Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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 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.

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.

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.

Minority and veteran students pursuing health care education in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can apply for Mercyhealth Minority/Veteran Scholarships. Focused on academic scholarship programs, Mercyhealth invites eligible individuals in its Wisconsin and Illinois service area to compete for US $2,000 awards supporting secondary education in health-related fields.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

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.

Graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing healthcare or nursing degrees in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can access funding through Mercyhealth’s Community Scholarship program. Seven scholarships of US $2,000 support academic costs for students living or studying within Mercyhealth’s Wisconsin and Illinois service counties, including Jefferson County.

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.

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.

Jefferson County, Wisconsin students pursuing higher education can access funding through the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region’s Quest for Truth Scholarship, which supports academic scholarship and college persistence. One non-renewable US $1,000 award helps financially needy students attend a University of Wisconsin institution, with the option to re-apply in future years.

The Sara Ruth Krueger Memorial Scholarship offers a one-time award of $600 for students attending a 2-year or 4-year UW institution. This scholarship is non-renewable and is intended to assist with the cost of attendance for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must enroll as full-time students. The funding is provided by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, a private organization dedicated to supporting local education.

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 Van Wyk Family Scholarship, established in 1993 by Tom and Linda Van Wyk, awards a $2000 scholarship to a student pursuing a business-related major at the UWO-Fox Cities campus. To maintain eligibility, recipients must enroll in at least 9 credits per semester, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50, and continue majoring in a business field. This scholarship aims to support students in their educational endeavors.

The Verne Imhoff Scholarship, established in 2006, honors LaVerne J. Imhoff, a pivotal figure at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley. This $2,000 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to retain eligibility. The scholarship reflects the legacy of Dr. Imhoff, who significantly contributed to the university's development before his passing in 1997.

The Veldor Kopitzke Scholarship, established in 2004, supports students pursuing degrees in Business or Economics at UW institutions. Named after a dedicated community member and Professor Emeritus of Economics, this scholarship awards $800, non-renewable, for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must register as full-time students in their chosen fields. This scholarship honors Professor Kopitzke's commitment to education and community service.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and units of government in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can request flexible support for charitable purposes through designated funds, if they are current designees. Fort Atkinson Community Foundation considers applications quarterly, and grants may be used for any purpose benefiting the organization, excluding debt relief, endowment building, religious uses, or political activities.

The William Guither Science Scholarship, established in 1981 and named in honor of Emeritus Professor William Guither, offers a $2,500 award to full-time students majoring in a science-related field at a UW institution. The scholarship provides $1,250 for each of the fall and spring semesters. To maintain eligibility, students must uphold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. This scholarship supports future scientists and acknowledges academic excellence in the physical sciences.

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.

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.

The State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund, established by the Wisconsin Legislature, provides grants to Friends Groups for maintaining state parks and forests. Eligible groups must be nonprofit organizations with an endowment fund. Grants cover operation, maintenance, and project costs that align with DNR-approved plans, promoting outdoor recreation and accessibility. Priority is given to projects enhancing interpretive programs and native plant restoration, with funding capped at $30,000 per year per property.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

Jefferson County, Wisconsin nonprofits serving a public purpose can access funding through the Lake Mills Area Community Foundation for educational, cultural, charitable, or benevolent projects that benefit the Lake Mills community. Eligible projects should be creative, address community needs, and be completed within about one year; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations serving Jefferson County, Wisconsin can seek US $250 - US $5,000 for short-term educational, cultural, charitable, or benevolent projects that benefit the Jefferson School District community. With a mission to strengthen local initiatives, Jefferson Community Foundation provides Jefferson County nonprofits with twice-yearly community grants for creative, innovative projects addressing local needs.