Search Through Physics Grants in Wisconsin in the U.S.

About Us

Saving pets. Together.

The Petfinder Foundation has been helping animal shelters and rescue groups since 2003. We are the ONLY national organization that does nothing but give cash and product grants to adoption groups.=

How We Work

Our programs are designed to keep homeless pets physically and mentally healthy so they can find loving forever homes.

Our grants put food in bowls, provide medical care, and help rescue animals from disasters. When pets are in need, we’re there to help.

P.L.A.Y. Pet Beds 

Applications are reviewed and awarded 10 Chill Pads on a monthly basis to specific geographical regions. 

The Petfinder Foundation has partnered with P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You through the Warm Bellies Initiative to give luxury beds to shelter pets. P.L.A.Y. joins us in the belief that every pet deserves a warm and cozy place to sleep

Applications are reviewed and awarded 10 Chill Pads on a monthly basis to specific geographical regions. You may apply for this grant program once. Grant applications from this program are reviewed based on the location of your organization and the monthly state awarding schedule below:

• January: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts
• February: Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York
• March - Pennsylvania, New Jersey
• April: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia
• May: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
• June: Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin
• July: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky
• August: Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi
• September: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming
• October: Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas
• November: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada
• December: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

We are here to be transformational - not transactional.

We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.

Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below, and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grant at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.

Meaningful Work

Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it. 

Forging Character

We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life. 

Connections to Nature

We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation. 

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building grants typically cover activities and technical support that enhance the capabilities, knowledge and resources nonprofits need to more effectively achieve their mission. The amount and duration of these grants is commensurate with the need and potential for increased scale and program quality.

We are here to be transformational - not transactional.

We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.

Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grants at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.

Meaningful Work

Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it.

Forging Character

We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life.

Connections to Nature

We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical, and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation. 

General Operating Grant

We provide general operating support for mission-aligned organizations with a track record of measurable impact. 

We are here to be transformational - not transactional.

We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.

Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below, and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grants at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.

Meaningful Work

Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it. 

Connections to Nature

We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation.

Forging Character

We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life.  

We are here to be transformational - not transactional.

We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.

Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grants at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.

Meaningful Work

Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it.

Forging Character

We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life.

Connections to Nature

We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical, and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation. 

Seed Grant

Seed Grants are for nonprofit or social enterprise organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofit organizations starting up a new program or service. Seed Funding grants are one-time grants intended to cover startup activities.

Youth Foundation

The Youth Foundation promotes the welfare and betterment of children and young people up to 25 years of age in a variety of ways contributing to their physical and intellectual development and formation of character.

History

The Youth Foundation is managed by the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® and has a history that is deeply immersed in the real estate industry here in the Metro Milwaukee area. The Youth Foundation roots begin in 1951 when REALTOR® and local builder Arthur Richards developed the Wisconsin and Maryland Hotels, the Marshall Hall Apartments, and the Empire Building. As his success grew in the construction and development business, so did passion for youth and the challenges that they face. Arthur’s commitment to youth became a continual benefit when upon his death he willed a portion of his assets to be given to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®. Arthur’s instructions for his gift was that it be used only to help children and young adults through age twenty-five in the areas of Education, Social Services, and the Arts.

Grant Guidelines

Thank you for the work you do and for your interest in the Youth Foundation. The Youth Foundation Mission is to assist and promote the welfare and betterment of children and young people up to 25 years of age that contribute to their physical and intellectual development and formation of character. All grants made by the Foundation must meet these criteria.

The Youth Foundation welcomes applications from the Metro Milwaukee Area that can demonstrate how they are making a significant contribution towards the area’s youth. 

About

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation was established in 1998 by Bernie and Esther Greenheck. Today, their son-in-law and daughter, Brian and Sandy Gumness — as well as their grandchildren and several community leaders — play an important role in managing the foundation and preserving Bernie and Esther’s legacy.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation operates completely independently of Greenheck Fan Corporation. Our purpose is to provide financial support for meaningful projects in North Central Wisconsin that enhance the area’s arts, education, health, economic and social development resources. We encourage people to submit clear, concise grant applications.

What We Fund

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation welcomes applications that seek financial support in the following categories listed below.

