Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations addressing urgent social or environmental challenges in Wisconsin can receive up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable solutions. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports ventures serving underserved communities, including those whose models may incorporate equitable and affordable housing within broader poverty, health, or economic mobility work.

U.S. 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can seek program, capital, or limited general support for arts and science programming from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. Wisconsin nonprofits providing arts education, STEAM programs, or artist development that reach large or underserved populations may be competitive for awards over US $100,000.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations planning community events or fundraisers related to equitable and affordable housing can seek sponsorship support for specific activities. Focused on economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education, Old National Bank prioritizes programs serving underrepresented or low-to-moderate income communities within its eligible Wisconsin counties.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing, community development, or related services can access funding through PNC Foundation to support low- and moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods. Eligible projects may include affordable housing counseling, transitional housing, credit counseling for homeownership, and broader revitalization efforts in Wisconsin communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit charities in Wisconsin seeking support for humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or cultural projects may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy funding, which can include community development efforts. With a mission to strengthen communities, Roche provides Wisconsin nonprofits with support for innovative, sustainable projects that engage local partners and employees and operate within the country where a Roche affiliate is based.

Wisconsin affordable housing and community development nonprofits can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support housing, workforce development, and basic needs like food and emergency shelter. Additional sponsorships may benefit organizations preserving neighborhoods, advancing arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion programs in low- and moderate-income communities.

The Douglas County Disaster and Welfare Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, provides essential financial support ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations. This funding aims to assist Douglas County residents during disasters by addressing critical needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve the local community, ensuring targeted aid during challenging times.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community, human services, or affordable housing-related programs can compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 in Best Life Community Awards funding. Focus areas include equitable and affordable housing, homelessness, health, education, cultural enrichment, environment, and community safety, with finalists selected by Altra Foundation and a community vote.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in Wisconsin can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation costs. Cases advancing economic, environmental, racial, or social justice for communities facing systemic oppression, including those tied to housing stability or homelessness, may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing equitable and affordable housing or related services in Wisconsin can apply for the Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation’s funding; awards support general operations, programs, or projects. Priority goes to groups serving St. Croix Valley communities, with possible consideration for others addressing the foundation’s housing and basic-needs priorities.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Wisconsin communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek support for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible groups to propose initiatives that benefit residents in its Wisconsin manufacturing communities.

Wisconsin nonprofits serving basic needs, at-risk youth, or families facing domestic violence can access funding through TJX Foundation if they are 501(c)(3)s located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Programs that provide food, clothing, shelter, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or safety services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, supportive housing, shelters, or related basic-needs services in Wisconsin may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial’s national Community Grants. Focused on meeting basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise prioritizes programs with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes serving communities across the U.S.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Affordable housing providers in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest can access training support to strengthen asset and property management through this five-month Asset Management University Cohort. Grants from Enterprise Community Partners help organizations improve the financial, physical, and operational health of their affordable housing portfolios, with online CHAM coursework, peer learning, and post-training technical assistance for up to 15 groups.

Wisconsin affordable housing nonprofits can access funding through Old National Bank to support programs that expand homeownership, repair and revitalize homes, and develop affordable rental housing, with typical awards around Approximately US $15,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities must be within the bank’s footprint and prioritize underrepresented or low- to moderate-income communities.

Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides Wisconsin nonprofits, tribal governments, and public entities with up to US $300,000 to advance transformational projects in equitable and affordable housing and related opportunity work. Eligible organizations must serve residents in specified northwestern Wisconsin counties, focusing on upstream, collaborative, equity-centered initiatives that strengthen long-term community capacity and systems change.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 from Andersen Corporate Foundation for general operating, program, or capital needs. Organizations must serve Andersen communities in Wisconsin, such as Menomonie or the St. Croix Valley, and align with its housing, hunger relief, or trade education priorities.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing youth- and family-focused services, housing support, or community programs in Wisconsin may be eligible for US $30,000 - US $350,000 through the True Inspiration Awards. With a mission to celebrate impactful community work, Chick Fil A Foundation provides grants for affordable housing, basic needs, education, food security, and environmental stewardship projects.

Nonprofits, tribal governments, government entities, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups expanding economic stability and affordable housing in Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota can apply for US $25,000 - US $50,000 grants to support programs, operations, and capacity. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds community-driven projects that expand affordable housing, create living-wage jobs, and strengthen long-term economic well-being.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.