Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Focused on literacy and workforce skills, this program invites Wisconsin 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets to apply for support for education, youth development, and job-readiness initiatives. RBC Foundation USA funds nonprofits in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence and community involvement, including many areas across the U.S.

Nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries offering adult literacy, GED preparation, or English language acquisition services in Wisconsin can apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Adult Literacy Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible organizations must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in a state where it operates and listed in the National Literacy Directory.

K-12 public schools in Wisconsin with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can seek recovery funding to rebuild collections and equipment. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation help eligible schools within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center restore literacy and library services after qualifying events.

Nonprofit organizations, K–12 schools, colleges, universities, and public libraries offering family literacy services in Wisconsin can receive up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and parent–child together time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports programs within 15 miles of its stores in operating states, including eligible Wisconsin communities.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and libraries in Wisconsin can seek funding to create or expand summer reading programs for Pre-K–12 students, including new, below-grade-level, and students with learning disabilities. With a mission to advance literacy, Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides up to US $3,000 for programs within 15 miles of a Dollar General store.

Schools, public libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting K–12 students struggling with reading can use these grants for youth literacy programs in Wisconsin and other eligible states. Focused on literacy, Dollar General Literacy Foundation invites organizations within 20 miles of a Dollar General store to implement or expand programs, and purchase books, materials, or technology, with awards up to US $5,000.

Public libraries and youth-serving nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Pizza Hut Foundation’s Slice of Literacy Community Grant, awarding up to US $10,000 for literacy-based programs. Eligible applicants must be within 15 miles of a Pizza Hut and run time-bound initiatives serving communities in the U.S., Guam, or D.C.

Focused on youth literacy, Reading Is Fundamental invites Wisconsin educational institutions, libraries, and youth-serving nonprofits to apply for matching grants that provide its Read for Success program. Eligible U.S. partners serving children from birth through grade 12 receive classroom read‑aloud sets, student take‑home books, and family engagement resources to build a culture of reading.

Educational institutions and youth-serving organizations in Wisconsin can receive matching book awards to run literacy and book-ownership programs for children from birth through grade 12. Focused on youth literacy, Reading Is Fundamental invites schools, libraries, and community groups to purchase diverse books through its online bookstore and distribute them for children to choose and keep.

State-level NEA affiliates planning K–12 literacy and diverse reading initiatives in Wisconsin can apply for the Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant, with awards up to US $7,500. Focused on year-round reading and access to diverse books, National Education Association Staff Organization supports events, book distributions, author visits, and related activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing literacy and related quality-of-life issues in Wisconsin communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, general operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-based nonprofits advance literacy alongside workforce development, economic stability, health services, and disaster relief for underserved populations.

Nonprofit organizations focused on K–12 literacy, mentoring, and tutoring in Wisconsin can seek support for education programs that advance economic mobility. Grants from TruStage Foundation help Wisconsin literacy organizations and housing-focused nonprofits address racial and socioeconomic disparities, with priority given to Madison/Dane County and the Cedar Valley area in Iowa, plus broader support across all 50 states.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and public libraries with established, successful literacy programs can access funding through the Steve and Loree Potash Family Foundation to expand reading and literacy initiatives. Grants up to US $10,000 support U.S.-based projects where reading is the primary activity, including adult literacy, ESOL, and Braille-related services.

Adult and teen literacy education programs in Wisconsin can apply for ProLiteracy’s National Book Fund, awarding US $500 - US $2,000 in in-kind New Readers Press materials for direct instruction. Nonprofit providers of basic literacy, ESOL, high school equivalency, math, or family literacy, especially free-to-student programs, may be strong candidates.

Wisconsin literacy and education nonprofits, plus other U.S. 501(c)(3) charities and eligible public or Puerto Rico charitable organizations, can seek Amgen Foundation support for humanitarian, social, education, and community programs. Organizations with literacy initiatives that provide nationwide U.S. impact or serve Amgen’s listed communities may be eligible for these non-healthcare donations and sponsorships.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct literacy services to students can apply for ProLiteracy’s Literacy Opportunity Fund, which offers up to US $6,000 for general operating support. Wisconsin literacy organizations may use funds for salaries, technology, supplies, space rental, or specific projects, with applications reviewed quarterly.

Nonprofit organizations supporting youth empowerment, literacy, education, wellness, and basic needs may be eligible for funding that can benefit literacy efforts in Wisconsin. The Dale Jr Foundation supports U.S. charities working with underprivileged children through programs in reading, technology access, child health, hunger relief, and social-emotional development, but cannot fund individuals or families.

