Best Pepin County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The BRAIN Initiative seeks to develop innovative tools and approaches for neuroscience research, focusing on cell-specific and circuit-specific processes within the central nervous system. This initiative encourages projects that enhance our understanding of brain architecture and function through novel technologies for characterizing neural components and advancing methods for recording and modulating neural activity. Applications are invited to address significant challenges and promote transformative breakthroughs in neuroscience.

The National Institute of Mental Health is inviting research applications for the AIDS Research Center program, which includes Developmental Centers and full Research Centers. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research through collaboration and innovative approaches across various scientific domains. The program emphasizes alignment with national strategies and encourages applications from teams skilled in fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Although applications are currently not being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants time to prepare strong proposals.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing research on immune tolerance through its Collaborative Network. This program aims to clarify the mechanisms of immune tolerance and develop interventions for related diseases, including transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders. Key objectives include conducting clinical trials on tolerogenic strategies and refining immune assays. This initiative is supported by regulations under the Public Health Service Act, ensuring a structured approach to improving patient outcomes.

The Clinical Data, Safety and Statistical Centers (CDSSC) program, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), aims to enhance clinical research through comprehensive support. This includes statistical analysis, protocol development, and oversight of safety monitoring in studies related to asthma, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation. By coordinating these efforts, the program seeks to facilitate impactful research outcomes and improve public health outcomes through informed data-driven decisions.

The Translational Transplantation Tolerance Cooperative Study Group, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, aims to advance transplant tolerance strategies that promote long-term graft survival without lifelong immunosuppression. This initiative focuses on developing, optimizing, and evaluating methods to induce immune tolerance in allogeneic transplants through collaborative efforts across multiple centers, utilizing translationally relevant models to ensure effective outcomes.

The NIAID aims to enhance our understanding of the interplay between chronic and infectious diseases through innovative precision systems biology research. By utilizing advanced technologies such as multi-omics and artificial intelligence, the initiative focuses on uncovering critical pathways that connect infections to chronic health issues. This multidisciplinary approach leverages longitudinal patient data to inform and improve prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately seeking to provide insights into disease progression and host-pathogen interactions.

The Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers (AADCRC) program, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), aims to enhance research on asthma and related allergic diseases. This initiative fosters multi-center, multidisciplinary research to explore disease mechanisms and treatment responses. By promoting clinical trials and observational studies, the AADCRC seeks to advance understanding and improve interventions for conditions such as asthma and food allergies, ultimately benefiting public health.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing organ transplantation outcomes through the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children and Adults (CTOT-CA) program. This initiative supports multicenter clinical trials and mechanistic studies related to heart, lung, kidney, liver, and intestinal transplants, as well as non-hematopoietic cellular transplantation. By exploring immune mechanisms and innovative therapies, the program aims to enhance the success and efficacy of organ transplantation.

The NIAID aims to enhance infectious disease research by supporting human microphysiologic systems (MPS) development. These in vitro platforms mimic human tissue functions, promoting drug and biological product development while reducing animal use. This initiative aligns with NIH’s commitment to innovative research practices and regulatory acceptance. By focusing on MPS in infectious disease contexts, NIAID seeks to streamline therapeutic advancements and establish robust human tissue models, addressing critical challenges in understanding and treating infections.

ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 

Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:

Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000. 

Eligibility

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.   

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Building the Future Workforce Challenge

Awarding $5 million and the opportunity to test bold, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen the advanced manufacturing and industry technician workforce—today and for the future.

About the Challenge

Caterpillar knows preparing the workforce for the future is urgent. Communities, employers, and industry need new ways to close advancing skill gaps. The Building the Future Workforce Challenge invites fresh perspectives from all sectors to rethink training. Up to five teams will be awarded $1 million each for sustainable, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen today’s—and tomorrow’s—advanced manufacturing and industry technician talent pipelines.

What types of solutions are you looking for?

The Building the Future Workforce Challenge aims to identify, test, and scale innovative, sustainable solutions that will address today’s and tomorrow’s advanced manufacturing and industry technician skill gaps. A core requirement of any solution is that it remains relevant amid evolving technology—ensuring that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.

Strong proposals for Building the Future Workforce Challenge will meet four criteria outlined in the scoring rubric, and proposed solutions must focus on one or more of the following solution categories for Building the Future Workforce Challenge:

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program funds promotions or events for nonprofit organizations. The JEM grant has different categories to fit an organization’s needs. Each category reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for eligible promotional expenses. 

Existing Event:

This grant is for expanding the promotion of an existing nonprofit event. Expanding promotion can include a new geographic market, targeting a new demographic audience or promotion in a new medium. New markets, media and audiences should be chosen based on their potential to increase event attendance. The maximum award is $39,550 per year and two consecutive years of funding are available. An event that was funded as a New Event may not qualify for an Existing Event JEM Grant.

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program funds promotions or events for nonprofit organizations. The JEM grant has different categories to fit an organization’s needs. Each category reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for eligible promotional expenses. 

Destination Marketing

Destination Marketing grants require collaboration among at least three municipalities or communities. There are two types of Destination Marketing grants available for nonprofit organizations:

 This grant supports research and development expenses that investigate how to increase visitor spending across at least three municipalities or communities. The research will help you discover what makes your destination unique and attractive to visitors in order to define a brand and focus a marketing strategy. It can also help you acquire data to measure the impact of the visitor on the local economy. The eligible award amount is $10,000 per municipality, with the maximum award being $39,550, and must not exceed 50% of the overall budget. 

