Best Community Development Grants in Wisconsin

With a mission to support traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy, Auto Club Group Foundation provides Wisconsin nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and first responder agencies with grants of US $5,000 - US $15,000. Eligible K–12 districts, colleges, universities, and community organizations may secure funding for safety initiatives, financial literacy programs, and passive speed enforcement equipment that strengthen local community development.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Wisconsin and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for environmental justice assessment and engagement grants supporting environmental and public health efforts in disadvantaged communities. The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 awards up to US $150,000 for activities like monitoring, research, mapping, and community engagement in the Great Lakes region.

Jeffris Family Foundation provides Wisconsin historic preservation nonprofits and government partners with US $5,000 - US $50,000 for Historic Structure Reports on nationally or statewide significant sites. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be in smaller communities, provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match, and be preparing for community-centered capital campaigns that support long-term community development and revitalization.

Nonprofit organizations working on arts in education, climate change, watershed stewardship, or youth homelessness services in the U.S., including Wisconsin, may be considered for funding to strengthen programs and organizational capacity. With a mission to honor shared family values, Laird Norton Family Foundation provides long-term support in these focus areas; note it does not accept unsolicited applications.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, health care, education, civic projects, or community services in Wisconsin’s Jefferson County can apply for community support funding from Valero Energy Foundation, by invitation only. Eligible groups must align with Valero’s four pillars and submit all funding requests for the calendar year together.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms in Wisconsin bringing impact litigation on economic, environmental, racial, or social justice issues can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Community development efforts tied to systemic justice cases may be supported.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government entities supporting youth education or fitness and well-being can access funding through CommunityGiving in Wisconsin and nearby Bernick service areas. Grants of US $5,000 - US $40,000 support capital projects or new and expanded programs that strengthen community development through youth development, wellness, and active lifestyles.

The WAB Creation and Presentation Grant provides vital support to established nonprofit arts organizations in Wisconsin that create or present significant arts programming. This grant emphasizes community impact and artistic quality, requiring applicants to demonstrate a history of consistent artistic activities and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be incorporated in Wisconsin, hold 501(c)(3) status, and provide a dollar-for-dollar match of funding. This multi-year grant program facilitates ongoing artistic development while ensuring accountability.

With a mission to build safe and just communities, the Joyce Foundation provides Wisconsin community development and justice-focused organizations with funding for gun violence prevention, justice reform, and violence intervention projects. Eligible efforts include research, policy development, advocacy, pilot initiatives, and community education that advance racial equity and impact the Great Lakes region.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Environmental and community-focused organizations in Wisconsin working on Great Lakes climate policy, clean energy, or drinking water access may be eligible for support to advance policy solutions and environmental justice. With a mission to protect the Great Lakes region, the Joyce Foundation provides funding for climate solutions and equitable water policies centered on impacted communities.

Wisconsin community-based organizations and partners implementing public and community health strategies or health workforce initiatives can seek up to US $250,000 through the Community-Led Momentum Grants. With a mission to advance health and health equity, Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment supports collaborative projects that address community-identified needs and inform policy and practice across Wisconsin.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service can apply for Wisconsin Public Service Foundation’s grants to support specific community development, arts and culture, education, environment, or health and human services projects. Funding favors defined programs or capital efforts that improve local quality of life rather than general operating support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin Public Service-served communities can receive funding for community and neighborhood development projects, including revitalization efforts. Wisconsin Public Service Foundation supports program, project, and capital initiatives, with priorities spanning community development, education, environment, health and human services, and arts and culture across eligible Wisconsin and Michigan service-area counties.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies in Wisconsin and the broader 21-county Western Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa region can apply for Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation’s Thriving Community Impact Fund Core Contribution Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $49,999 for programs improving community health, poverty and economic stability, and neighborhood and built environments, including community development efforts.

Wisconsin and Twin Cities–area 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering direct community services can access funding through the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation to support asset-based programs. Eligible projects include youth development, social services, health access, education, disability services, senior programs, and civic activities, with priority for work serving the St. Croix Valley counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth empowerment, technology, arts, or community progression projects in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley can apply for support from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation prioritizes specific programs and projects in Brown, Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and Winnebago Counties, with some nationwide opportunities considered.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $500,000–$7 million in annual revenue can seek $100,000 for capital projects or new or expanded programs in arts, education, environment, health, or family services benefiting Greater Milwaukee communities in Wisconsin. With a mission to make transformative local impact, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee supports projects serving Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties.

Nonprofits and community organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Alliant Energy can seek funding for community development, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and safety projects. Focused on strengthening local communities, Alliant Energy invites applicants to propose specific programs or initiatives, including support for first responders, public spaces, youth development, and disaster readiness and relief.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of operations can seek project funding for community development and related programs in Wisconsin. Grants from Forest County Potawatomi Foundation help Wisconsin community development and revitalization efforts, including economic development, youth development, health and human services, environmental initiatives, and Native American services in Forest, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.

Wisconsin community development nonprofits can access funding through Old National Bank for programs that advance affordable housing, economic development, workforce development, and financial empowerment. Grants of approximately US $15,000 support initiatives serving underrepresented and low- to moderate-income residents in eligible Wisconsin counties within the bank’s footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can seek funding for a wide range of charitable programs, including community development and revitalization projects. With a mission to support charitable purposes, Burmester Charitable Trust provides grants that may also cover education, health, human and social services, arts and culture, environment, animal welfare, religion, and scientific initiatives.

Wisconsin community organizations, libraries, and other Network of the National Library of Medicine member institutions can seek funding to expand access to reliable health information and education, especially for underrepresented populations. Focused on health information outreach, National Library of Medicine support may benefit community development efforts that improve health literacy and equity through training, technology access, and public programs. Awards are US $25,000.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations focused on community development and people attraction projects in Wisconsin’s Grant, Lafayette, and Iowa counties can apply for Dubuque Racing Association funding. Focused on population growth, retention, and tourism, this program offers up to US $50,000 and prioritizes capacity-building efforts alongside material purchases to strengthen organizations and communities.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.