Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Wisconsin within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific support for community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development. With a mission to build self-sufficiency and advance social and economic equality, Huntington National Bank prioritizes racial and social equity, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Division III colleges seeking to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for this coaching enhancement funding, including schools in Wisconsin. Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides two years of support toward salary, wages, and benefits for these roles.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions in Wisconsin can apply for support to create full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants from National Collegiate Athletic Association help expand ethnic minority and gender representation in roles covering strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions can apply for this diversity-focused Coaching Enhancement Grant, including schools in Wisconsin. With a mission to support inclusive athletic leadership, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides up to US $48,000 over three years to help fund salary, wages, and benefits for these roles.

NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conference offices in Wisconsin can apply for the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant to fund full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. This five-year support can cover roles focused on strategic planning, compliance, fundraising, and student-athlete welfare, and may benefit campus diversity initiatives.

Interdisciplinary faculty teams led by eligible UW School of Medicine and Public Health principal investigators in Wisconsin can apply for University of Wisconsin Madison’s Collaborative Health Sciences Program, awarding up to US $600,000 over three years for innovative research or education projects. Projects must advance health, health care, or health equity, including community-engaged work addressing inequities.

Eligible NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices in Wisconsin can apply for National Collegiate Athletic Association funding; awards US $30,000 to support a full-time, entry-level athletics administration intern for one academic year. An additional US $3,000 supports the intern’s professional development, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for ethnic minorities and women in athletic leadership.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

Nonprofit organizations with at least five years of serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in computing can seek funding to recruit and retain them in college-level tech programs, including in Wisconsin. Focused on research-backed, multi-geometry initiatives, Reboot Representation Tech Coalition invites inquiries for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education computing.

Federally recognized Historically Black Colleges and Universities developing or expanding aquatic programming can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for competitive swimming or youth learn-to-swim costs, including in Wisconsin. USA Swimming Foundation provides nationwide support that may benefit HBCUs advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through swimming in their campus and surrounding communities.

Swim lesson providers and youth programs in Wisconsin that are approved in the Swim Lesson Provider Network can receive grants to expand low-cost or free learn-to-swim lessons and transportation for children under 19. With a mission to reach under-served communities, USA Swimming Foundation provides support that may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused organizations.

Wisconsin diversity, equity, and inclusion researchers can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support health-related research and DEIA activities. Eligible investigators must be conducting work within NIH institutes’ programmatic interests, advancing diversity in the U.S. biomedical research enterprise, and have no current NIH research project grant funding.

Grants support late-stage graduate students conducting biomedical, health, or related diversity-focused research in Wisconsin and other eligible U.S. locations to complete doctoral work and transition into mentored postdoctoral positions. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help advance diverse research careers through a two-phase F99/K00 award with structured mentoring, networking, and professional development.

Doctoral students conducting aging and aging-related health research can apply for dissertation funding that promotes diversity in the scientific workforce, including applicants in Wisconsin. With a mission to advance aging research, National Institutes of Health provides support for diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused projects, offering up to US $142,312 for dissertation work within NIA strategic priorities.

Health and science researchers at eligible institutions in Wisconsin and nationwide can seek support for independent R01 projects that advance workforce diversity and inclusive participation in health-related sciences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health invites new and at-risk investigators from underrepresented backgrounds to apply across its participating Institutes and Centers.

Postdoctoral research scientists from nationally underrepresented backgrounds conducting cancer-related biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science research in Wisconsin can apply for this career development award supporting their transition to independent faculty roles. Focused on diversity in cancer research training, the National Institutes of Health provides three years of salary and research support for tenure-track positions.

Academic researchers in clinical and translational science can seek small R03 awards to advance pilot studies, secondary data analyses, or new research methods and technologies, including diversity-related work, in Wisconsin and nationwide. With a mission to support translational scientists, the National Institutes of Health provides up to US $100,000 to help KL2 scholars and CTSA diversity supplement recipients transition to independence.

Early Stage and New Investigators conducting independent research on deafness, hearing, or other communication disorders in Wisconsin can apply for this NIH NIDCD opportunity, with awards up to US $2,500,000. Investigators from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds may be especially suited, including those whose work advances diversity, equity, and inclusion in health-related sciences.

Nurses in the U.S. who earned their initial nursing degree abroad and are pursuing advanced study to become or advance as nurse educators can receive $8,000 for tuition, books, and research expenses. National League for Nursing and Health Carousel Foundation support diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing education; Wisconsin applicants may be eligible.

Wisconsin nursing students from historically marginalized or excluded groups pursuing advanced degrees to become full-time nurse educators can access funding through the National League for Nursing. This annual US $8,000 Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship supports first-generation higher-education students with books, tuition, and research or project-related expenses in accredited nursing programs.

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

The T32 Training Program aims to enhance the participation of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. This initiative, funded by the NIH, supports institutions committed to diversity and health disparity populations. By providing training opportunities for students and postdoctoral trainees, the program seeks to foster research that improves health outcomes for these communities. Note that appointed trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials but can gain experience in trials conducted by mentors.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.

The LCCF Micro Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County by providing funding between $250 and $3,000 for innovative projects. With a total allocation of $70,000 for this year, the La Crosse Community Foundation encourages applications from groups enhancing community life. Applications are ongoing until funds are exhausted, with approval notifications expected within three weeks. This initiative promotes growth and improved strategies to meet local needs.

Nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County seeking general operating and internal capacity-building support may be eligible for multi-year awards of US $50,000 - US $90,000, plus technical assistance, in Wisconsin. With a mission to strengthen community nonprofits, La Crosse Community Foundation prioritizes groups working to reduce disparities for historically marginalized residents and build a more equitable, inclusive community.

The NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) K99/R00 program promotes diversity by supporting new independent investigators from underrepresented backgrounds in AD/ADRD research. This award facilitates a transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles, providing essential NIH research support. Applicants must propose research that does not involve leading a clinical trial but may include participation in trials led by mentors. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The NINDS Faculty Development Award aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience research by supporting junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential research cost support, protected research time, and mentorship for individuals holding doctoral degrees within their first three years on a faculty tenure track. It specifically encourages research proposals that do not involve independent clinical trials, while allowing participation in trials led by mentors. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027.