• Arts: We welcome grant applications that expand existing arts programs and facilities. We also support the introduction of new arts-related experiences that people of all economic backgrounds can enjoy.
• Education: We support new and innovative ways to make education interesting and exciting. Special consideration is given to programs that can serve as models for other area school districts. Projects that promote greater understanding of our area’s diverse cultural and historic development are also encouraged.
• Health: Our foundation is committed to enhancing health care initiatives in North Central Wisconsin. Considerations are given to programs, facilities and education in the health care field.
• Economic: We support projects that promote economic development and that stimulate interest in careers and job skills that will keep our area competitive. We encourage appreciation and respect for our area’s natural resources by supporting projects that provide educational and economic benefits to the community.
• Social Development: We encourage grant applications for programs that guide and inspire people of all ages to become productive, engaged citizens with strong character and respect for family life in Central Wisconsin. We also support projects that improve community safety and the overall well being of area residents. The foundation welcomes proposals to fund projects that improve life for those with physical and mental challenges.

Above $5,000

The board of trustees prefers not to consider proposals from any institution or organization more frequently than once every 12 months. We encourage applicants to develop and rely upon diverse funding sources.

Funding

Applications that are over $5,000 are reviewed by the B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation six time per year. Grant applications are due by midnight the last Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November for consideration in that grant cycle.

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is the philanthropic entity for WPS and other subsidiaries of our holding company, WEC Energy Group. In other words, the foundation and the utility are two different organizations, with two very different purposes. The foundation provides for charitable contributions to our local communities, while WPS and our other utilities are focused on providing safe, reliable electricity and natural gas to customers. The foundation is funded by our shareholders, not by our utility customers.

Through direct grants, scholarships and the employee Matching Gifts program, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation actively supports the quality of life in the communities we serve. The foundation provides nearly $1.4 million annually in contributions to programs in the following areas:

• Arts & Culture: Arts and culture add to the richness of life in our communities. We support projects that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to all people, including theater, dance, music, drama and museums.
• Community & Neighborhood Development: Communities become stronger when neighbors work together. We support nonprofit organizations dedicated to community improvement.
• Education: Life-long learning helps ensure a strong future for our communities and their economies. We support programs that complement our company's educational programs and philosophies, including opportunities for minorities and women. We support programs where businesses and educational institutions partner, provide career planning and mentor youth.
• Environment: As a company, we protect and encourage the wise use of natural resources. We also support others' efforts for the betterment of fish and wildlife, water and air quality, forests, energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.
• Human Services & Health: The physical and emotional well-being of everyone in our communities is a measure of the health of the communities. We support programs that serve limited-income, senior and handicapped individuals. And we support programs emphasizing wellness.

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) supports initiatives for community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, education and environment. The company matches its employees’ charitable giving to those initiatives and also conducts an annual workplace giving campaign for the United Way. Financial support is provided to the activities of nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in communities served by WPS. Most of the charitable support is through the WPS Foundation, funded by stockholders of WEC Energy Group.

Contributions are made in the following categories:

• Arts & Culture: Arts and culture add to the richness of life in our communities. We support projects that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to all people. This includes theater, dance, music and museums.
• Community & Neighborhood Development: Communities become stronger when neighbors work together. We support nonprofit organizations dedicated to community improvement.
• Education: Lifelong learning helps ensure a strong future for our communities and their economies. We contribute to programs that complement our company's educational programs and philosophies, including opportunities for minorities and women. We support partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, career planning and youth mentorship.
• Environment: As a company, we protect and encourage the wise use of natural resources. We also support others' efforts for the betterment of fish and wildlife, water and air quality, forests, energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.
• Human Services & Health: The physical and emotional well-being of everyone in our communities is a measure of the health of the communities. We support programs that serve limited-income, senior and handicapped individuals, and those emphasizing wellness.

History

WPS Foundation was incorporated in 1964, funded with paper company stocks and bonds repurchased by WPS in the late 1920s. The transfer of the certificates, accomplished over a four-year period, gave the foundation a financial base of $2 million. The resulting tax credits increased the value of WPS stock by $.20 per share, and gave the company a consistent means of contributing to charitable, educational and scientific organizations. Over the past 30 years, the foundation's stocks and bonds were redeemed, and the money has been used to buy mutual funds.

The foundation is a strong supporter of capital projects, the United Way and start-up programs in communities served by the four energy companies in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

Each region the energy companies serve has a Contributions Committee of local employees from a cross-section of departments. Donation requests for a region are sent to the region's Contributions Committee, which reviews the requests based on the needs and issues in the community.

About the Foundation

The Kosciuszko Foundation is dedicated to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and Poland and to increase American understanding of Polish culture and history.

Founded in 1925, on the eve of the 150th anniversary of Thaddeus Kosciuszko's enlistment in the American revolutionary cause, the Foundation is a national not-for-profit, nonpartisan, and nonsectarian organization.

