Best Madison Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.About Monona Fund GrantThe Monona Fund embodies a collective passion for the vibrant community of Monona. Donors to the Fund share a commitment to pay it forward, fostering a culture of generosity that encourages others to contribute for the enduring benefit of the Monona community. The Monona Fund is an endowment fund designed to provide on-going resources to enhance the quality of life in Monona.The Monona Fund endeavors to encourage civic involvement through:

• Enhancing the quality of life
• Promoting citizen involvement
• Enriching public gathering spaces
• Supporting community values and a civic agenda

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving.

Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.Middleton Endowment GrantThe Middleton Endowment (ME) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Middleton area for present and future generations. ME will accept grant requests from qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Key interest areas include: cultural enrichment, community development, education, natural and historic preservation and the needs of residents in the Middleton area.

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.

Students planning a law career and needing help with tuition and related college costs can receive scholarship support and a paid legal internship through the Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship, available nationally, including Madison, Wisconsin. Central Indiana Community Foundation funds eligible graduates of specified Indiana high schools pursuing higher education in law-related fields.

Nonprofit organizations in Madison, Wisconsin can apply for Madison Community Foundation’s Altrusa International Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for educational and lifelong learning projects. Funding may support youth academic success, workforce preparation and retraining, parental involvement in schooling, and other initiatives that help people become self-supporting learners.

Graduating high school students involved in musical theater can receive up to US $2,000 for two- or four-year college through the Jennifer Samson Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Community Foundation for McHenry County supports higher education and college preparation; Madison, Wisconsin arts-focused nonprofits may share this opportunity with eligible students from McHenry County.

High school seniors pursuing higher education can receive renewable scholarship support for college costs, including awards of US $2,500 - US $20,000. Northern Piedmont Community Foundation’s Alice and William Johnson Foundation Scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and strong academic potential, helping them persist through two- or four-year university programs, including transfer pathways.

Students pursuing a four-year degree who reside in Culpeper County and demonstrate financial need can receive scholarship support for higher education, including college access and persistence. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Northern Piedmont Community Foundation provides this renewable US $1,000 award, with preference for applicants showing community involvement and volunteerism.

High school students pursuing culinary arts careers can receive scholarship support for accredited culinary programs or colleges offering formal culinary training, benefiting residents of Fauquier County. Northern Piedmont Community Foundation honors David Collins Jeck by assisting passionate, committed culinary students, which may interest Madison, Wisconsin nonprofits helping local youth explore postsecondary culinary education opportunities.

Students pursuing visual, music, theater, culinary, or other creative arts majors who attend or graduated from Madison County or Culpeper County public high schools can apply for the Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship. Administered by Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, it supports academically solid students with volunteer or work experience, prioritizing those with financial need.

Graduating high school students planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university, including those from Madison, Wisconsin who meet residency criteria, can receive the Martha Mae Giles Scholarship for higher education costs. Northern Piedmont Community Foundation awards this renewable US $2,000 scholarship, with first priority to members or children of members of Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Warrenton, Virginia.

High school seniors seeking higher education funding who live in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, or Rappahannock counties and attended a private school in Culpeper County can apply for Northern Piedmont Community Foundation’s St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship. Up to three renewable awards of US $1,000 - US $2,000 support students with at least a 3.0 GPA, leadership, and community service.

Native-led 501(c)(3) organizations and tribal governments in Madison, Wisconsin can seek $1,500 - $6,000 to support traditional or contemporary Native American arts projects. Focused on building long-term cultural and economic support, the Wisconsin Arts Board funds administration, documentation, technical assistance, promotion, and planning that benefit Wisconsin’s Native communities, including urban Indian populations in Madison.

Students pursuing funeral service education in Western North Carolina can receive the Asheville Wilbert Vault Service Scholarship, awarding US $4,000 toward post-high school study. With a mission to support academic scholarship programs, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina provides this aid for residents of its 18 westernmost counties, including eligible seniors and graduates.

Graduating JROTC seniors planning higher, vocational, or trade education can receive up to US $1,000 through the Major John F. Harris, Jr., Memorial Scholarship, supporting college and career preparation. The Dayton Foundation funds eligible students from specified Dayton-area high schools, which may benefit Madison, Wisconsin nonprofits working with military youth or education access.

High school senior basketball players pursuing undergraduate study can receive the Madison, Dean, Basketball Scholarship to support tuition, room and board, or books. Beatrice Educational Foundation awards one Beatrice High School graduating senior who shows leadership, hustle, and good sportsmanship on and off the court with US $500 toward college costs.

Early-career organic chemists planning postdoctoral research at a U.S. nonprofit institution, including those based in Madison, Wisconsin, can receive up to US $170,000 over two years to pursue independent research. Grants from American Chemical Society support Ph.D. candidates or recent graduates nominated by a research advisor to develop innovative, sustainability-focused organic chemistry projects.

Professional theater companies producing shows at Madison’s Overture Center in Madison, Wisconsin can seek funding to help cover production costs. Focused on theater, Madison Community Foundation invites established, paid professional companies that meet specific experience and staffing criteria to apply, excluding organizations that already hold a Great Performance Fund endowment.

Nursing students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at accredited nonprofit schools can receive up to US $15,000 for tuition and related costs; awards are limited to permanent residents of select Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois counties. Deaconess Foundation administers these renewable nursing scholarship grants with local partners.

Dane County 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing women’s economic empowerment and educational or workforce opportunities in Madison, Wisconsin can access funding through Madison Community Foundation’s A Fund for Women. Eligible initiatives include workforce development, education programs (not individual scholarships), advocacy, mentorship, and support services, with possible unrestricted and multi-year support for aligned organizations.

Early-career biomedical assistant professors at nominated Madison, Wisconsin institutions can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support independent research advancing human health. Grants from Pew Charitable Trusts fund creative basic, translational, or applied biomedical projects, covering personnel, equipment, supplies, and research travel, with flexible use and required annual progress review.

Madison-area 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government bodies can seek funding for programs, capital projects, or endowment challenges serving Dane County residents, with awards up to Up to US $50,000. Madison, Wisconsin nonprofits working in arts and culture, community development, environment, learning, or organizational capacity building can access funding through Madison Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grants.

Nonprofits, public schools, and faith-based organizations in Madison, Wisconsin can receive approximately US $29,600 to expand or enhance existing educational programs for underserved children and youth ages 2–18. Grants from Madison Rotary Foundation help improve educational access and equity, including infrastructure, teacher training, resources, and partnerships, with funding available for up to two years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Madison, Wisconsin can seek funding for education, small business support, and basic human needs projects, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $100,000. With a mission to strengthen opportunity, Widen Family Foundation supports scholarships, entrepreneurship programs, housing, child welfare, and other human and social services in Dane County.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. 

Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.Columbus Area Endowment GrantColumbus Area Endowment Grant (CAE) is dedicated to enhancing the educational, cultural and economic vitality of the Columbus area for present and future generations. It supports the community’s quality of life through charitable grants. Interest areas include cultural enrichment, community development, education, environment and historic preservation.

CAE awards grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the Columbus and Fall River communities in parts of Dane, Columbia and Dodge Counties.

Specifically, we provide:

• Program grants that support new programs or expand existing programs that have a track record of success.
• Capital grants that support construction or purchase of facilities, land, vehicles or equipment.