Best Ozaukee County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation (MTCF) aims to enhance community quality of life by funding nonprofit initiatives with a lasting impact. Grants prioritize defined funding priorities, measurable outcomes, and projects benefiting seniors or children. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and government entities. MTCF avoids funding individuals, ongoing expenses, or projects outside its communities. Preference is given to projects that offer significant community benefits and long-term impact, enriching the lives of Mequon and Thiensville residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin that run technology access and digital literacy programs for families or seniors can seek US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand broadband education efforts. Charter Communications’ Spectrum Digital Education Grants support existing programs in Spectrum markets that partner with low-income or multicultural communities and can report clear impact metrics.

The Environmental Programming Grant supports organizations in Cedar Grove, Belgium, Northern Ozaukee, Oostburg, and Random Lake, Wisconsin, focusing on water-related programs and animal rehabilitation. Grants can be matching, special projects, endowments, capital projects, or general operations. Eligible organizations must be local, 501(c)(3) certified, and spend 25% or less on administrative costs. The Bruce Krier Charitable Foundation Inc prioritizes impactful, community-driven initiatives.

The Krier College Scholarships aim to support graduating seniors from Cedar Grove-Belgium, Northern Ozaukee, Oostburg, and Random Lake district high schools. Administered through local guidance offices, these scholarships are renewable and provided to students pursuing either four-year universities or two-year technical schools. The foundation awards two scholarships annually at each participating school, fostering educational advancement and community service among recipients.

The Bruce Krier Charitable Foundation Inc. offers Education Program Grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities in Sheboygan and Ozaukee Counties, Wisconsin. The foundation provides matching grants, scholarships, and support to local educational institutions, including St. Marcus Lutheran School and Marquette University. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and grants are aimed at projects that improve educational access and quality for children. The foundation prioritizes funding that completes projects over those that initiate new ones.

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.

Environmental nonprofits and related organizations working on Great Lakes conservation and climate resilience in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can access funding through the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation; awards are more than US $10,000. Grants support watershed and freshwater health, environmental justice, policy advocacy, and cultivating community leadership and next-generation Great Lakes leaders.

The Cream City Foundation's LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program supports student leaders from the LGBTQ+ community in Southeastern Wisconsin by providing funding for post-secondary education. Established in 2015, it has awarded $270,000 to over 120 recipients, empowering individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to address economic, health, safety, and equity needs, fostering a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Cream City Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to uplift the LGBTQ+ community in Southeastern Wisconsin, focusing particularly on people of color and transgender individuals. By providing grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, the program supports grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and well-being. Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation has mobilized over $1.5 million to address economic, health, and safety needs, fostering inclusion and acceptance within the community.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support grant focuses on enhancing early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development. It aims to promote equitable access to quality education and mental health resources, addressing systemic disparities in the Milwaukee area. Organizations seeking funding for innovative projects are encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 per year for three years, emphasizing racial equity and community impact.

With a mission to support community-focused nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations and some public agencies in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can seek capital support for arts and culture, basic needs, or workforce development projects. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers up to US $150,000 for facilities and capital improvements that advance racial equity and inclusion.

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is a women's organization dedicated to awarding transformative grants that significantly enhance the community. It encourages nonprofits to innovate and address pressing needs in the Greater Milwaukee area by presenting creative proposals. Grants focus on various areas, including arts, education, health, and environmental revitalization. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including being a recognized 501(c)(3) and demonstrating measurable outcomes. This initiative aims to drive impactful change and foster collaboration among nonprofits.

The Kott Memorial Charitable Trust Grants provide essential funding to charitable organizations that enhance the lives of seniors through education, health services, and community engagement. Dedicated to supporting gerontology, these grants aim to improve the quality of life for older adults by funding innovative programs, internships, and professional training. By focusing on the needs of seniors, the Trust plays a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for this demographic, ensuring they receive the care and services they deserve.

The State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund, established by the Wisconsin Legislature, provides grants to Friends Groups for maintaining state parks and forests. Eligible groups must be nonprofit organizations with an endowment fund. Grants cover operation, maintenance, and project costs that align with DNR-approved plans, promoting outdoor recreation and accessibility. Priority is given to projects enhancing interpretive programs and native plant restoration, with funding capped at $30,000 per year per property.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, local governments, tribes, and educational institutions in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can apply for Fund For Lake Michigan’s grants to improve Lake Michigan’s water quality and habitats. Funding supports on-the-ground restoration, runoff reduction, habitat protection, and related planning or monitoring within the Lake Michigan basin in Wisconsin, with priority for Southeastern Wisconsin projects.

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capacity-building support for governance, management, or strategic planning can access funding through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Nonprofit Management Fund, with awards from US $1,000 - US $10,000. Eligible small and medium-sized organizations must serve Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, or Waukesha counties and meet budget and incorporation requirements.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing educational, health, or human services in the Mequon/Thiensville area of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $4,000 to support programs or capital projects. With a mission to strengthen local services, Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides funding to sustain ongoing activities or launch specific initiatives serving Mequon residents.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation Grant Cycle 1 supports projects and programs that align with priorities for creating a Milwaukee for all. Funding is available for arts, basic needs, housing, and physical health initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies, with specific requirements for board diversity. The foundation does not fund individuals, for-profit organizations, or partisan activities. The grant cycle accepts one application per organization.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - Project Support initiative offers funding for projects that enhance early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development in the Milwaukee area. With grants of up to $50,000 per year for three years, the foundation prioritizes applications that promote racial equity and support community-led initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies, with a focus on creating equitable opportunities for all residents.

The We Energies Foundation Grants support community development, health services, arts, education, and environmental initiatives. They prioritize projects from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations located within their service areas, aiming to foster relationships that yield lasting community benefits. Funding is restricted to one grant per organization per year, with a preference for supporting specific projects rather than general operating expenses. Overall, they encourage innovative approaches to enhance community well-being and cultural enrichment.

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.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

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 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.