The Foundation's work reaches audiences throughout the United States, through its headquarters in New York City and its regional Chapters in Chicago, Denver (Rocky Mountain), Houston (Texas), Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Springfield (New England), Buffalo (Western New York State), Ohio (Cleveland) as well as through its National Advisory Council.

The Kosciuszko Foundation is a membership organization, which is supported by contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals who share the Foundation's mission of fostering the relations and understanding between the United States and Poland.

Program Description

Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships support American students of Polish descent for graduate level studies, such as masters and Ph.D. studies, at colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are up to $12,000. Funding is only for full-time studies in the United States and English Schools of Medicine in Poland.  

Program Area: Environment

For more than two decades, the Joyce Foundation has been a leading foundation funder of policy work related to the Great Lakes. We are working to address three of the region’s critical long-term environmental challenges: climate change, the safety and accessibility of the water we drink and the health of the Great Lakes.

Climate change is the largest intergenerational environmental threat in our region. Great Lakes states are at a pivotal moment to dramatically reduce the emissions that drive climate change, while also creating economic opportunity and improving people’s health. Moreover, this region emits nearly 20 percent of all US climate pollution, so gains here are essential to national progress.

More than 40 million people rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water, and protecting the Lakes is central to the region’s environmental health, economic vitality, and very identity. In our region, climate change is causing more intense storms and increasing the variability of Great Lakes’ water levels. These patterns increase polluted runoff and stress aging water systems. While all communities face water challenges, the most severe impacts fall on people from communities that have lacked investment because of structural racism or other barriers.

To respond to these challenges, Joyce will support efforts to put Great Lakes states on a path to achieve just, equitable, carbon-free electric power systems by 2040. We will also seek to ensure all people in the Great Lakes region have clean water from lake to tap by supporting policy to address threats, improve infrastructure, and remedy water disparities in communities of color. In all our grants, we will prioritize projects that are guided by the perspectives of people impacted by the environmental issues being addressed.

The program has two focus areas: Climate Solutions and Great Lakes & Drinking Water.

Climate Solutions

Shifting to non-carbon sources of electric power is essential to eliminating global warming pollution – both directly by reducing the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, and indirectly as the transportation, industrial, building heating, and other sectors switch to electricity. There is positive technological, economic, and—in some Great Lakes states—policy momentum behind transitioning to carbon-free electric power. Yet, no states in our region are more than about halfway to achieving complete electric sector decarbonization, and some still get 80 or 90 percent of their electricity from fossil fuels. Joyce will support work on clean energy policy in Great Lakes states to secure long-term commitments to 100 percent carbon-free electricity.

Goal: To put Great Lakes states on a path to achieve just, equitable, carbon-free electric power systems by 2040.

• Secure long-term commitments to transition to carbon-free electricity, including states establishing 100 percent carbon-free electricity goals and strategies, and states, utilities and their stakeholders embracing racial equity and energy justice as core elements of decarbonization plans
• Achieve full implementation of near-term state energy efficiency and renewable energy policies, with strategies tailored to fit the unique needs and opportunities in each state— focusing mostly on Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota, with smaller investments in Ohio and Wisconsin
• Support policy innovation to achieve complete, equitable decarbonization, closing the gap between the cumulative reductions that can be driven by the current generation of clean energy policies and 100 percent decarbonization

Great Lakes & Drinking Water

One of every five gallons of fresh water on the surface of the planet is found in the Great Lakes, which provide clean, abundant drinking water for 40 million people in our region. Yet the future health of the lakes is far from assured, given major threats to their physical, chemical, and biological integrity. Public and private decisions made in the next decade will likely determine whether the Great Lakes will be healthy enough to provide for the next generation as they have provided for us.

Protecting the health of our region depends on protecting the health of the Great Lakes and the water systems that serve our communities. The Great Lakes and Drinking Water focus area will accelerate actions to protect the region’s freshwater, upgrade our water infrastructure, and improve access to safe, affordable drinking water. We will pursue two initiatives, with most efforts focused in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Goal: To ensure all people in the Great Lakes region have clean water from lake to tap by supporting policy to address threats, improve infrastructure, and remedy water disparities in communities of color.

