Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Students from Jefferson County, Wisconsin and other eligible Wisconsin counties pursuing full-time study at a four-year UW institution can apply for the Lynn and Roger Van Vreede Scholarship from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. This academic scholarship supports college preparation and degree completion for qualifying undergraduates who maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Heart of Canal Street, established in 1994 by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, focuses on enhancing the lives of children in southeastern Wisconsin. The initiative collaborates with local charities to provide essential services, promote safety, and foster an appreciation for the arts. In 2024, the program will award over $500,000 to 30 deserving children's charities, ensuring a brighter future for youth in the community.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is committed to community support through philanthropy, providing jobs and financial assistance. Their Heart of Canal Street program has donated over $13.6 million since 1994, helping local children. They recycle used playing cards for nonprofit organizations and donate auction items for fundraising events within a 125-mile radius. However, they do not support K-12 schools or for-profit entities, ensuring their contributions are directed to those in need.

Oak Park - River Forest Community Foundation provides Jefferson County, Wisconsin nonprofits serving older adults with funding to improve seniors’ health, basic needs, housing, and community engagement. Charitable organizations may be supported for education, medical services, legal assistance, internships, and capacity-building that enhance services for seniors, caregivers, and aging in place across eligible Illinois and Wisconsin counties.

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The Lake Mills Area Community Foundation, founded in 1996, is a philanthropic organization dedicated to the enrichment of the community. The Foundation receives its funds in the form of both current gifting and bequests through estate planning. Gifts can be made to the LMACF Endowment Fund, General Fund or any other funds dedicated to special purposes.

Student Impact Grants

The Student Impact Fund provides K-12 educators in Lake Mills area schools with small grants that enhance the learning environments and meet the specific needs of the students they serve. These grants (up to $500) may be used for equipment, materials, supplies, activities, or programs that support students’ needs. These grants offer financial support beyond what tax dollars and school budgets can provide.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

Students pursuing academic study in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can receive scholarship support for college success through the John D. Silha Memorial Scholarship, awarding US $900 for the fall semester. Grants from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region may benefit learners attending UW institutions who need help with tuition and related educational costs.

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

Students pursuing academic studies at UW institutions in Wisconsin can receive up to US $2,500 for college costs through the Patricia S. Warrick Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region support career and college preparation and academic scholarship programs; Jefferson County, Wisconsin students may be eligible if they meet full-time enrollment requirements.

The Watertown Teachers Grant, established by the Educational Foundation of Watertown, has been supporting teachers and students since 1999. With over $330,316 awarded, the program offers grants up to $1,000 to help teachers enhance classroom resources and implement innovative projects. Priority is given to applications that demonstrate ongoing value and impact on multiple students. The foundation aims to facilitate creative educational experiences that benefit the Watertown Unified School District.

Public, private, and charter schools starting PLTW computer science programs in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can apply for US $20,000 to cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs. Project Lead The Way and the John Deere Foundation prioritize schools near John Deere facilities where at least 50% of students receive free or reduced lunch.

Public, private, and charter schools in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Computer Science Program Expansion grants; awards US $10,000 to grow existing PLTW computer science offerings. Funding may cover participation fees, required computers, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel, room, and board for 2027–2028.

Public, private, and charter middle schools expanding an existing PLTW Gateway STEM program in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can apply for Project Lead The Way grants of US $10,000. Funds may cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2028 academic year, serving primarily low-income students.

Engineering students at UW institutions from Jefferson County, Wisconsin and other eligible counties can receive academic scholarship support to continue their studies. With a mission to assist education, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region provides four non-renewable $2,500 awards for upcoming sophomores, juniors, or seniors maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.

The Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in south-central and southeastern Wisconsin that promote strong families and healthy children. Each August, eligible organizations can apply for funding to help empower youth to achieve their dreams. This initiative not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a healthier future for generations to come, with award notifications sent out in November.

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.

Public, private, and charter schools in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can use this grant to expand PLTW Launch STEM programs, including new modules, more student access, and teacher training. Project Lead The Way and the John Deere Foundation provide about US $5,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

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 Madison Rotary Foundation's Innovation Grants Program offers one-time grants up to $5,000 to inspire local non-profits in the Madison area to implement innovative solutions for community challenges. With approximately $50,000 available for grants, organizations are encouraged to explore new services, improve existing programs, and reach underserved demographics. This initiative aims to foster creativity and enhance the support provided to those in need, making a significant impact in the community.

The Watertown Area Community Foundation has been a vital partner in community development since 1979. By connecting donors with local causes, the Foundation supports programs that address pressing needs in the Watertown area. Grants are available for start-up costs, equipment acquisition, and capital improvements, exclusively for local projects. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration with nonprofits and community leaders, ensuring that funding aligns with the community's future needs and aspirations.

Students in Jefferson County, Wisconsin pursuing degrees in history, political science, or international relations at a UW institution can receive scholarship support for their education. The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region’s Michael J. O’Brien Scholarship offers one non-renewable US $700 award each fall semester, with eligible students able to reapply in subsequent years.

Farmers market vendors in Jefferson County, Wisconsin seeking support for education, marketing, or technology upgrades can apply for Compeer Financial’s Farmers Market Grant Program, with awards up to US $500. Grants from Compeer Financial help eligible clients fund items like branding, websites, mobile payment tools, scales, tents, tables, coolers, and signage.

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

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.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt charities and public entities in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can seek DEW Foundation support for community service, health, education, arts, welfare, and humanitarian programs, including operating costs and major facilities. Focused on broad charitable impact, DEW Foundation invites organizations with strong vision and sustainable plans to apply, including those using fiscal sponsors.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.