Best Marathon County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation provides grants over $5,000 for meaningful projects in North Central Wisconsin that enhance arts, education, health, economic, and social development. Applications are accepted six times a year, with deadlines on the last Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. The foundation encourages innovative initiatives that engage diverse communities, improve well-being, and support productive citizenship, while promoting appreciation for the area’s natural resources.

The Clyde F. Schlueter Foundation, established in 1977, focuses on enhancing the character and service of youth in Wausau through grants. It supports projects that foster growth in physical, social, and intellectual areas, as well as civic improvements. The foundation has awarded over $1 million to various organizations, continuing its mission through a donor advised fund managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, which reviews applications biannually.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Universal Service Fund - Nonprofit Access Grant supports nonprofit organizations in obtaining partial funding for projects aimed at improving affordable telecommunications access. Targeting low-income households and individuals with disabilities, this program allocates up to $500,000 annually to help address high service costs in underserved areas. By facilitating essential telecommunications services, the grant fosters greater connectivity and support for vulnerable communities across Wisconsin.

The Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, supports emergency response agencies in their safety initiatives. Since 2014, over $500,000 has been awarded to enhance public safety through equipment purchases and professional development. Each project can receive up to $2,000, with applications open to local, county, and volunteer fire, law enforcement, and rescue agencies within the service area. Grants should be utilized within two years to ensure impactful and sustainable safety efforts.

The Community Arts Grants program, funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Arts Board, promotes artistic collaboration in Marathon County. It supports nonprofit organizations in providing quality arts experiences with a public component. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, aiming to enhance the arts' diversity and quality in the region. Each organization may submit one application annually, fostering community engagement through the arts.

The KCF Scholarships - Colleen Deininger Aviation Scholarship Fund offers a one-time scholarship of $2,500 for students from Kenosha and surrounding counties. Eligible applicants include high school seniors enrolling in accredited colleges or universities, specifically those pursuing degrees in aviation-related fields with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is administered by the Kenosha Community Foundation, which manages various scholarship funds to support local students in their educational endeavors.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The Beyond Pencils and Beyond Crayons Grants are designed for K-12 teachers in Marathon County to promote innovative curriculum projects. These grants aim to enrich educational experiences, inspire both students and educators, and fulfill specific community needs. Proposals must be cost-effective and demonstrate educational value, with a focus on projects that are not typically funded by school district budgets. The grants support projects that can be completed within the current school year.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

The Leon & Alma Burger Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, offers over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students annually. This scholarship specifically targets graduating high school seniors from the greater Wausau area, providing renewable funding for up to four years of post-secondary education. Eligible students must plan to pursue education in fields such as Education, Health, or Commerce, ensuring support for future leaders in these vital sectors.

The John H.A. Stubbe Memorial Scholarship aims to support high school seniors from Wausau and D.C. Everest School Districts who have participated in curling, baseball, or softball. This scholarship is intended for students planning to pursue higher education in Wisconsin, with a total funding of over $300,000 available for more than 200 students. It embodies the Community Foundation's mission to enhance community quality of life through educational opportunities.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation offers Local Community Grants to support initiatives that enhance community development, health, arts, education, and the environment. Nonprofit organizations in the service areas are eligible for funding. The foundation emphasizes partnerships that promote educational opportunities and community improvement. With a history of providing financial support since 1964, the foundation encourages projects that engage local residents and foster collaboration among diverse groups. Preference is given to specific programs or projects that align with their mission.

The JoAnn & William (Bill) Hintz Memorial Scholarship offers financial support to residents of Marathon County pursuing education in printing, graphic arts, or related fields. Over 200 scholarships totaling over $300,000 are awarded annually, emphasizing community involvement. The selection process prioritizes qualified candidates from Marathon County, while also considering Wausau West High School seniors with varsity athletics experience. This initiative, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, aims to enhance educational opportunities and community engagement.

The Inspire Possibilities Scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors from Marathon County who are pursuing education in the mental health field or have been personally impacted by mental health challenges. With over $300,000 available in scholarships, this initiative enhances community well-being and encourages students to follow their passion in mental health services. Eligible applicants must submit an essay detailing their personal experiences with mental health, showcasing the importance of this cause.

The Elizabeth S. Peters Scholarship for the Advancement of Women aims to support female students from Marathon County pursuing higher education in accounting at the University of Wisconsin system. With over $300,000 awarded to more than 200 students annually, this scholarship fosters academic success and career development, ensuring that women have the resources needed to thrive in their educational journeys. The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin administers this initiative, reflecting its commitment to enhancing community quality of life.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant supports local communities through charitable contributions, focusing on areas such as arts, education, and human services. Funded by shareholders, not utility customers, the foundation awards nearly $1.4 million annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance community quality of life. Eligible projects must align with specific funding areas and be located within the service area. The foundation encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement and development.

