Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Wisconsin

Environmental conservation and sustainability nonprofits and government agencies in Wisconsin can seek support for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community initiatives. Grants from Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation help fund projects like habitat protection, parks and green spaces, clean water and food access, disaster preparedness, and youth development, with preference for communities where the company has a significant presence.

Grants from Frank L. Weyenberg Charitable Trust help Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations fund charitable, religious, scientific, literary, educational, environmental, health, human services, and public benefit projects. Environmental conservation and related programs in Wisconsin, especially around Milwaukee, may be eligible alongside other community-focused initiatives.

Wisconsin environmental and agricultural organizations working with producers on soil, water, wildlife, and forest conservation can access funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin. Partners develop Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects that address state priorities like water quality, soil erosion, habitat, and energy, leveraging federal programs such as EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and HFRP.

Environmental conservation organizations in Wisconsin can apply for TC Energy Foundation’s Build Strong grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, education, environment, and resilient communities projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, registered charities, associations, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and foundations within 30 kilometres of TC Energy operations or projects.

Wisconsin environmental and animal-focused organizations can seek funding for wildlife protection, animal welfare, environmental preservation, and outdoor education projects. The James E. Dutton Foundation primarily supports work in Wisconsin and the Midwest that benefits wildlife and domestic animals, restores habitats, and enhances human life through nature-based activities and conservation education.

Weed management groups in Wisconsin working on invasive plant control, education, and forest conservation can receive reimbursement grants covering up to 75% of eligible costs, up to US $5,000. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help environmental conservation efforts on nonindustrial private forest land through outreach, inventory, control, monitoring, and long-term management planning.

Local governments and tribal entities in Wisconsin can seek funding for agricultural and urban runoff projects that protect or restore surface and groundwater quality. Focused on nonpoint source pollution control, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers competitive grants of US $225,000 - US $600,000 for targeted environmental conservation projects in critical areas.

Nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin can seek support for youth education, community development, and related programming that may include environmental conservation efforts. Grants from Holz Family Foundation help Wisconsin organizations, especially in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, provide education for children and young adults, food and housing security, cultural and scientific programming, and civic support in Hales Corners.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and related community programs in Wisconsin can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support local projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides Local Grants for efforts like environmental sustainability, outdoor recreation, youth environmental education, and community vitality within its served communities.

Nonstock nonprofit corporations in Wisconsin that support safe, responsible ATV/UTV recreation can seek funding to enhance rider education, data collection, and outreach. Focused on ATV/UTV safety and environmental protection, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also supports mapping software and communications equipment projects for participating ATV/UTV enhancement groups.

Wisconsin counties and tribal governments seeking support for environmental conservation and wildlife projects can access funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with awards from US $627 - US $3,993. These county conservation grants help enhance local fish and wildlife programs, including habitat projects and related natural resource improvements across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin county forest departments seeking support for wildlife habitat management, inventories, or wildlife education in county forests can apply for this program, with funding calculated at $.10 per acre. Focused on improving wildlife populations and habitat, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requires projects to be in county land use plans and approved by local DNR staff.

Governmental units in Wisconsin working with livestock operation owners to meet pollution control requirements can access cost-share funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help environmental conservation efforts by supporting projects that reduce environmental contamination from livestock operations.

Wisconsin counties with lands enrolled under the County Forest Law can apply for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ County Forest Sustainable Grant to support short-term or unanticipated sustainable forestry projects. Funding prioritizes storm-related work and temporary staff to meet immediate workload needs, which may benefit county-led environmental conservation efforts in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin environmental conservation and education organizations can access funding through the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin for grassroots projects benefiting the state’s lands, waters, wildlife, and communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, tribal nations, and accredited schools can request US $500 - US $5,000 for projects that engage excluded communities, aid priority species and habitats, or build climate resilience.

Municipal governments in Wisconsin needing engineering or construction work on municipally owned dams can receive cost-share funding for maintenance, repair, modification, or abandonment and removal. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides Wisconsin environmental conservation and water resource management projects with support when applicants have an engineer’s inspection order or directive and a qualifying Dam Failure Analysis.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative offers up to $1,000,000 for the acquisition of private forest land in the Lake Superior Basin. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, local governments, and nonprofits. Projects must focus on forested properties over five acres, addressing threats of conversion to non-forest uses while enhancing community benefits. Proposals demonstrating significant public benefits and community engagement will be prioritized, especially those contributing to habitat connectivity and resilience for local ecosystems.

Accredited charities running environmental conservation, community, education, or arts projects in Wisconsin can seek philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development and social impact. La Roche provides donations for high-quality, innovative initiatives, with local affiliate offices funding organizations and programs based and operating in the same country as the affiliate, including U.S. projects in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities seeking to improve environmental conservation on working lands can access funding through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program supports practices that enhance soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible cropland, rangeland, pasture, forestland, and other farm or environmentally sensitive lands.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health in Wisconsin and other Cox service areas can apply for the James M Cox Foundation Grant to support capital projects or special initiatives. Funding may benefit Wisconsin environmental conservation efforts, especially where there is strong engagement with local Cox businesses.

Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program

The Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program (WFLGP) is a cost-share program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is designed to assist woodland owners in protecting and enhancing their woodlands. This program reimburses woodland owners up to 50% of the cost of eligible practices.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

In keeping with our mission, the Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant

This grant is for tree repair, removal or replacement within urban areas following a catastrophic storm event for which the governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 323.10, Wis. Stats. A catastrophic storm means damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind or tornado. Catastrophic storm does not include insect infestation or disease, forest fire, drought or water saturation due to flooding.

For this grant program, no local share (also called match) is required. Grant recipients may request 50% advance payment of estimated project costs. Applications must be postmarked no later than 60 days from the date of emergency declaration. Projects must be completed within 365 days after the governor’s emergency declaration.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Schlecht Family Foundation offers Capacity Building Grants aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness and efficiency for nonprofits in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These grants support innovative solutions to community challenges, focusing on meaningful work, character development for youth, and fostering connections to nature. Eligible organizations must be 501-C3 registered or have a fiscal sponsor and must not engage in lobbying or political activities. Grants are tailored to meet specific needs, promoting sustainable impact.

The Schlecht Family Foundation Inc is committed to transforming communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin through innovative support for organizations. Their grantmaking focuses on capacity building, seed funding, general operating grants, and impact investments, aiming to empower individuals through meaningful work, foster connections to nature, and help youth develop essential life skills. The foundation prioritizes organizations that align with their mission and avoid funding capital campaigns or endowments.

The Schlecht Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at transformative support for organizations in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These grants prioritize capacity building, innovative ideas, and measurable impacts. Eligible applicants must be 501-C3 organizations or have fiscal sponsors, and should not engage in lobbying. The foundation emphasizes meaningful work, character development for youth, and connections to nature for improved community well-being.

The Schlecht Family Foundation Inc offers Seed Grants aimed at nonprofit and social enterprise organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofits launching new programs in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These one-time grants support innovative ideas addressing community challenges and enhancing organizational effectiveness. The foundation seeks applicants dedicated to meaningful work, youth character development, and fostering connections to nature, ensuring a positive impact on the communities they serve.