Best Oconto County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Healthy Lakes & Rivers Grants

(See page 17 of attatched PDF)

Healthy Lakes & Rivers grants provide funding to qualified organizations to help facilitate the installation of practices on public or private property to improve habitat and water quality. They support five simple and inexpensive best practices including fish sticks, native plantings, diversions, rock infiltrations, and rain gardens. Practices must follow department guidelines published in the Healthy Lakes and Rivers Action Plan and supporting technical guidance. Detailed information is available on the Healthy Lakes & Rivers website.

The Frank N. Andersen Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated philanthropist in Saginaw. Established to support local students pursuing education in Career and Technical Education (CTE), it provides financial assistance ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants include Saginaw County high school seniors and undergraduate students with specific GPA requirements. This scholarship continues Mr. Andersen's tradition of uplifting the community, reflecting his belief in the importance of education and helping others.

The Daniel J. Alcock Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in trades such as welding, electrical work, and auto mechanics. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled part- or full-time. The scholarship honors Dan Alcock's legacy, a dedicated mentor in the electrical trade, and aims to empower students to achieve their career aspirations in technical education.

The Charles F. and Edith E. Brunkow Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Buena Vista Charter Township pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0, this scholarship provides financial assistance ranging from $500 to $4,000, fostering education in skilled trades such as welding, auto mechanics, and culinary arts, which are increasingly in demand.

The Buena Vista Township Lions Club Scholarship, managed by the Saginaw Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to high school seniors pursuing undergraduate degrees or career and technical education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be residents of Buena Vista Township or Saginaw County. This scholarship ranges from $500 to $4,000, aiming to support students in skilled trades, highlighting the growing demand for workforce-ready individuals in various technical fields.

The Batkoski Family Scholarship honors Frank Batkoski, a dedicated sheet metal worker and Army veteran, by supporting students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE). Established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to inspire hard work and craftsmanship. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it targets high school seniors from Saginaw County who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and seek to excel in skilled trades. This initiative reflects the growing demand for skilled workers in various trades.

The Nick Andros Music Scholarship, established by the family and friends of Nick Andros, honors his passion for music and positive inspiration. This scholarship seeks to support students who demonstrate Nick's spirit through their dedication to the arts. Eligible candidates must be high school seniors from Saginaw County with a minimum GPA of 2.0, pursuing an undergraduate degree. Applicants are required to submit an MP3 of their work, showcasing their musical talents.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program

This is a federal program administered in all states that encourages the creation and interpretation of high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received by the DNR for this program are split between DNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. LWCF grants provide local units of governments, tribes, and school districts opportunities to receive grants for outdoor recreation activities. Payment of grant funds is on a reimbursement basis.

Public access is fundamental to this grant program. Reasonable public access is required for any property purchased or developed with grant funds. The DNR can help determine what constitutes appropriate and reasonable public access for grant-funded properties. 

The FY26 Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program's Platform Clinical Translation Award facilitates early-phase clinical trials for innovative healthcare technologies, catering to the needs of military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. The program allows collaborations among multiple Principal Investigators and mandates an external advisory board with patient advocate involvement. Approximately $30M is allocated to fund two applications, each capped at $15M, over a maximum period of four years, with funding contingent on performance milestones.

​Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program - WI

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeships are designed to strengthen and encourage the continuity of Wisconsin's diverse cultural traditions by supporting exemplary traditional artists and culture bearers in passing their skills and knowledge on to committed and talented apprentices.

Any form of traditional art - from basketry to old time music, from beadwork to ethnic dance and singing, from instrument building to traditional foodways - as carried on by members of Wisconsin's various cultural groups, is eligible. These cultural groups are communities that emerge from shared ethnicity, language, religion, occupation, recreational pursuit, or geographic region. Priority will be given to instruction in art forms that are in danger of being lost or that help to preserve an endangered language. Both the instructing artist and apprentice should be committed to preserving and advancing the art form in their shared community.

Grant Amounts

Maximum awards are $3,500 to the instructing artist or a fiscal receiver*. Successful applicants may use the apprenticeship award to help cover the costs of the instructing artist’s fee, the supplies and materials needed during the apprenticeship, and in some cases, travel expenses.​

The US Dept. of Health & Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is renewing the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) PAR-23-237 to support established biomedical data repositories and knowledgebases. This funding aims to sustain impactful resources that address the needs of the biomedical research community. Applications for this phase must demonstrate prior scientific impact and the potential for continued benefit to the community, while no new applications are being solicited at this time.

The NIH's TALK initiative aims to enhance clinical practices for late talking children by funding research to identify early signs of language delays. This NOFO focuses on developing evidence-based strategies for screening and supporting children and their families. It targets children over 18 months who are not meeting language milestones, particularly those at higher risk due to various factors. Collaborative research efforts are encouraged to ensure effective identification and intervention.

The National Biomedical Research Centers (NBRCs) aim to enhance biomedical research by providing advanced equipment, scientific expertise, and innovative human-based models. Supported by NIH and other federal agencies, this initiative focuses on reducing reliance on live animal models through the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The program invites applications that propose actionable plans to refine and replace animal use, promoting innovative research at centers with existing nonhuman primate colonies.

About UNCF

Who We Are

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

2026-2027 Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

Daughters of Charity Inc., in partnership with UNCF, created the Associates Scholars Empowerment Program to assist students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

Students who do not meet the renewal criteria will be placed on probation and given a one semester grace period, while funded, to come into compliance.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is inviting eligible organizations to submit unsolicited research proposals targeting key areas like housing affordability and homelessness. This initiative aims to foster high-quality research that informs housing policies and programs. Projects must secure matching funds of at least 50% of the total cost and align with HUD's research priorities to qualify for cooperative agreements, ensuring ongoing collaboration throughout the research process.

