Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Lois R. Snead Arts & Crafts Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students in Rappahannock County who are pursuing education in arts or crafts. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors and demonstrate community service and academic initiative. Priority is given to first-generation students in financial need, ensuring that local talent can thrive in creative fields. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering community and artistic growth.

The Lucas Allen Erin’s Elderberries Scholarship Fund, established by a local entrepreneur, supports Fauquier County High School students pursuing their career goals. This $1,000 award requires applicants to be in good academic standing, demonstrate initiative, and provide a letter of recommendation from their employer. Priority is given to those exhibiting financial need and a work history. Managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, this fund aims to empower local students and enhance their educational journeys.

The Mary Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, honors the life of Mary Beth Williams, who tragically passed away in 1997. This scholarship supports students from Rappahannock County with a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrating financial need, and pursuing higher education in agriculture or related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Alice and William Johnson Foundation Scholarship is managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, aimed at supporting graduating seniors from Fauquier County public high schools. This scholarship, which values education and community commitment, provides $5,000 annually for four-year universities and $2,500 for two-year schools, with renewal options available. Priority is given to students demonstrating financial need, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations.

The Pauline H. Bruce Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers $2,000 to students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. This scholarship honors Pauline Bruce, a dedicated educator with over 40 years of service in local public schools. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a strong desire and aptitude for success in their college education, reflecting the spirit of community and educational excellence.