsin counties.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing, community development, or related services can access funding through PNC Foundation to support low- and moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods. Eligible projects may include affordable housing counseling, transitional housing, credit counseling for homeownership, and broader revitalization efforts in Wisconsin communities where PNC has a significant presence.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Wisconsin affordable housing and community development nonprofits can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support housing, workforce development, and basic needs like food and emergency shelter. Additional sponsorships may benefit organizations preserving neighborhoods, advancing arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion programs in low- and moderate-income communities.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in Wisconsin can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation costs. Cases advancing economic, environmental, racial, or social justice for communities facing systemic oppression, including those tied to housing stability or homelessness, may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing equitable and affordable housing or related services in Wisconsin can apply for the Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation’s funding; awards support general operations, programs, or projects. Priority goes to groups serving St. Croix Valley communities, with possible consideration for others addressing the foundation’s housing and basic-needs priorities.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, supportive housing, shelters, or related basic-needs services in Wisconsin may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial’s national Community Grants. Focused on meeting basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise prioritizes programs with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes serving communities across the U.S.

Affordable housing providers in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest can access training support to strengthen asset and property management through this five-month Asset Management University Cohort. Grants from Enterprise Community Partners help organizations improve the financial, physical, and operational health of their affordable housing portfolios, with online CHAM coursework, peer learning, and post-training technical assistance for up to 15 groups.

Wisconsin affordable housing nonprofits can access funding through Old National Bank to support programs that expand homeownership, repair and revitalize homes, and develop affordable rental housing, with typical awards around Approximately US $15,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities must be within the bank’s footprint and prioritize underrepresented or low- to moderate-income communities.

Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides Wisconsin nonprofits, tribal governments, and public entities with up to US $300,000 to advance transformational projects in equitable and affordable housing and related opportunity work. Eligible organizations must serve residents in specified northwestern Wisconsin counties, focusing on upstream, collaborative, equity-centered initiatives that strengthen long-term community capacity and systems change.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Wisconsin serving communities on the Union Pacific network can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Housing and homelessness prevention efforts that meet basic needs and improve community livability may be eligible.

Nonprofits, tribal governments, government entities, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups expanding economic stability and affordable housing in Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota can apply for US $25,000 - US $50,000 grants to support programs, operations, and capacity. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds community-driven projects that expand affordable housing, create living-wage jobs, and strengthen long-term economic well-being.

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.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community, human services, or affordable housing-related programs can compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 in Best Life Community Awards funding. Focus areas include equitable and affordable housing, homelessness, health, education, cultural enrichment, environment, and community safety, with finalists selected by Altra Foundation and a community vote.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 from Andersen Corporate Foundation for general operating, program, or capital needs. Organizations must serve Andersen communities in Wisconsin, such as Menomonie or the St. Croix Valley, and align with its housing, hunger relief, or trade education priorities.

The Douglas County Disaster and Welfare Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, provides essential financial support ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations. This funding aims to assist Douglas County residents during disasters by addressing critical needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve the local community, ensuring targeted aid during challenging times.