Best Transportation Grants in Wisconsin

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys 

The United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys works to improve the health, education, and financial stability of individuals and families across Western Wisconsin, serving Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties. Guided by a vision that all residents lead healthy lives, receive quality education, and achieve financial security, the organization invests in community-driven solutions that address local needs. Funding decisions are made locally and aligned with a Community Care agenda focused on three priority areas: education, financial stability, and health. United Way partners with nonprofit agencies, schools, county human services, faith-based organizations, and emergency service providers to deliver measurable outcomes. Through an annual citizen review process, community members help evaluate funding requests and recommend allocations, ensuring accountability and impact. The organization supports programs that demonstrate results and advance long-term community well-being.

John Coughlin Hope Fund (JCHF) 

The John Coughlin Hope Fund (JCHF) provides compassionate financial support to individuals and families facing urgent needs when no other resources are available. UW Valleys offer grants to help cover essential expenses such as rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, utility bills, medical costs, transportation (including car repairs), and other critical necessities.

JCHF works in close partnership with local community agencies to identify those experiencing short-term financial crises. Together, we ensure all available community resources are explored, while stepping in with direct support when gaps remain.

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.

The McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate and Energy Grant focuses on funding initiatives that address the climate crisis while promoting equity in the Midwest. The foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, and enhance community resilience. It aims to engage diverse populations and foster innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with an emphasis on collaborative, impactful projects.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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 Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Wispact Foundation Grant, established in 2021, aims to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Wisconsin. Managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, it provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing critical areas such as housing, assistive devices, and inclusive education. The foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance living conditions and accessibility, while excluding capital campaigns and retroactive funding. This initiative fosters community impact and supports organizations dedicated to disability services.

The Go Outside Fund aims to connect Wisconsin's youth with nature by providing grants between $100 and $500 for outdoor learning experiences. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and accredited educational institutions. The fund prioritizes projects that engage children in outdoor activities, facilitating access to nature while aligning with educational standards. This initiative addresses the pressing need for children to spend more time outdoors, promoting both physical and mental health benefits.

About Us

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. As Wisconsin’s smallest cabinet-level state agency, in terms of budget and staff, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism.  

The Department of Tourism markets Wisconsin as a premier travel destination under the Travel Wisconsin brand. We are also home to the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation, Meet in Wisconsin, Sports Wisconsin, Film Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Arts Board. Together, we uplift a robust tourism economy that enriches the lives of every Wisconsinite.

Meetings Mean Business Grant

The Meetings Mean Business (MMB) grant program helps destinations by providing financial assistance for facility costs or host destination expenses as you bid for regional and national meetings or conventions.

Why You Should Apply

• Attracting meetings and conventions generates significant economic impact from additional room nights and visitor spending.
• Hosting a successful regional or national conference can raise a destination’s profile among meeting and event planners, therefore generating more meeting and event sales.
• Securing grant funding for a bid can encourage further sponsorship and partnerships for the convention in your destination.
• Destination can bid on a variety of different kinds of meetings and conventions that best fit their business model, including but not limited to associations and organization meetings, trade shows, reunions, educational or social meetings.

The purpose of the fund is to assist destinations as they bid for national or Midwest regional meetings and conventions that generate hotel overnights and a significant economic impact for the area where they’ll be held. Such meetings may be held by a variety of different kinds of businesses, trade shows organizations, groups, etc. The purpose is to bring meetings or conventions into the state, but not to fund existing in-state events that are regularly scheduled or which routinely rotate to destinations within the state. 

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

The Kohler Foundation Grant focuses on preserving art environments and cultural heritage in Wisconsin and beyond. Grants up to $10,000 support innovative projects by tax-exempt public charities and institutions. With a preference for Sheboygan County, the Foundation encourages STEAM initiatives and programs enhancing access to the arts. Recent preservation efforts include notable sites like the Garden of Eden sculpture park and Pasaquan. The Foundation believes in impactful investments that foster lasting community benefits.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol).

WisDOT supports all forms of transportation. The department is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Wisconsin's network of state highways and Interstate highway system. The department shares the costs of building and operating county and local transportation systems - from highways to public transit and other modes. WisDOT plans, promotes and financially supports statewide air, rail and water transportation.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is the State of Wisconsin’s program for what is now the federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) set-aside Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), enacted in November 2021, replaced the FAST Act-era TA Set-Aside guidelines with enhanced funding availability and programming guidelines. With certain exceptions, projects that met eligibility criteria for the Safe Routes to School Program, Transportation Enhancements, and/or the Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Program are eligible TAP projects.

All TAP projects require project sponsors to pay 100% of project costs up front and are then reimbursed up to 80% of approved project costs after conducting project activity. All TAP projects require sponsors to pay a minimum of 20% of the approved project costs. Federal TAP funds are capped at the time of the project. A TAP project may not be substituted for another project and per Wisconsin Statute §85.021(2)(b), TAP projects must commence within four years of their award date. No exceptions or extensions can be made.

TAP projects within the jurisdiction of a Transportation Management Area (TMA) are selected at the regional level by TMAs, which are metropolitan planning organizations with a census-designated population over 200,000.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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 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 Prisoner Reintegration Program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, aims to assist individuals transitioning from incarceration in Milwaukee County. This initiative addresses critical behavioral, social, and economic challenges faced by participants, including mental health issues, substance use, and unemployment. Funding will support qualified staff who provide personalized assistance, ensuring collaboration with correctional facilities for effective reentry. The program promotes community adjustment and reduces recidivism through comprehensive support and resource connections.

The Angler Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Grant Program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to increase angling participation among diverse adult audiences in Wisconsin. This program provides financial support to eligible organizations for activities that foster a safe and ethical fishing experience. By promoting community engagement and education, the grant seeks to enhance the number of active anglers, ensuring sustainable fishing practices and preserving Wisconsin's natural resources.

The Herzfeld Foundation: Arts Education Grant aims to strengthen organizations dedicated to arts education for youth up to age 18 in Milwaukee. It supports innovative projects that enhance capacity and sustainability, encouraging collaboration among organizations. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, prioritizing proposals that improve fiscal stability and access to arts education for underserved communities. The Foundation honors Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's legacy by investing in cultural life and educational opportunities in the Greater Milwaukee area.

EMS Leave Behind Program: Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strip Kits

The Division of Care and Treatment Services is providing fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits kits to Wisconsin EMS agencies operating leave behind programs.

Program overview

Drug checking technologies like fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits are an evidence-based method to prevent drug overdose deaths by educating people about the substances they are using.

Leave behind programs allow EMS professionals to share (“leave behind”) overdose prevention tools and resources with patients and/or their social networks (family, friends, roommates, etc.) at the scene of care or after a hospital transport. Leave behind programs also offer opportunities to provide connections to local treatment providers and overdose prevention organizations. This model presents an opportunity to provide the supplies and support people who use substances need to prevent and reduce health and safety complications.

EMS agencies interested in distributing fentanyl and/or xylazine test strip kits to community members as part of a leave behind program are invited to complete the application form linked in the "solicitation links" section to be considered for this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program.

Applicants accepted into this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program will receive test strip kits at no cost.

The Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse offers annual grants to support innovative projects that empower women and girls. Since 1998, over $1 million has been awarded, focusing on education, transportation, and housing to foster economic independence. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 entities and public agencies serving designated counties. Grants range from $1,500 to $15,000. Priority is given to programs that address critical needs and promote inclusivity across all races, ethnicities, and religions.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Wisconsin aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. Funding is flexible, prioritizing smaller requests, and can be used for various purposes, including business training, infrastructure development, and community economic growth. The program targets projects in rural areas, enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and fostering economic development.