Best Grants for After School Programs in Wisconsin

Nonprofit organizations supporting education for children and young adults in Wisconsin can apply for grants that may include after-school or out-of-school programs. Grants from the Jerome J. and Dorothy H. Holz Family Foundation prioritize projects in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, with additional interest in food and housing security, cultural and scientific institutions, and civic support in Hales Corners.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering after school or other educational, social service, health, environmental, or arts programs in Wisconsin can seek support for community-focused initiatives. Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund prioritizes under-resourced populations, including low-income families, homeless individuals, veterans, seniors, and others needing access to education, healthcare, housing, food, and cultural opportunities.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and food banks running after-school or out-of-school youth programs can receive ALDI Community Gift Cards valued at US $100 - US $1,000 to support children and address food insecurity. Focus areas include education, arts, athletics, nutrition, and youth development, with funding provided via Aldi Foundation.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative (Serving Neighbors). This initiative has two complementary aims: 1) to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by encouraging stronger collaborations in local communities between Christian congregations and charitable organizations (e.g., human and social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, arts and cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and parks and outdoor recreational organizations, among others) that utilize their respective strengths to jointly undertake efforts that address community needs and priorities and 2) to deepen the faith of individuals and enhance the vitality of congregations by providing opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love and care for their neighbors.

Through Serving Neighbors, the Endowment anticipates awarding grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organizations to develop and implement programs that advance the aims stated above and the following four objectives:

Helping Christian congregations identify and explore compelling human and social needs and priorities in their neighborhoods and local communities (e.g., hunger relief, after-school and educational enrichments programs, violence reduction, homelessness, outdoor recreational opportunities, community building festivals).

Assisting these congregations in building relationships with community organizations and, when appropriate, other faith-based organizations focused on those needs and priorities.

Guiding leaders from these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities through a planning process to help them develop new and/or strengthen current collaborative joint endeavors that address the identified community needs or priorities.

Providing support and resources to help these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities launch and, if successful, sustain these collaborations into the future.

Funding Opportunities 

Lilly Endowment will conduct Serving Neighbors through a two-stage process.

Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of potential Serving Neighbors programs that would advance the initiative’s aims and objectives.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and anticipates providing planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organizations that submit the most promising descriptions of potential collaborative programs. Selected organizations may use their planning grants to develop their concepts and prepare proposals for implementation grants.

Concept papers must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Concept Paper Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected charitable organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for implementation grants of up to $5 million each that may be used for up to a four-year period to execute their plans.

Implementation grant proposals must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Implementation Grant Proposal Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Implementation grant proposals are due by July 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards by the end of November 2027. Guidelines for preparing an implementation grant proposal will be provided with notice of approval of a planning grant.

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.

The Ashwaubenon Education Foundation Grants support innovative opportunities that enhance student experiences within the Ashwaubenon School District. These grants are aimed at funding enrichment activities, innovative classroom projects, and technology initiatives that extend beyond standard district support. With awards typically up to $2,000, the program encourages collaboration among parents, staff, and community members. However, it does not fund existing district activities or religious programs, ensuring that the focus remains on new educational experiences.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools running after-school or youth programs can receive ongoing donations of unsold bread and baked goods to feed people in need. Focused on hunger relief, Panera Bread Foundation’s Day-End Dough-Nation program supports services like after school programs, food pantries, shelters, and community meals across the U.S.

With a mission to strengthen education and environmental programs, nonprofits in Wisconsin can access $1,000 - $10,000 for after school, summer learning, literacy, academic enrichment, and workforce readiness initiatives in communities where Wabtec operates. The Wabtec Foundation prefers 501(c)(3) organizations showing measurable results and opportunities for local employee volunteer engagement.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving Madeline Island residents in Wisconsin can seek funding for educational, environmental, health, safety, and cultural projects, including after school and summer programs. With a mission to sustain Madeline Island’s quality of life, Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides US $500 - US $5,000, prioritizing youth-focused initiatives and encouraging co-funded collaborations.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies serving low-income, at-risk children in Wisconsin can receive free tickets for educational, cultural, and enrichment outings to enhance after-school and summer programming. Tickets For Kids Foundation supports agency partners with no-cost access to theater, arts, camps, and other ticketed experiences for youth once approved through its partnership process.

After-school and summer educational program leaders in Wisconsin who are SHAPE America members can seek funding for projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sports and physical activity. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America offers the NAGWS Legacy Award, providing US $1,000 for research, programs, leadership development, or related initiatives.

Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in Wisconsin interested in pediatric oncology research can apply for St. Baldrick’s Foundation Summer Fellowship Awards, which provide US $5,000 stipends for summer work in a pediatric oncology setting. Host institutions with after-school or summer educational components in health or science may benefit from supporting eligible students.

501(c)(3) organizations running after-school or youth education programs in Wisconsin can apply for the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation’s mix of grants and low-interest PRI funding to strengthen economic and educational opportunities. Programs serving economically or educationally disadvantaged communities, and designed to become self-sustaining, may be especially competitive, including those in low-income urban or rural areas.

Wisconsin after-school and summer educational programs serving economically disadvantaged high school chemistry students can access funding through the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED Fellowship. Awards up to US $20,000 support 8–10 week paid lab internships, mentoring, and potential college scholarships in chemistry and related STEM fields across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations offering STEAM-focused workshops for teens can receive up to US $24,999 to run Mini Tech Skills Workshops connected to Best Buy Teen Tech Centers in select counties, including Wisconsin. Best Buy Foundation supports coding, filmmaking, game design, music production, photography, robotics, and related after-school or summer educational programs for youth ages 13-19.

Out-of-school time programs serving middle school youth, including those in Wisconsin, can apply for one-year general operating support to strengthen afterschool or summer learning offerings. With a mission to help students thrive in middle school, New York Life Foundation provides US $20,000 grants for OST programs serving low-income or disadvantaged communities and supporting transition to high school.

State education affiliates in Wisconsin and across the U.S. can receive support to fund a coordinator focused on implementing American Rescue Plan education initiatives. National Education Association Staff Organization provides up to US $100,000 to hire or backfill a position advancing K-12 public education, including after school and summer educational programs.

Classroom teachers and out-of-school time educators in Wisconsin serving grades 3–8 can receive donated Walking Classroom program sets to combine physical activity with standards-based academic lessons. Focused on physical fitness and academic enrichment, Alliance For A Healthier Generation supports classrooms, after-school, and summer programs, prioritizing schools with the greatest socioeconomic and academic need.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation After-School Enrichment Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in after-school enrichment:

• Programs with trained instructors that provide students with opportunities to participate in enrichment activities to learn new things and develop skills they will find useful in real life.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Ted Kohler Music Scholarship

The Ted Kohler Music Scholarship benefits Calistoga students who are committed to music and wish to advance their musical development. The scholarship can be used to pay for activities such as music lessons or summer camp, or for college tuition (where the student demonstrates their desire to continue their musical education). The Ted Kohler Scholarship was established in 1997 to promote musical participation and aspirations in honor of Ted, who upon retirement from San Francisco State University, became a full-time musician and leader of the Napa Valley Jazz Band. He encouraged people of all ages to express themselves musically.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Coppola Family Travel Scholarship

The Coppola Family Travel Scholarship benefits Napa County High School students in grades 10-12 who have a desire to explore the world. This one-time award (“educational enrichment grant”) can be used to pay for tuition and associated costs for participation in a summer enrichment program in the United States or in Europe. Applicants must show a commitment to hard work and diligence in the pursuit of their goals. 

After-school and summer music programs in Wisconsin seeking instruments for K–12 youth may be eligible for in-kind support to expand music education access. Hungry for Music supports after-school and summer educational programs across the U.S. by providing donated instruments and accessories, with site visits required before being added to their distribution network.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive academic advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard and have financial need. Our scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. In addition to the monetary award, students join a thriving network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars.

Young Scholars Program

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

Program Experience

Educational Advisers support Young Scholars to maximize high school experiences and to go on to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. Our programming and support may include:

• Identifying an appropriately rigorous high school.
• Engaging in four-year planning and goal-setting.
• Funding for academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as music and art lessons, supplemental academic classes and technology.
• Annual summer programs, including two required Young Scholar programs.
• Year-round Young Scholars community programming.
• Networking opportunities with a high-achieving peer community.

The Pitney Bowes Foundation Grant, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing education within communities where Pitney Bowes operates. Annually, the foundation allocates around $1.8 million to support literacy, STEM, and job training initiatives, emphasizing early childhood education and mentoring programs. Grants are designed to foster measurable outcomes that address educational disparities, particularly for underserved populations, ensuring a brighter future for the workforce.