Best Grants for Preschools in Wisconsin

The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, provides federal funding to support public water systems in small or disadvantaged communities. It focuses on addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS and manganese, ensuring safe drinking water. Grants target Other-Than-Municipal and nonprofit water systems, including mobile home parks and schools, enhancing public health through system improvements and contamination mitigation.

The County Forest Sustainable Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to support short-term projects that enhance sustainable forestry practices in counties with lands enrolled under the County Forest Law. Priority is given to urgent needs such as storm recovery and temporary staffing to address immediate workloads. This funding initiative seeks to improve forest management and ensure the long-term sustainability of Wisconsin's county forest resources.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is committed to enhancing health in Wisconsin by funding medical education and public health initiatives. Established in 1955, it supports physician-led programs that address health disparities, improve access to mental health services, and promote disease prevention. Preference is given to evidence-based projects with measurable outcomes that foster health equity. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity that prioritizes strategic, high-impact initiatives to benefit the community.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Primary Care Program: Allied Health Professional (AHP) Education and Training Grant supports partnerships among hospitals, health systems, and educational institutions to enhance training for allied health professionals. This initiative aims to improve access to high-quality education for vital health positions, particularly in rural areas, while also welcoming applications from urban and suburban partnerships. The grant seeks to foster collaborative efforts that ultimately strengthen healthcare services across Wisconsin.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Control Research & Demonstration program, supported by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance water quality and protect ecosystems through collaborative initiatives. By providing cost-sharing funding for various activities, this program empowers eligible applicants, including local governments and educational institutions, to engage in effective water management practices. The initiative emphasizes sustainable stewardship of surface water resources, fostering partnerships to ensure long-term ecological health and community resilience in Wisconsin.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP), managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is offering grant opportunities to ensure homes are lead-safe for children, starting from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. This initiative aims to partner with local organizations to provide lead hazard reduction services for Medicaid-eligible children and pregnant women. With up to $5 million available, multiple grants may be awarded to enhance children's health and safety across Wisconsin.

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) is offering grant opportunities from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, aimed at reducing childhood lead poisoning in Wisconsin. The program seeks local partner organizations for lead laboratory analysis and services, funded through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Selected organizations will coordinate environmental investigations and remediation efforts in eligible homes statewide, prioritizing projects based on children's blood lead levels.

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) invites local partner organizations to apply for grant funding aimed at reducing lead hazards in homes across Wisconsin. With up to $4 million available from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, the program seeks to protect children and pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. Organizations will be selected based on their ability to coordinate and execute lead hazard reduction efforts, ensuring safe environments for vulnerable populations.

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) in Wisconsin is seeking partner organizations to provide lead investigation services for children and pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. This initiative aims to reduce childhood lead poisoning by coordinating environmental investigations and remediation efforts for lead hazards in homes. The program is set to begin on October 1, 2025, and will prioritize projects based on the blood lead levels of children, ensuring safe living conditions for families across the state.

The Open Fund Grant supports innovative visual artist projects that are experimental and community-oriented. Administered by The Poor Farm and The Open, it offers funding of $5,000 to $10,000 for initiatives based in Milwaukee County. Eligible projects must be artist-organized, publicly accessible, and primarily focused on the visual arts. The grant prioritizes collaboration and aims to enhance public engagement through unique artistic expressions, fostering creativity within diverse communities.

The Thomas J. Cashman Post Graduate Scholarship, awarded by the Environmental Education Foundation, aims to support students from the Geneva Lake area pursuing post-graduate studies in environmentally-related disciplines. This scholarship encourages previous undergraduate winners to apply for continued financial assistance, promoting academic excellence and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate enrollment in a graduate program and a commitment to an environmentally-focused career, enhancing awareness and education about ecological issues in their community.

The James Beckum Player/Coach Scholarship Program, established by the Brewers Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities for Wisconsin youth. Named after James Beckum, a former Negro League player, this one-year scholarship varies between $1,000 and $2,500. To qualify, recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.8 or higher and complete at least 12 credits each semester, while also participating in a pre-game ceremony at the ballpark.

