Best Ozaukee County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Research-focused universities and CESU-affiliated partners in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can apply for USGS cooperative agreement funding up to Up to US $399,000 to study long-term bumble bee demography and recovery. Projects must advance pollinator conservation, especially for the rusty patched bumble bee and other imperiled bumble bee species in the Great Lakes Northern Forest CESU region.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Community Foundation is offering the Fall Education, Lay Leadership, and Community Grant Cycle, aimed at supporting Catholic education and community initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that align with the Foundation's focus areas, including education, leadership development, and community-building. Eligible organizations must be listed in the Official Catholic Directory or have a mission consistent with the church. Note that multi-year grants are rarely funded.

About Us

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. Since 1915, we have been at the heart of the civic community, helping donors achieve the greatest philanthropic impact, elevating the work of changemakers across neighborhoods, and bringing people and organizations together to help our region thrive.  

West Bend Community Foundation - Early Childhood Education

West Bend civic leaders Cliff Nelson and R. Douglas Ziegler believed that people ought to give back to the community in which they live. In 1999, the two men put their words into action by launching the West Bend Community Foundation, a Greater Milwaukee Foundation supporting organization that is a permanent charitable endowment serving the greater West Bend area.

Area served

Greater West Bend area 

Grantmaking focus

The West Bend Community Foundation has a separate grant application to support the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector. Nonprofits working to support high quality ECE facilities, expand the ECE workforce, advocate for increased ECE access, and/or work to promote healthy physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development for children 0 – 8 years of age may apply for grants up to $5,000.

Grant amount

• Multi-year grants will be considered, but generally not for more than three years
• Organizations may only apply for one grant of any type per year
• Grants cover operating support, special projects or capital projects

Evaluation criteria

• Significance of the problem(s) addressed to the people of the greater West Bend area
• Capacity of the agency (governing body, staff, financing) to respond to the problem(s)
• Number of greater West Bend area residents expected to benefit
• Urgency of need for support 

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The DEW Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt charitable organizations globally, aiming to promote the common good through financial contributions and personal involvement. The foundation prioritizes charities where family members are actively involved and focuses on ministries, health, education, and community service. While it may fund its own projects, it typically does not exceed 10% of an organization's operating budget and avoids supporting politically affiliated causes or normal church operations. Innovative and effective organizations are especially welcome.

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 PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies supporting Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can seek project, general operating, or capital funding for arts, aging, early childhood, environment, entrepreneurship, and health equity work. Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports these efforts with grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $100,000 for programs serving Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.

Nonprofit organizations in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can apply for Greater Cedarburg Foundation grants to support programs or capital projects that benefit the greater Cedarburg area. Funding may support efforts in cultural and historic preservation, arts and aesthetics, and educational, recreational, or community service opportunities for residents of all ages.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies supporting communities in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can seek capital support for arts and culture, early childhood education facilities, aging and older adults, environment, and healthy birth outcomes projects. Grants from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation offer up to US $50,000 per year for up to three years, prioritizing racial equity and inclusive board leadership.

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least four unrelated board members can access funding through Greater Milwaukee Foundation for community-impact projects in arts and culture, aging, early childhood education, environment, entrepreneurship, and healthy birth outcomes. Eligible organizations serving Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Waukesha, or Washington Counties may request up to US $50,000 per year for up to three years.

501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of operating experience can seek project funding for community development, economic opportunity, and related services in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin and nearby areas. Grants from Forest County Potawatomi Foundation support programs such as youth development, health and human services, environmental initiatives, arts and culture, and Native American and veterans services.

Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides Ozaukee County, Wisconsin nonprofits with general operating support for work in arts and culture, aging and older adults, early childhood education, environment, healthy birth outcomes, and small business development. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies may request up to US $50,000 per year, including multi-year funding, if they meet board diversity and service-area requirements.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

Bader Philanthropies' Community Matters Grant Programs focus on enhancing community engagement and support in Milwaukee. They provide funding to tax-exempt organizations and government entities that address critical human needs through innovative strategies. The program emphasizes grassroots initiatives and metrics like individuals served and mindset changes to measure success. Preliminary applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with deadlines aligned to biannual board meetings, ensuring timely responses to applicants.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation offers event sponsorships aimed at enhancing local activities in Mequon and Thiensville. These sponsorships support one-time or recurring events by nonprofits or municipalities, providing promotional benefits for sponsors. Eligible applicants include organizations with a non-discrimination policy and those holding tax-exempt status, as well as recognized government entities and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting community engagement and brand awareness.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions for specialized emergency response equipment in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin can apply for up to US $7,500. Compeer Financial supports regional teams seeking items like chest compression systems, fit testing machines, or hydraulic extrication tools, with one department serving as fiscal agent for all partners.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin seeking support for education, women and children, community development, or veterans initiatives may be eligible for this funding. WaterStone Bank supports local programs that fit its core giving categories, are within its community footprint, and provide sponsor recognition for charitable events or initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth in the Metro Milwaukee Area can apply for funding to support children and young people up to age 25 through education, social services, and arts programs. Grants from Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors help Ozaukee County, Wisconsin youth initiatives that promote physical and intellectual development and character formation.

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.