The WaterStone Bank Foundation, established in 2002, actively supports community initiatives through charitable giving. With a focus on education, women and children, community development, and veterans, the foundation aims to strengthen its local ties and enhance the well-being of the communities it serves. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding, ensuring they meet specific criteria, including being a registered 501(c)(3) organization and aligning with the foundation's core giving categories.

Nonprofit organizations working on literacy and related issues in Wisconsin and beyond can seek $2,000 - $20,000 to launch or expand impactful programs. With a mission to empower donors for lasting impact, Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies supports projects addressing literacy, women’s issues, arts and culture, income inequality, and Judaism, especially those reaching underserved individuals.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship

For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person. 

Literary Arts Fund

Grants Overview

The Literary Arts Fund will award at least $50 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field over the next five years, concluding in 2031.

With a short timeline, the fund’s grantmaking has a strategic focus on the areas of the literary arts ecosystem where it determined it could have the greatest impact— that is: supporting independent U.S.-based literary arts nonprofits whose primary mission is directly serving adult writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid works in making their artistic work and sharing it with readers outside of school and academic settings. Please review the fund’s full eligibility requirements to learn more.

Innovation project grants provide funding to literary arts nonprofits for projects that may be collaborative and that aim to address critical challenges in one or more literary arts nonprofit organizations, presses, or publications that, if improved, would directly benefit creative writers’ artistic work and ability to share it with readers and audiences. These grants are disbursed to nonprofits in a single payment and intended for use during the project period.

The Justamere Foundation focuses on removing barriers to self-sufficiency by supporting innovative community programs. They prioritize four key areas: trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, and arts education. By providing grants and non-traditional scholarships, the foundation aims to empower individuals and create lasting change. Their mission is to connect underserved communities with essential resources, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Justamere Foundation

Our goal is to remove barriers that are keeping hard working people from being fully self-sufficient. We support programs that are addressing these obstacles, big and small, in a way that opens a path to self-reliance.

The Justamere Foundation is dedicated to working with our community partners to find innovative ways to help our neighbors through education, coaching, and connections.

Small solutions can result in enormous change. The Justamere Foundation’s mission is to find those needs and connect them to the right resources to make the biggest impact.

Areas of Need We Support

The Justamere Foundation’s mission is to find those areas that are underserved by traditional resources and see if we can make a bigger difference with direct involvement. Solutions might involve grants, non-traditional scholarships or simply making the right connection.

We focus on four main areas of need in our community:

• Trade Education: Individuals working towards obtaining a family-sustaining income encounter many small barriers that can impede their progress. We’ve partnered with local community colleges and organizations that work to eliminate the barriers.
• Veterans Resources: Veterans entering the civilian workforce can struggle to find the right fit. We’re working with organizations to support veterans with this process.
• Childhood Literacy: Reading is essential. Fostering a love of reading and learning opens so many doors as children grow up. We support organizations with programs that focus on education and literacy resources for children in underserved areas.
• Arts Education: Arts programs inspire and help children express themselves. We support summer and after-school programs in music, art, and theatre.

How do we support these areas?

• Non-Traditional Scholarships
• Grants that make a real impact

Non-Traditional Scholarships

There are many traditional Scholarship and Financial Aid resources for high school kids going on to college. This is great but it leaves a whole lot of people out of the solution. Kids who couldn’t go directly to college or didn’t finish highschool – Adults who are in a job that cannot effectively support their family and want to make a change – or anyone simply looking for a better life. The resources available to them are limited. We want to work with organizations that are addressing those challenges and see if there’s a connection to be made, an existing program to utilize or even a new program to be developed.

The Amy Clampitt Poet Residency Program, established by The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers a six-month residency for poets at Amy Clampitt's former home in Lenox, Massachusetts. This program aims to foster the study and promotion of poetry, providing a peaceful retreat for a poet to focus on their craft. Selected poets receive a monthly stipend of $4,000 and are encouraged to make their creative work a priority during their stay.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Gratitude Grants between $3,000 and $5,000 to Elks Lodges that have met the GER’s per-member-giving goal. These grants empower Lodges to enhance community service and foster local engagement, supporting initiatives that promote health, education, and welfare. The program exemplifies the Elks' commitment to charity and community improvement, showcasing their dedication to building stronger neighborhoods and helping those in need.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Spotlight Grants to Lodges, empowering them to tackle pressing community issues such as family literacy, veteran homelessness, and hunger. Each Lodge can apply for a $2,000 grant without needing to meet the GER's per-member-giving goal. Funds can be used for one of the designated project plans or combined with the Beacon Grant, enabling flexible support for local initiatives.