Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.