Best Quality of Life Grants in Wisconsin

Wisconsin agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices that enhance environmental quality and community well-being. Wisconsin land stewards can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on working lands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations improving quality of life through education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants, including organizations in Wisconsin. Awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000 may support general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs across these service areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin seeking project support for arts, education, environment, health, or community development can apply for funding from Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation provides grants for specific programs and capital projects that enhance quality of life in its utility service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing social services, health care, education, environment, or arts access in Wisconsin can seek general community support that enhances quality of life. The Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund focuses on under-resourced and marginalized populations in metropolitan Chicago and across Wisconsin, with LOIs accepted on a rolling basis.

Wisconsin graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges faced by the water industry, which may ultimately enhance community quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding to strengthen local quality of life. With a mission to create equitable, lasting change, US Bancorp Foundation provides collaborative, high-impact grants, with priority for organizations led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin Public Service service areas can seek project or capital support for community development, education, environment, arts, and health initiatives. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides quality-of-life funding to programs serving residents across its Wisconsin and Upper Michigan counties.

Nonprofit and community organizations improving quality of life in Wisconsin communities Alliant Energy serves can seek funding for hunger and housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety projects. Alliant Energy provides Wisconsin quality-of-life programs with support for food access, shelters, education, first responder equipment, parks, trails, and community events, with applications accepted year-round.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can seek project funding to enhance safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides small and medium-sized grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services and capacity-building in communities along its rail network.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with quality-of-life programs in Wisconsin can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000 for self-sufficiency and immediate-need projects. Funding may support homelessness services, education, job readiness, food security, health care, anti-trafficking, disaster relief, and related humanitarian initiatives that build long-term resilience.

Private woodland owners in Wisconsin can receive cost-share assistance for tree planting, invasive species control, forest stewardship planning, and other forest improvement practices. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help landowners protect and enhance forests, soil, water, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources, supporting long-term environmental quality and quality of life across the state.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Wisconsin conducting biomedical and public health research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects up to Up to US $375,000. Eligible baccalaureate-granting schools with limited prior NIH funding may use these small-scale grants to expand research opportunities and quality-of-life-related training for students.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working on economic opportunity, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding and leadership development through the Neighborhood Builders Program. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help build nonprofit capacity via a two-year leadership program for CEOs and emerging leaders focused on social mobility and stable housing.

La Roche provides Wisconsin nonprofits and accredited charities with funding for humanitarian, educational, environmental, and contemporary arts initiatives that enhance quality of life. Organizations whose projects promote sustainable development, engage local partners and employees, and operate within a single country may be eligible through Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy’s global and affiliate giving framework.

Early-career clinical and public health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting mentored clinical trials can receive approximately US $140,000 for multi-year career development and research support. Focused on global health and medical research training, the National Institutes of Health invites Wisconsin partners collaborating with LMIC investigators to consider this Emerging Global Leader Award opportunity.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development can access funding through Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards. Eligible organizations must directly serve specified Wisconsin counties and may receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 when nominated by an Altra Federal Credit Union member.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Interdisciplinary faculty teams led by eligible UW School of Medicine and Public Health principal investigators can apply for University of Wisconsin Madison’s Collaborative Health Sciences Program, with awards up to US $600,000 over three years. Projects must advance innovative research or education that improves health, health care, or health equity for Wisconsinites.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Wisconsin working on climate and clean energy systems change can seek operating or project support for advocacy, organizing, and policy work. The McKnight Foundation funds efforts that transform energy, transportation, buildings, working lands, and democratic participation to cut greenhouse gas emissions and advance equity across the Midwest, including Wisconsin.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving low- and moderate-income communities can seek program support for housing, community services, and economic development within Huntington’s footprint, including Wisconsin. With a mission to build vibrant communities, Huntington National Bank provides quality-of-life funding focused on community revitalization, affordable housing, and workforce and small business development.

Early-career research scientists in eligible low- or middle-income countries proposing health-related research and career development can apply for approximately US $140,000 in support, including applicants based in Wisconsin institutions that qualify. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers mentored support to build independent research careers addressing local health priorities.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Surface Water Grants: Management Plan Implementation Projects, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, support initiatives aimed at enhancing and protecting surface water resources. With a focus on approved management plans, these grants facilitate projects that improve aquatic ecosystems. Applications are due by September 15 for pre-proposals and November 15 for full proposals. Each waterbody can submit one application, ensuring targeted, impactful management efforts for Wisconsin's vital water resources.

The Schoen Family Charitable Trust Grant, established by John and Joan Schoen in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Midwestern communities. With a board comprised of the founders' family members, the trust emphasizes charitable giving, allocating over 98% of funds to various causes. Their mission focuses on education, health, wellness, and family support, aiming to empower individuals and improve lives through targeted assistance and community engagement.

The Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation, established in 1986, supports Wisconsin charities that promote family values, athletics, and welfare. Eligible organizations can apply for grants addressing specific focus areas, including animal welfare and education, during the 2026-2029 cycle. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities with a valid IRS Tax ID, ensuring they meet community needs effectively. The Foundation prioritizes impactful projects that align with its mission of enhancing community well-being and preventing cruelty to animals.