The Community Health Care Physicians Legacy Scholarship offers financial support to graduating high school seniors from Marathon County pursuing an education in a medically related field. With over $300,000 available from 125 endowed scholarship funds, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in the community by fostering future healthcare professionals. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 3.5 and enrollment at an accredited college or university.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Helen Whitehead Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mrs. Whitehead to provide tuition assistance for a graduating Senior from Blue Ridge, Elk Lake, Forest City, Montrose, Mountain View or Susquehanna Community High School who will matriculate at a college or post-secondary degree program to major in the culinary profession or a student who will matriculate at a college or post-secondary degree program to major in a degree in Nursing.

Eleanor & James Latta Jr. Scholarship Fund

Mission Statement

In the spirit of the A. Duie Pyle company focus on supporting people in as many ways as possible, the Latta Scholarship goal is to assist the children or stepchildren of A. Duie Pyle employees to enter into or continue attending an accredited college or technical school. Applicants must be children or stepchildren of A. Duie Pyle employees, should be able to demonstrate academic success, community and/or school contribution and a solid-grasp of future professional plans.

If you are an A. Duie Pyle employee and would like your child to apply for the Latta Scholarship, full details and an application can be accessed here. For any additional questions you can reach out to pylemarketing@aduiepyle.com. or grants@chescocf.org

Background

The Eleanor & James Latta Jr. Scholarship Fund was established through donations from A. Duie Pyle, Inc. and from private donors for the benefit of children of employees of A. Duie Pyle. The fund is administered through the Chester County Community Foundation, and award winners are selected by the fund's scholarship committee, none of whom work at A. Duie Pyle.

Eleanor Pyle was Duie Pyle's daughter, and in 1942 she married James Latta, Jr. At the time, Mr. Latta was serving his country in the U.S. Army. Shortly after the wedding, Mr. Latta shipped out and served in the China-Burma-India Theater, and did not return home until April of 1945. Beginning in 1946, Jim Latta worked alongside Duie Pyle as the company continued to grow.

As Mr. Pyle's health declined in the early 1960's, Mr. Latta assumed the decision making for the future of the company. Mr. Latta led Pyle through rapid expansion, diversification, and a Teamster strike, and Pyle's resulting decertification. Throughout his leadership, Eleanor, his wife of 52 years, was by his side and involved in the company's activities. As Mr. Latta's health problems began to compound during 1985, much of the responsibility for the day to day decision making was transferred to Mr. and Mrs. Latta's three sons: Jimmy, Duie, and Peter. Mr. Latta remained a guiding force for his sons until his passing on June 16, 1995. Mrs. Latta continued as the matriarch of the company for many more years, until her passing on September 29, 2011.

The company experienced tremendous growth and solidified its identity as an outstanding place to work under the leadership of Eleanor and James Latta, Jr. They were always big proponents of education, and this scholarship fund is in memory of their tremendous contribution, and for the benefit of the employees of A. Duie Pyle, who they both so dearly respected and valued.

In 2013, shortly before his retirement, Pyle's President, Steve O'Kane, started the Eleanor & James Latta Jr. Scholarship Fund for the benefit of children of employees of A. Duie Pyle, in memory of Eleanor & James Latta Jr.

RoseLoe-Dix Endowed Scholarship Fund

Attending four-year university, two-year college or trade school in the upcoming semester, majoring in Business, Sciences, Computers, Christian Religion, Literature, Pre-med, Medical Field, or Engineering.

Awards

• (2) $12,000.00

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship benefits students pursuing postgraduate studies at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school. Art is not a required major for eligible applicants. This scholarship is renewable.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay, 3 Pieces of Artwork and References.

Wyndall Ivey Scholarship

The scholarship has been established in memory of Attorney Wyndall Ivey, a 1992 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School (Lanier Academic Motivational Program), the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Washington and Lee University School of Law. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay and References

Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship benefits students who are children of employed or independent, exclusive sales representatives or insurance agents of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company or its insurance affiliates or subsidiaries. Awarding is based on academic achievement.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript

Osborn scholarship

The Osborn scholarship is for BIPOC students with demonstrated financial need, who are enrolled in or planning to pursue an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program in landscape architecture or civil engineering. Priority will be given to students with a demonstrated a commitment to developing public infrastructure and/or public places in the State of Washington. The intention of the scholarship is to create opportunities for those who have faced historic barriers to access to these professions in the United States. The scholarship founders believe that the design challenges of the 21st century require diverse voices to solve. They look forward to the stronger design solutions to which future scholarship recipients will contribute. Scholarship applicants must demonstrate the grit, resiliency and aptitude that is necessary for success in these professions. This may be demonstrated by any combination of at least two of the following characteristics: overcame a significant personal challenge to maintain at least a B average at school, honor roll grade point average, demonstrated ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, demonstrated service contributions to their community.

Awards

• $5,000 - $10,000

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Kyle Leonard Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kyle Leonard, the fund will award a $1,500 scholarship to one graduate of any high school located within Houston County. The award will be based on academic achievement, as a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, as well as school and community involvement.