The Don Forsyth 'Circle K' Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, recognizes outstanding members of Circle K clubs in New York State. This scholarship aims to support students committed to serving individuals with Down Syndrome through careers in special education, speech, physical, or occupational therapy. Established in 1968, the foundation empowers local communities and provides meaningful financial assistance to students demonstrating exceptional community service.

Transforming Maternal Health: Third-Party Administrator to Manage Disbursement and Oversight of Provider Infrastructure Payments

Overview

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is a recipient of a cooperative agreement through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a 10-year service delivery and payment model designed to improve maternal health outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model will test whether targeted technical (TA) assistance, coupled with payment and delivery system reforms, can drive a whole-person care-delivery approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care while reducing Medicaid and CHIP program expenditures. DHS is seeking a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) to manage the disbursement and oversight of Provider Infrastructure Payments (PIPs) under the CMS Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. The purpose of the TMaH model is to expand access to maternal health care and improve maternal health outcomes. These payments support care delivery transformation for hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), and a broader "Maternal Health Care Team.” The effective date of the agreement awarded under this funding opportunity will be June 15, 2026.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

County Conservation AIDS

County conservation grants provide financial assistance to enhance county/tribal fish and wildlife programs.

This Fish and Wildlife Management Grant Program was created to assist counties in the improvement of the fish and wildlife resources. The fund was established by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1965 as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes and bobcats. Every year since the bounty program was canceled, a state allocation equal to the average annual bounty payment has been earmarked as matching money for a growing list of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects.

After the state budget is approved, funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state.

The Wetland Restoration Incentives Grant, funded by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, offers $10,000 incentives for projects enhancing or restoring wetlands. Grantees must have completed a comprehensive land use plan that demonstrates a connection to lakes. This initiative directly supports the preservation of Wisconsin's natural resources, including surface water management and ecological health. By promoting sustainable practices, it aims to foster community engagement and environmental stewardship while addressing the challenges of wetland degradation.

The Comprehensive Management Planning for Lakes & Watersheds Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance waterbody management through strategic planning. This grant supports projects that analyze watersheds to set goals for improving and protecting natural resources. Funding is available for creating new management plans or updating existing ones, facilitating informed decisions to address ecological challenges and promote sustainable practices in local communities.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Guidelines for the Snowmobile Trail Aids Program

Introduction

The snowmobile grant program was created with the passage of Chapter 394 Laws of 1970. The Department of Natural Resources was authorized to administer a grant program for the acquisition, development, insurance and maintenance of public snowmobile trails. A Governor's Snowmobile Recreation Council consisting of 15 members was created to advise the Department on matters relating to the administration of the program.

Through the efforts of the Snowmobile Recreation Council, the Department and organized snowmobile clubs, a number of changes and additions have been made to the original legislation. These changes have resulted in a program that fosters a safe, well-maintained snowmobile trail system throughout Wisconsin and effective enforcement and safety programs for all enthusiasts.

The purpose of this guide is to outline the requirements of the components of Wisconsin's snowmobile grant programs.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Dam Removal Grant Program

Eligibility & Purpose:

Any county, city, village, town, tribe, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation district or person who owns the dam may apply. Other entities may apply as the authorized representative of the actual dam owner if the dam owner is willing to allow their dam to be removed. Dam removal grant funds cover costs directly related to planning for the actual removal, implementing the dam removal and the restoration of the impoundment.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

County Forest Wildlife Habitat Grant

Eligibility & Purpose:

Funds are available to finance county forest wildlife habitat management with emphasis on forest wildlife habitat improvement, inventories and wildlife education. Funding is available at $.10/acre for counties that have lands in the county forest program

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

County Forest Administration

Eligibility & Purpose:

Any county employing a professional forester in the capacity of county forest administrator or assistant county forest administrator can receive up to 50 percent of its employee's annual salary and fringe benefit costs. 

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Notice of Intent/Discharge Cost-Share Grants

Eligibility & Purpose:

The DNR and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offer cost-share funding grants to governmental units working with owners and operators of livestock operations to meet pollution control requirements imposed by the DNR.

Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) program

Since 2010, the U.S. EPA has awarded the DNR and its partners $5.3 million in brownfield assessment grant funding. The RR Program uses the funding to aid local governments and others in investigating brownfield properties throughout the state.

The Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) program provides funding to address specific brownfields sites where potential or known contamination is acting as an impediment to economic redevelopment. The DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program administers funds through WAM contractor services awards and community managed subgrants.

Contractor services awards

Contractor services awards may include Phase I [exit DNR] and Phase II [exit DNR] environmental site assessments, site investigations and remedial action planning at selected properties. Properties in this program are generally less than 10 acres and have petroleum or hazardous substance contamination.

For contractor services awards, the DNR will assign one of its contractors to perform assessment activities. The contractors were selected through a competitive procurement process completed in 2022 and are currently Bay West, GEI, Ramboll and TRC.

Community-managed services awards

WAM community-managed awards are subgrants to local government or tribal entities. The subgrantee selects a qualified environmental professional and oversees the work. Applicants must ensure a signed site access agreement is in place authorizing the subgrantee and its contractors access to the property to perform the assessment activities.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are designed for organizations that need a year of planning, training, and capacity building before they can develop and implement a full character program or project.