To help ensure that the Great Lakes remain healthy enough to provide for the next generation as they have provided for us, we will address major threats to their physical, chemical, and biological integrity, with a focus on efforts to:

• Improve water infrastructure performance, management, and funding, with a focus on remedying water system disparities in communities of color
• Prevent unsustainable diversions from the Great Lakes by enforcing the Great Lakes Compact
• Prevent groundwater depletion (proposals currently by invitation only)
• Reduce the risk of oil spills from oil transport by continuing to support closure of the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline
• Reduce polluted runoff in rural and urban areas
• Prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species

To help make certain that the next generation in our region has access to safe, affordable drinking water, Joyce will support equitable water policy that ensures that water systems and infrastructure provide safe, affordable water services for everyone. We will focus on efforts to develop and support utility, municipal, state, and federal policies that:

• Reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water
• Ensure high quality, affordable water services

Go Outside Fund

Connecting children to Wisconsin’s outdoors

We know that nature provides tremendous physical and mental health benefits – yet today’s children spend less than 1% of their time outside. The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies, or paying for transportation, substitute teachers, or educator costs. Grants between $100 and $500 are available.

Grantmaking Priorities:

• Grant applications must include a significant component of outdoor activity.
• Grant applications must directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning or facilitate access to the outdoors.
• Grant applications that align with classroom learning and standards are encouraged but not required.

Mission

The Animal-Assisted Therapy Fund promotes and provides animal-assisted therapy for people of all ages with mental, emotional and psychological challenges. The fund supports this work in the memory of Cordelia Anne Brinton. The fund prioritizes work in which animals are nourished and cared for in therapeutic healing processes versus companion animals.

Examples

The following are representative but not exclusive examples of projects that could receive a grant from this fund:

• Teaching people to interact with animals in a way that fosters emotional growth and learning to improve emotional, behavioral and mental health
• Broadening dimensions or understanding of an individual’s life challenges through interaction with animals
• Impactful programs that meet the emotional and developmental needs of individuals

The following are representative but not exclusive examples of services provided by organizations that could receive a grant from this fund:

• Programs that provide mental health therapy inclusive of animal-assisted therapy
• Services to clients with mental health issues, including those that may arise with physical health challenges
• Animal-assisted therapy programs focused on safe, therapeutically sound, goal-oriented sessions in cooperation with physicians, therapists, educators, instructors and volunteers
• Programs to rescue abused and neglected animals to train and restore them to health for facilitating therapeutic healing.

The following are representative but not exclusive examples of organizations that could receive a grant from this fund:

• North Country R.I.D.E.
• Forget-Me-Not Foundation
• Seeds of Hope Youth Ranch
• Unbridled Hope Equine Assisted Learning Center
• Solvay Hospice House
• Can Do Canines
• Reins of Inspiration
• Amberwing’s Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Programs
• Changing Gaits
• Giant Steps

Mission

The mission of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) is to advance the progress of medicine and improve the public's health by providing U.S. researchers, health professionals, the public health workforce, educators, and the public with equal access to biomedical and health information resources and data. NNLM’s main goals are to work through libraries and other members to support a highly trained workforce for biomedical and health information resources and data, improve health literacy, and increase health equity through information.

Purpose

The NNLM Regional Medical Libraries (RMLs) and Offices rely upon partnerships. The award’s primary aims are to widen access to and awareness of health information resources, with a focus on those resources provided by the NLM. The programs are intended to help a variety of users:

• With a focus on minority and other underrepresented populations and the healthcare professionals who serve them
• Make the most effective use of information and decision-support resources to promote healthy behaviors
• Prevent costly and debilitating illness
• Improve health outcomes when disease occurs

Potential Project Ideas

Potential projects might include but are not limited to this list:

• Training underrepresented healthcare professionals or professionals that work with underrepresented populations in the effective use of electronic health information resources for evidence-based practice with an emphasis on NLM databases and NNLM resources.
• Placing web-accessible devices in locations where they can be used to research health information needs by unaffiliated healthcare professionals such as free clinics, community health centers, etc.
• Improving access to health information and technology for those groups without adequate access to information services.
• Exhibiting or presenting at local meetings or organizational events to share completed outreach projects and promote NLM products and services.
• Evaluating health information and training needs of a target audience and implementing a training plan for that audience.
• Programs on locating and evaluating authoritative consumer health information.
• Incorporating NLM health and science information resources into new or existing health programs. See National Health Observances for some ideas.
• Development of supplemental educational materials using NLM resources.  
• Train-the-Trainer projects that enhance the skills of the service-providing staff and other consumer health information intermediaries to train participants on locating and evaluating health information.

Our Mission

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is an organization of women who collectively award transformative grants that make a lasting impact on the community.

Grants

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee challenges your established nonprofit organization to think creatively about the needs of your community. Dream big, know your plan and how you’ll measure the outcomes, and you could earn a grant to make a transformative, impactful and sustained change in the greater Milwaukee area.