The FY 2027 DoN HBCU/MI Program aims to enhance the research capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions. This initiative promotes innovative solutions to naval science challenges while engaging students and faculty in STEM fields. Key objectives include strengthening research infrastructure and fostering collaborative efforts across institutions. White papers are due by September 18, 2026, and should clearly outline the proposed advancements in naval-relevant science and technology.

The FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award supports early-career researchers in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. It offers two funding levels: Level 1 for fellows requiring a Mentor and Level 2 for independent investigators. The PI must show potential in PD research, with Level 1 emphasizing mentorship and Level 2 needing preliminary data. Research must align with one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas, excluding clinical trials.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

An award from the George and Viola Hoffman Fund may be made annually for student research toward a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation on a geographical subject in Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe includes the countries of East Central and Southeast Europe from Poland south to Romania, Bulgaria, and the successor states of the former Yugoslavia. Topics may be historical or contemporary, systematic or regional, limited to a small area or comparative.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Recreational Trails Program provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. RTP grants are to be used on trail projects that further a specific goal or are included in the State Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP) or a local plan referenced in the SCORP.

About Us

Let’s look forward, together.

Wisconsin is known for forward thinking. We’re home to momentum builders, change creators, and what’s next-ers who all have their own visions of success. Starting new businesses. Making the world a better place. Expanding their reach. Revitalizing their communities. Transforming their operations. WEDC is here to help them make it all happen by providing resources, operational support, and financial assistance, and working with more than 600 partners across the state. Our partners include regional economic development organizations, academic institutions and industry clusters.

To strategically invest in Wisconsin to enhance the economic well-being of people and their businesses and communities

An Economy for All, where every Wisconsinite has the opportunity to thrive

Small Business Technical Assistance Program

Strengthening the organizations that support small business

By funding organizations that provide business training, community building, mentorship, and connections to networking, the Small Business Technical Assistance Program from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) seeks to increase traditional small business activity across Wisconsin.

About Us

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. As Wisconsin’s smallest cabinet-level state agency, in terms of budget and staff, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism.  

The Department of Tourism markets Wisconsin as a premier travel destination under the Travel Wisconsin brand. We are also home to the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation, Meet in Wisconsin, Sports Wisconsin, Film Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Arts Board. Together, we uplift a robust tourism economy that enriches the lives of every Wisconsinite.

Meetings Mean Business Grant

The Meetings Mean Business (MMB) grant program helps destinations by providing financial assistance for facility costs or host destination expenses as you bid for regional and national meetings or conventions.

Why You Should Apply

• Attracting meetings and conventions generates significant economic impact from additional room nights and visitor spending.
• Hosting a successful regional or national conference can raise a destination’s profile among meeting and event planners, therefore generating more meeting and event sales.
• Securing grant funding for a bid can encourage further sponsorship and partnerships for the convention in your destination.
• Destination can bid on a variety of different kinds of meetings and conventions that best fit their business model, including but not limited to associations and organization meetings, trade shows, reunions, educational or social meetings.

The purpose of the fund is to assist destinations as they bid for national or Midwest regional meetings and conventions that generate hotel overnights and a significant economic impact for the area where they’ll be held. Such meetings may be held by a variety of different kinds of businesses, trade shows organizations, groups, etc. The purpose is to bring meetings or conventions into the state, but not to fund existing in-state events that are regularly scheduled or which routinely rotate to destinations within the state. 

Department of Administration

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department of Administration is the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin. We help the Office of the Governor with the biennial state budget, provide centralized purchasing and financial management for state agencies, and work with the 11 federally recognized Native Nations in Wisconsin on gaming, coastal programs, and other key areas. Our mission is to provide effective and efficient services at the best value to government agencies and the public.

CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program (EAP)

​Program Overview

The Community Development Block Grant -Emergency Assistance Program CDBG-EAP (PDF) is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. CDBG-EAP funds are used to assist local units of government in addressing emergency housing, public facility, infrastructure, and business assistance needs that occur as a result of natural or manmade disasters.  

The CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program includes funding for: Public Facility/Infrastructure Assistance; Housing Rehabilitation Assistance; and Business Assistance.

Public Facility/Infrastructure Assistance

CDBG-EAP Public Facility Assistance is available to communities where 51% or more of the population is low-to-moderate income (LMI) or where the activity will benefit LMI households. Funds are awarded as a grant, requiring a 25% local match for the total project expense. 

Eligible repair projects include:

• Curbs and gutters
• Water, sewer, and wastewater treatment facilities
• Streets and sidewalks
• Electrical systems

Department of Administration

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department of Administration is the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin. We help the Office of the Governor with the biennial state budget, provide centralized purchasing and financial management for state agencies, and work with the 11 federally recognized Native Nations in Wisconsin on gaming, coastal programs, and other key areas. Our mission is to provide effective and efficient services at the best value to government agencies and the public.

CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program (EAP)

​Program Overview

The Community Development Block Grant -Emergency Assistance Program CDBG-EAP (PDF) is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. CDBG-EAP funds are used to assist local units of government in addressing emergency housing, public facility, infrastructure, and business assistance needs that occur as a result of natural or manmade disasters.  

The CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program includes funding for: Public Facility/Infrastructure Assistance; Housing Rehabilitation Assistance; and Business Assistance.

Housing Rehabilitation Assistance

CDBG-EAP housing assistance is available to eligible homeowners and tenants whose primary residence has been damaged by a natural or manmade disaster. Funds are awarded as a grant.

Individual homeowners or tenants must apply directly through their local municipal government. 

Eligible repair projects include:

• Foundations, façades, and roofs
• Electrical and HVAC repairs and replacements
• Water, sewer system, and water heater repairs