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 in Wisconsin supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support from Costco Foundation. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding may be competitive. Travel and tourism initiatives that fit these priorities and serve local communities may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare in Wisconsin can seek funding for programs such as child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, refugee enrichment, and environmental education. The Dan Paul Foundation supports these efforts worldwide with grants up to US $15,000, which may benefit ecotourism or tourism-related youth 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 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 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 and community organizations supporting health, education, or humanitarian services for marginalized people in Wisconsin and worldwide may be eligible for funding that can complement travel and tourism initiatives. Focused on global welfare, the Semnani Family Foundation backs programs such as health care access, disaster relief, literacy, and related social services that serve vulnerable communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.

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.

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.