Focus Areas

All programs or projects must fall within one of the following Focus Areas:

• Arts & Culture
  • Projects or programs that cultivate, develop, educate or enhance the artistic and/or cultural climate in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Education
  • Projects or programs that improve or advance educational opportunities for children and/or adults in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Environment & Revitalization
  • Projects or programs in the Greater Milwaukee area that:
    • preserve, enhance, revitalize or restore facilities, spaces or surroundings;
    • promote the protection and welfare of animals; or
    • encourage conservation.
• Health & Wellness
  • Projects or programs that positively impact the mental or physical health of people living in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Family
  • Projects or programs that strengthen or enhance the lives of children, adults and families living in the Greater Milwaukee area.

About UNICO 

For over 100 years, UNICO National has served as a compassionate and unwavering leader of the Italian American community. With a mission to promote Italian American heritage and to serve others, UNICO has benevolently impacted local communities while also serving as an esteemed national voice for Italian Americans. Each year, UNICO provides over $1 million dollars to support charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and literary projects. As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, UNICO celebrates the many significant achievements of Italian Americans in the United States.

Founded upon the principle of “Service Above Self,” the members of our chapters across the country devote their time, energy and resources to serve their local communities. UNICO supports various worthy causes, including Cooley’s Anemia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mental Health Wellness, and Cancer Prevention and Research, Food Banks, Shelters, and other Community Needs.

The UNICO Foundation awards numerous scholarships through its national scholarship program.

Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences

The UNICO Foundation will grant two scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, to students currently pursuing a degree in the field of Therapy Sciences including students in the sciences of physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), audiology, and speech-language pathology therapy.

About UNICO 

For over 100 years, UNICO National has served as a compassionate and unwavering leader of the Italian American community. With a mission to promote Italian American heritage and to serve others, UNICO has benevolently impacted local communities while also serving as an esteemed national voice for Italian Americans. Each year, UNICO provides over $1 million dollars to support charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and literary projects. As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, UNICO celebrates the many significant achievements of Italian Americans in the United States.

Founded upon the principle of “Service Above Self,” the members of our chapters across the country devote their time, energy and resources to serve their local communities. UNICO supports various worthy causes, including Cooley’s Anemia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mental Health Wellness, and Cancer Prevention and Research, Food Banks, Shelters, and other Community Needs.

The UNICO Foundation awards numerous scholarships through its national scholarship program.

Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science

The UNICO Foundation will grant two scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, to students currently pursuing a degree in Physical Sciences including but not limited to Agro-Sciences, Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physics; or in the Life Sciences including but not limited to Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology.

Mission

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation’s mission is to give back to our community through focused efforts that foster inclusivity, promote equality, and lead to increased human independence, self-sufficiency and dignity. To fulfill this mission, the Foundation acts as a grantmaker, innovator, and convener.

History

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation was incorporated on March 2, 1962. The original board members were Hugh J. and Jane K. Andersen, and Hugh’s sister, Mary Andersen Hulings. They strongly embraced Andersen Family values learned from Fred, Molly, Isabel and Kitty Andersen: giving back to the community, being responsible citizens, and caring for their neighbors. The current board members continue to uphold this commitment, strive to build upon this spirit of philanthropy, and remain strongly supportive of the St. Croix Valley area.

Overview

The Foundation is particularly interested in asset-based programs created, initiated, supported or staffed by the constituency for whom benefits are sought. This type of effort builds upon and further develops individual and community capacities. These programs or projects are internally motivated and organized, rather than need-based, service-oriented systems brought in and directed by nonconstituents

Programmatic Focus

Within the primary geographic focus areas, the Foundation is particularly interested in direct service programs:

• Serving children and youth, especially those that provide personal development activities.
• Providing various social support services to the community at large.
• Providing access to health-related services and information.
• Providing educational opportunities and enrichment to the general community.

The Foundation will only consider the following types of programs and organizations if services are provided in the St. Croix Valley – Washington County in Minnesota and Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin:

• Special projects or programs in public schools.
• Programs for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities.
• Programs for seniors.
• Public/civic projects and activities

About Us

The Green Bay Packers Foundation has been giving back to Wisconsin’s communities since it was established in 1986 by Judge Robert J. Parins, then president of Green Bay Packers, Inc. “as a vehicle to assure continued contributions to charity.” It is a component of Green Bay Packers Give Back, the all-encompassing community outreach initiative.

