Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Wisconsin may be eligible for this funding. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites groups that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion—especially those led by people of color—to apply, which can include tourism-related workforce or cultural initiatives.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations in Wisconsin and other priority regions can apply for up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale innovative social or environmental solutions. Grants support post-pilot, high-impact models that benefit underserved communities and can grow to reach at least 10,000 people.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for charitable, educational, scientific, and medical programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law, and where applicable, California law. Tourism and ecotourism organizations that meet these criteria may be eligible for support.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support to advance economic mobility, basic needs, workforce development, and community development. Programs that strengthen local communities through arts and culture, environmental initiatives, or diversity and inclusion efforts, including tourism-related community projects, may be eligible.

Wisconsin organizations seeking to attract or host major competitive events and opportunities that boost travel and tourism can apply for funding of US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation supports projects that enhance the state’s image as a place to travel and live while driving significant economic impact and community benefits.

Tourism organizations and local entities in Wisconsin seeking to develop or expand visitor attractions, amenities, or experiences can apply for Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau funding. With a mission to strengthen tourism, the bureau provides support for projects in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties that generate overnight stays or enhance the visitor experience, with awards from US $1,900 - US $1,000,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Wisconsin communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides support to initiatives that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in these manufacturing communities, which may include local tourism or destination-improvement efforts.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations planning tourism promotions or events that attract visitors and boost local economic impact can apply for reimbursement of eligible marketing expenses, with awards up to Up to US $79,100. Grants from Travel Wisconsin help Wisconsin tourism groups fund short-term sales promotions, including digital, print, broadcast, direct mail, PR, and influencer campaigns targeting markets beyond the local area.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations planning repeatable, new tourism events beyond daily operations can receive reimbursement for qualified promotional costs, with awards up to Up to US $39,550. With a mission to boost travel and local economies, Travel Wisconsin provides support for advertising campaigns that attract visitors and generate positive economic impact.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations promoting one-time or one-of-a-kind tourism events can receive reimbursement for qualified marketing costs through this program, supporting campaigns that draw visitors and boost local economies. Wisconsin travel and tourism groups can access funding through Travel Wisconsin for regional-scale promotions using media such as email, print, radio, TV, online ads, and billboards.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities, and Native American tribes in Wisconsin can apply for Travel Wisconsin’s Tourist Information Center Grant, offering up to US $15,000 to reimburse 50% of eligible operating costs. Funding supports staffing, signage, and display equipment for regional tourist information centers that serve travelers and promote local tourism businesses.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Destination marketing organizations and Native American tribes in Wisconsin can receive matching support for convention facility, transportation, and host costs as they bid for regional or national meetings and conventions. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Meetings Mean Business Grants offer up to US $30,000 to attract events that generate hotel overnights and significant local economic impact.

Destination marketing organizations and Native American tribes in Wisconsin can seek matching funds to secure competitive sporting events that are not regularly held in the state. Wisconsin Department of Tourism supports tourism by covering up to 50% of bid or eligible site and venue fees, with awards up to US $30,000 per request.

Wisconsin tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work through high-quality storytelling projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations in preservation, education, or wellness programs nationwide may be considered, with awards of more than US $50,000 available for impactful narratives.

Focused on tourism promotion, this program invites Wisconsin nonprofit organizations partnering across at least three municipalities to seek reimbursement for destination research and marketing campaigns. Administered by Travel Wisconsin, the Joint Effort Marketing Destination Marketing grants fund off-season advertising and related promotional costs, with awards up to Up to US $39,550 to boost visitor spending and local economic impact.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant or providing disaster relief can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants. Eligible applicants are typically smaller 501(c)(3) organizations or qualified foreign entities operating in countries including the U.S.; Wisconsin tourism or ecotourism groups may be eligible if their work advances these humanitarian goals.