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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Wisconsin can seek support from the Creag Foundation. Focused on new approaches to societal issues, this private foundation invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and may intersect with tourism or community development.

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.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Wisconsin can receive funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, and financial literacy. State Farm Companies Foundation provides these Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants, which may benefit organizations supporting local tourism through stronger, safer, and more vibrant communities.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability that serve urban low-income youth in Wisconsin may be eligible for project or scaling support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds qualified U.S. entities whose programs benefit children and families and meet its location and focus criteria, including U.S.-based tourism communities.

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.

Nonprofit charities managing community, environmental, educational, or cultural projects in Wisconsin may be eligible for funding that supports humanitarian, science education, community development, and contemporary arts initiatives. Focused on impactful, sustainable projects, Roche invites accredited charities to propose high-quality programs that can engage local partners and, where relevant, involve Roche expertise and employees.

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.

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.

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.

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 working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Wisconsin can apply for Dudley T Dougherty Foundation support; awards fund mission-driven projects. Programs that integrate ecotourism or tourism with conservation, community benefit, or environmental stewardship may be eligible under this broad, future-focused foundation.

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.

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.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can access funding through Ameriprise Financial for programs like hunger relief, shelter, workforce readiness, and community development. Organizations must serve U.S. clients, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may be especially competitive if Ameriprise employees or advisors are actively volunteering with them.

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.

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 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.