Our Mission

The Foundation, an entity independent of the Green Bay Packers, Inc., supports charities possessing one or more of the following goals: perpetuates a community environment that promotes families and the competitive value of athletics; contributes to player and fan welfare; ensures the safety and education of children; and/or prevents cruelty to animals.

Project/Program Focus Areas

The Foundation will accept a maximum of one grant application from an eligible organization during each four-year cycle. Organizations that fit into multiple focus areas are encouraged to submit an application during the year in which their most urgent funding need is the focus area. Grant applications are accepted online and must be submitted with a project/program that addresses one of that year's specific focus areas.

Specific project/program focus areas by year for the 2026 – 2029 four-year cycle:

• 2026 - animal welfare, homelessness, human services
• 2027 - arts and culture, environmental, hunger
• 2028 - athletics, education
• 2029 - elderly, health and wellness (including drug/alcohol and domestic violence)

Pew Biomedical Scholars 

The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences provides funding to young investigators of outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health. The program makes grants to selected academic institutions to support the independent research of outstanding individuals who are in their first few years of their appointment at the assistant professor level.

Based on their performance during their education and training, candidates should demonstrate outstanding promise as contributors in science relevant to human health. Strong proposals will incorporate particularly creative and pioneering approaches to basic, translational, and applied biomedical research. Candidates whose work is based on biomedical principles but who bring in concepts and theories from more diverse fields are encouraged to apply.

Ideas with the potential to produce an unusually high impact are encouraged. Selection of the successful candidates will be based on a detailed description of the work that the applicant proposes to undertake, evaluations of the candidate’s performance, and notable past accomplishments, including honors, awards, and publications. In evaluating the candidates, the National Advisory Committee gives considerable weight to both the project proposal and the researcher, including evidence that the candidate is a successful independent investigator and has the skill set needed to carry out their high-impact proposal.

Funding from the NIH, other government sources, and project grants from nonprofit associations do not pose a conflict with the Pew scholars program.

Funding

The current grant level is $300,000.

An award of $75,000 per year for four years will be provided to the sponsoring institution for use by the scholar, subject to annual review of the scholar’s progress. Grant agreements will be issued in August of the award year. The awarded funds may be used at the discretion of the Pew scholar, for personnel, equipment, supplies, or travel directly related to the scholar's research and as to best advance his or her research and career.

• The amount of the award that may be used for the principal investigator’s salary is limited to $12,500 per year (including benefits) or $50,000 over the duration of the grant. There are no limits on student or postdoctoral salaries.
• Not more than 8 percent ($24,000) of the total award value may be allocated for facilities and administration (F&A) charges or indirect costs (IDCs).
• Should the funds not be immediately required, they may be accumulated and carried over through the grant period and, with written approval of the program office, the grant may receive a no-cost extension for one additional year (without additional funds).
• Subawards are allowed.

During the four-year grant term, program participants are required to attend an annual meeting held in March or April. All eligible expenses for attendees’ travel, lodging, and meals are paid by Pew. The meeting provides Pew scholars with an opportunity to present their research and for scientific collaboration and exchange with other scholars and members of the National Advisory Committee.

Nordson Corporation Foundation

The Nordson Corporation Foundation awards grants to non-profits in our communities throughout the United States. Since 1989, the Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants to improve the quality of life in our communities, placing a special focus on causes related to education. Employees support the foundation by making donations during our annual A Time to Give Campaign, or by participating in a Community Affairs Committee (CAC). Committees review grant applications and vote to distribute Foundation funds to deserving local causes. During the last financial year, the Foundation gave out 362 grants totaling $6.3 million.

Nordson Foundation Giving Strategies

The geographic areas in which Nordson has major facilities determine the Nordson Foundation's giving priorities.

Within these geographic areas, granting priorities are driven by community needs. Although needs change quickly, our vision is long term. We pursue and support results-oriented opportunities that prepare individuals for full and equal participation in the economic and social mainstream. We believe these kinds of programs help improve the quality of life over the long term and produce stronger, more enlightened communities in which we live and work. We strive to fulfill these responsibilities in our communities through contributions to charitable activities with a focus on education. Other major giving categories that are supported are human welfare, civic affairs and arts and culture. 

Nordson Foundation Values 

In the spirit of our corporate founders, the Nordson Corporation Foundation continues to operate on the belief that business, as a corporate citizen, has a social responsibility to share its success with the communities where it operates and draws employees.  

The Nordson Foundation is dedicated to improving our communities by supporting the continuum of education from birth to adulthood in the belief that education is the key for individuals to become self-sufficient, productive members of society.  