The Allan H. Selig Scholarship Program offers financial support to graduating seniors from Wisconsin high schools, who are accepted to colleges or universities in the state. Established in honor of former Commissioner Bud Selig, the program provides $2,500 annually, renewable for up to four years, totaling $10,000. Recipients must maintain a 2.8 GPA, complete 12 credits each semester, and attend a pre-game ceremony. This initiative underscores a commitment to educational excellence in Wisconsin.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR 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 Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control (UWDAC) Grants

Urban Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control (UWDAC) grants help urban areas develop wildlife plans, implement specific damage abatement and/or control measures for white-tailed deer and/or Canada geese. They are available to any town, city or village in an urban area.

The following criteria will be used to rank applications for grant awards:

• the extent that the application addresses prevention and abatement of nuisance wildlife problems or wildlife damage to human safety, health, property;
• the extent that the application includes long-term solutions to wildlife problems such as habitat modification or adopting a "no wildlife feeding" ordinance;
• the cost-effectiveness of the plan or project;
• the severity of the wildlife damage or nuisance problem addressed by the application; and
• the likelihood of preventing the specified damage or nuisance.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR 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.

Underserved Drinking Water System

The federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) provided funds to assist public water systems in small, underserved and disadvantaged communities in resolving violations and action level exceedances of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The Wisconsin DNR received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set up the Underserved Drinking Water System Grant Program in Wisconsin. The DNR will issue approximately $1.3 million in grants to OTM and nonprofit NN public water systems serving small and underserved communities in Wisconsin.

What are OTMs?

Other-Than-Municipal Community (OTM) public water systems are not owned by a government or municipality and serve groups of 25 or more year-round residents. OTMs can include mobile home parks, apartment buildings and condominium associations that are not on city or municipal water.

What are nonprofit NNs?

Non-Transient Non-Community (NN) public water systems are nonresidential and regularly serve groups of at least 25 of the same people over six months of the year. NNs can include schools and daycare centers that are not on city or municipal water. A nonprofit NN is a government entity or an organization that is described under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue code, which does not lobby. NNs must be nonprofit in order to qualify.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR 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.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Fishing Piers

These grants may be used to construct fishing piers that are primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible projects are fishing pier construction and renovations. Facilities that provide access to and amenities for fishing piers may also be eligible. Matching contributions for these grants must be from non-federal sources.

About the Department of Health Services (DHS)

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin, with an annual budget of roughly $15 billion and more than 6,700 employees. DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

Community Health Workers Training Providers

Funding opportunity summary

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) seeks applications for training providers to develop, provide, and evaluate high-quality training, education, and professional development for community health workers (CHWs) and CHW supervisors as essential components of CHW workforce sustainability.

There are two main components to this funding opportunity:

• Providing CHW Core Competency training and support
• Providing CHW Supervisor training and support

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR 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.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Boat Access Program

These grants may be used to construct boat access projects. Eligible components include boat ramp construction and renovation, along with related amenities such as parking lots, accessible paths, lighting and restroom facilities. Funding for this program comes from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and a portion of the federal gas tax.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR 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.

Basic Recycling Grant to Responsible Units

Recycling grant awards are made to responsible units (cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes or solid waste management systems) for residential recycling and yard waste program costs that are reasonable and necessary for planning and operating an effective recycling program. 

Eligible costs include those eligible recycling items associated ONLY with residential single family and 2–4-unit households.

If you are eligible to apply for this Basic Recycling Grant you may also qualify for the Recycling Consolidation Grant.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Wisconsin provide essential funding for organizations to assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program empowers groups of very-low- and low-income individuals to work together, significantly reducing housing costs through shared labor. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and federally-recognized tribes, while ineligible costs include hiring contractors and purchasing materials. This initiative fosters community engagement and self-sufficiency in rural areas.

The Joyce Foundation's Journalism Grants support independent, nonpartisan reporting to address critical issues in the Great Lakes region. By investing in high-quality journalism, the Foundation aims to promote informed decision-making and strengthen community cohesion. Eligible applicants include nonprofit journalism organizations and projects that enhance local news and support early career journalists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The application process requires advance planning, with funding decisions made quarterly.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.