Best Marathon County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Neng & Bao Xiong Volvo Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, awards scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors from the greater Wausau area. The program supports students demonstrating community service and cultural tolerance, with over $300,000 available for more than 200 scholarships. Eligible students must plan to pursue higher education at an accredited college or university in any field of study.

The Mark Foundation & Jane Wiley TLC Scholars Award offers over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students in north central Wisconsin, supporting those pursuing higher education. This award specifically assists graduates with tuition loan repayments, providing up to $4,000 for those who meet eligibility criteria, including residency in Marathon County and acceptance into accredited institutions. The initiative aims to foster academic success and alleviate financial burdens for deserving students.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

The Marathon County Labor Council Scholarship aims to support the educational pursuits of high school seniors who are children or grandchildren of labor union members in good standing. Annually, this scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving students planning to further their education in any field, with a preference for those intending to contribute to the labor movement. Over $300,000 is awarded through various scholarships to enhance the community's educational opportunities.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Marathon County Farm Technology Days Scholarship offers financial support to students pursuing agricultural studies in Wisconsin. Administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, this scholarship encourages residents and students to engage in programs that enhance their skills in agriculture-related fields. With over $300,000 available, it aims to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders and professionals, making education accessible for those dedicated to the industry.

The Macdonald Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship, established in 2015, supports students from Marathon County and the Merrill area who demonstrate a strong work ethic. With over $300,000 awarded annually to more than 200 students, the scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college students planning to attend a four-year University of Wisconsin campus. Recipients can apply repeatedly, fostering ongoing educational opportunities and community engagement.

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 Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the We Energies Foundation, supports local public safety agencies with funding up to $2,000 per project. Eligible projects include equipment purchases and professional training that enhance safety initiatives within the communities served by the foundation. Grants must be utilized within two years, and projects should be special, one-time efforts. This initiative emphasizes the importance of safety and well-planned public safety responses.

The Luthra Family Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, provides annual financial assistance to exceptional students from the Wausau or D.C. Everest School Districts. This scholarship targets those pursuing education in health or human sciences at a University of Wisconsin institution. Over $300,000 is awarded annually to more than 200 students, emphasizing academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need.

The Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life in the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. Funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, these grants focus on the arts, education, health and human services, and resource preservation. They aim to provide long-term, tangible benefits to the community, encouraging nonprofits to propose impactful solutions to pressing needs.

The Coenen Family Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, aims to support graduating seniors from the Wausau or D.C. Everest School Districts pursuing higher education. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhance community quality of life through education. More than 200 students will benefit from over $300,000 in scholarships, enabling them to pursue various fields of study at technical schools, colleges, and universities.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

The Habitat Protection and Restoration grant by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust aims to fund projects that protect and restore vital fish habitats in the Great Lakes region. Priorities include enhancing fish passage, supporting sustainable reproduction, and utilizing decision-support tools for project identification. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, focusing on projects within the Lake Michigan basin. This grant emphasizes community support and long-term management, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The Carol Verhasselt Legacy Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, supports graduating high school seniors from the greater Wausau area who are passionate about the arts. Awarded annually, this scholarship encourages students pursuing post-secondary education in art, promoting their academic and personal growth. With over $300,000 in scholarships available, it fosters a commitment to education and community enhancement, ensuring a positive impact on the lives of local students.

The Allen Johnson Scholarship & Grants for Skilled Construction Trades aims to support students in north central Wisconsin pursuing careers in skilled trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and welding. With over $300,000 available, this initiative assists more than 200 students from various educational backgrounds, ensuring they receive the necessary financial aid to enhance their skills and gain valuable qualifications in their respective fields.

The Ed & Joyce Creske Family Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in central Wisconsin, specifically Lincoln, Marathon, and Portage Counties. The foundation prioritizes causes that positively impact the Mosinee community. However, it does not fund annual campaigns, operating expenses, debt retirement, endowments, direct individual support, lobbying, or sectarian causes. This initiative reflects the Creske family's commitment to giving back to the community that has supported them throughout their lives.

The Judd S. Alexander Foundation, established in 1973, has distributed over $55 million in grants to enhance quality of life and economic growth in Wausau, Wisconsin. It supports diverse projects in economic development, arts, education, and community services, engaging local leaders and residents. The Foundation encourages non-profit applications that directly benefit Marathon County and is committed to championing significant development initiatives while promoting public-private partnerships for sustainable community improvement.

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

The Mid Wisconsin Grants, established under the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, provide funding for nonprofit projects in communities once served by Mid Wisconsin Bank. The grants support initiatives in health, education, and community development. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt entities based in specific Wisconsin locations. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with grant officers before submission. Note that political or strictly religious purposes are not funded, and prior recipients are ineligible for two years.

The Murco Foundation Grants, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, focus on advancing education and the arts within the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. Established in 1992, the Foundation evaluates grant applications annually, prioritizing support for nonprofit organizations. However, they do not fund annual campaigns, operating expenses, or lobbying efforts. The grants aim to foster community enrichment and support for 501(C)(3) organizations.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation Grant, established in 1998, supports projects under $5,000 that enhance arts, education, health, economic, and social development in North Central Wisconsin. Applications are reviewed monthly, with deadlines on the last Wednesday of each month. The foundation encourages diverse funding sources and prefers not to fund the same organization more than once a year. Clear and concise applications are welcomed to ensure meaningful community impact.

The Marshfield Area Community Foundation provides Community Grants to support various projects in education, arts, culture, healthcare, and social services within its service area. These grants are awarded annually through a competitive process and aim to address the evolving charitable needs of the community. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities. The Foundation is committed to connecting caring individuals with impactful causes to enhance the quality of life in Marshfield.

Impact100 Greater Wausau is dedicated to empowering women philanthropists in Marathon County to support local nonprofits. By fostering a diverse and inclusive community, we aim to address critical needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment. Our members collaborate to create lasting change, focusing on underserved populations and impactful initiatives that enhance the well-being of families and individuals in our area.