To prepare individuals for economic independence, a variety of quality educational experiences are necessary. To be successful today, individuals not only need to master the basics, “reading, writing and arithmetic”, they must also know how to think critically and creatively. Strengthening the community’s human capital – through quality education – is crucial.  

The Nordson Foundation offers support to non-profit organizations that cultivate educational curriculum and experiences that foster self-sufficiency, job readiness and goals to aspire to higher education. The Foundation is well aware of the fact that for non-profit organizations to remain viable they must receive operating support. With this in mind, Nordson Corporation Foundation does invest in general operating support.  

As stewards of the Foundation assets, the directors feel strongly that the organizations that are supported by the Foundation be able to measure the effectiveness of their mission and programs. Quantitative and/or qualitative data allows for the Foundation to ensure that the organizations it supports are bringing about the desired outcomes in our communities.

Nordson Foundation Goals

The goals of the Nordson Corporation Foundation are to insure that:

• All children have access to and receive quality educational experiences from early childhood  
• All individuals have the opportunity to be self-sufficient members of society 
• There is a continuum of quality educational opportunities 
• Our communities are strengthened by the organizations we fund whether their focus is education, human welfare, civic or arts and culture

Nordson Foundation Funding Strategy

Through its grant-making, the Foundation supports organizations that directly or indirectly seek to maximize success before, during and beyond the traditional classroom years. Grants will be reviewed and considered on the basis of their enrichment to the communities where our employees live and work. Organizations and programs receiving grants will be expected to identify relevant, measurable outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs.

Education

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Maximizing Student Success
• Access to quality educational opportunities
• Innovative programs
• Partnerships/collaborations with school districts
• Funding gaps not covered by public monies
• Augmenting core curriculum
• Exposure to programs that expand on traditional education
• Workforce Preparation
• Initial preparation for the world of work
• Retraining for the new job market
• Strengthening our communities

Human Welfare

• Promote prevention and lifestyle maintenance programs and activities
• Promote crisis intervention
• Promote life transition opportunities
• Promote systemic change

Arts and Culture

• Actively seek to broaden the audience bases in Nordson communities
• Support the visual and performing arts
• Provide educational enrichment for students
• Motivation for at-risk youth
• Provide access to the arts for special needs audience
• Promote greater understanding among people via the arts

Civic

• Work to improve the physical or economic environment
• Provide cultural or historical preservation
• Strive to inform citizens and increase their participation in community improvement

MSA Best Oral and Poster Presentations

Each year during the annual meeting, MSA recognizes the best oral and poster presentations of graduate and undergraduate students. Two prizes are awarded annually to the two best talks presented by graduate students at the annual MSA meeting. These awards are named in honor of two distinguished mycologists: one is named for Meredith Blackwell and the other is named for John W. Taylor. Both individuals care about graduate students a lot!  

Best undergraduate presentations are also recognized with talk and poster awards; the number of undergraduate awards ranges from one to two and is at the discretion of the committee.

Award Terms

• All awardees must provide a short biography (100-200 words) and a photo (if possible) within two weeks of notification from the Awards Coordinator, using the Awardee Document Submission Form. These will be requested at the appropriate time. Photos and biographies will be published in Inoculum.
• The award check must be deposited or cashed within 5 months.
• Each award recipient is required to complete a W-9 form prior to receiving their award funds. Awardees will be contacted by the management company regarding this process. (This only applies if you have a U.S. Social Security Number).
• Keep copies of your W-9 and all receipts and expenses that are part of this award. These documents are important and may be necessary for tax purposes.

About the Foundation

Clyde F. Schlueter Foundation, Inc. was incorporated on October 10, 1977 with Mr. Schlueter serving as its first president. In its nearly 30-year history, the foundation awarded over $1 million in grants to more than 100 different organizations.

Assets of the Schlueter Foundation were transferred to the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin on August 11, 2016 and a donor advised fund was established in its name. The Schlueter advisory board continues to meet two times per year to review applications in June and September and recommend grants for worthy projects and programs through the Community Foundation.

Statement of Purpose

The stated purpose of the original foundation was to promote growth in character and service of young men and women in the greater Wausau area through physical, social, intellectual, and mental training. The foundation also supported the study of civic projects, projects in the health field that would benefit patients, and educational projects of broad interest involving the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Schlueter specifically listed, as an example, the following organizations: YMCA, YWCA, Scouts, Wausau Hospitals, and the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

Clyde F. Schlueter Foundation Grants

The Clyde F. Schlueter Foundation Fund continues to honor the original intent of Mr. Schlueter’s generosity. The advisory board generally makes recommendations for grants to nonprofit organizations for projects that:

• Serve the greater Wausau area.
• Promote growth in character and service of area youth through physical, social, intellectual, and mental training.
• Provide for civic improvements.

