Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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.

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.

ABOUT

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.

Sponsorships

Sponsorship requests may be made at any time for amounts up to $1,500. 

The Foundation reviews sponsorship applications as they are received.

The applicant may receive a request to appear before the Foundation Board to make a brief presentation.

The Board then acts on the request at its next bi-monthly meeting.

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.

Students pursuing career or college preparation in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can receive academic scholarship support for study at 2-year or 4-year UW institutions. With a mission to support education, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region offers four non-renewable awards of US $500 each for the fall semester, aiding local residents continuing their studies.

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.

ABOUT

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations serving a public purpose in Jefferson County, Wisconsin can seek project funding for educational, cultural, charitable, or benevolent initiatives that benefit the Fort Atkinson community. With a mission to enhance local quality of life, Fort Atkinson Community Foundation supports creative, innovative projects typically completed within about one year.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.