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation was established in 1983 by visionary community leaders. We are a collection of hundreds of endowed funds established by individuals, families, private foundations, and businesses to enhance the quality of life in our region. Since our inception, we have distributed more than $40 million in grants and scholarships and currently administer over 360 different funds, each with its own charitable purpose. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation promotes private giving for the public good.

Samuel F. Atkins and Barbara Atkins Memorial Fund

Mission

The mission of the Samuel F. Atkins and Barbara H. Atkins Memorial Fund is to encourage and enable projects which help low-income, disadvantaged people meet their basic needs, e.g., food, clothing, shelter, and health care; and/or which involve animals, attend to the welfare of animals, or alleviate animal suffering. Priority will be given to projects which demonstrate financial need and to services which involve animals and address a human service need. Special projects, equipment purchases, and general operating support will be considered.

Examples

The following are representative but not exclusive, examples of projects that could receive a grant from this fund:

• training of animals in service of the physically disabled;
• instructor training for teachers giving riding lessons to the physically disabled;
• emergency food or emergency shelter services for the extremely low income;
• Purchase of animals or equipment for their care

The Big Ten Academic Alliance established in 1958, is a consortium of research universities that collaborate on a wide range of academic and administrative initiatives to advance their academic missions, generate unique opportunities for students and faculty, and serve the common good by sharing expertise, leveraging campus resources, and collaborating on innovative programs.

The current members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance are:

• University of Illinois
• Michigan State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Indiana University
• University of Minnesota
• Purdue University
• University of Iowa
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• University of Maryland
• Northwestern University
• University of Wisconsin Madison
• University of Michigan
• Ohio State University
• University of Chicago (participating in this program as an affiliate).

Big Ten Academic Alliance applicants must propose research that is conducted at the Smithsonian in one of the following areas of research:

• Animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science, including an emphasis on the tropics
• Anthropology, including archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology
• Earth sciences and paleobiology
• Evolutionary & systematic biology
• Folklife
• History of science and technology
• History of art, especially American, contemporary, African, and Asian art, twentieth-century American crafts, and decorative arts
• Materials research
• Molecular biology
• Social and cultural history of the United States

Award

• Term: 3 to 12 months
• Stipend: Stipend: $45,000 per year
• Research Allowance: up to $5,000 per year
• Stipends are prorated for periods of less than twelve months.

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation is a permanent, charitable endowment created by the community, for the community. The Foundation is made up of 101 charitable funds, each named and designated by donors to benefit the area. 

Mission Statement

Grants are available from the following funds to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and agencies or organizations affiliated with non-taxable organizations (i.e., schools, churches, cities) located in or servicing people in the Dickinson County and surrounding Michigan and Wisconsin areas.

Veterans Assistance Fund

Funds available for grants to non-profit organizations that support veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Civic Improvement Fund

Funds available for collaborative project(s) to benefit or serve the Iron Mountain, Kingsford, and Breitung Township communities. The Grant Committee includes a representative from each community.

Community Health Fund

Funds available for grants for youth and senior health-related programs (i.e., programs designed to reduce behavioral risk factors such as substance abuse, alcohol/binge drinking, smoking, and depression; and to encourage healthy activities). 

Environmental Fund

Funds available for grants for projects that improve or create methods of enhancing natural resources in the region.

Fine Arts Fund

Funds available for grants for projects in the area of theatrical, musical, and performing arts.

Health Care Fund

Funds available for grants for programs involved in prevention, primary physical health care, educational, and other health related services.

Homeless Prevention Fund

Funds available for grants for programs that provide assistance to people in need to prevent loss of homes

Hunger Fund

Funds available for grants to organizations that provide food to people in need.

Iron Mountain/Kingsford Kellogg Youth Fund

Funds available for granting to applicants from the Iron Mountain/Kingsford area by the Iron Mountain/Kingsford Youth Advisory Committee (YACs) for youth-related programs.

Heart of Canal Street

At the Heart of it All

Giving has always been at the heart of who we are, and that heart is in our name: Heart of Canal Street. Since 1994, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s signature community program has partnered with local children’s charities to help improve the lives of children by putting food on tables, helping kids stay safe and encouraging an appreciation of the arts.

In partnership with the Heart of Canal Street charities, Potawatomi is truly helping give the gift of a promising future to area children.

The 2024 Heart of Canal Street will have 30 children’s charity winners and giving away over $500,000 total!