Best Portage County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

The Patricia S. Warrick Scholarship, established in 2006 by Professor Patricia S. Warrick, offers a $2,500 award split over two semesters for full-time students at UW institutions. This scholarship honors Warrick's legacy in literature and education, supporting aspiring scholars in their academic pursuits. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum of 12 credits to retain their eligibility. This scholarship reflects the commitment to fostering educational excellence in the Fox Valley community.

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 Michael J. O’Brien Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Michael O’Brien, a dedicated educator and author from Green Bay, WI. This $700 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in history, political science, or international relations at a UW institution. Eligible candidates must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment. The scholarship, established in memory of Michael by his family, aims to recognize individuals with outstanding character and leadership, reflecting his commitment to education and mentorship.

The Richard L. Reetz Engineering Scholarship offers four non-renewable awards of $2,500 each for students majoring in engineering at UW institutions. Eligible applicants must be enrolling as sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to support engineering students in their educational journey, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed during their academic careers.

The Valley Kids Foundation Grants are designed to provide essential support to children in the Fox River Valley area of Wisconsin. With zero operating expenses, all contributions directly assist children under eighteen years old in need of medical help, educational assistance, and recreational opportunities. The Foundation is committed to using donations efficiently and complying with all regulations, ensuring that every dollar helps make a significant difference in the lives of local children.

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

The Cheri Smith Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, provides financial support to Junior and Senior students at UWSP in the School of Business and Economics. With award amounts ranging from $500 to $40,000, this scholarship aims to assist students with a GPA of 3.0 or above and demonstrated financial need. Explore opportunities to apply or contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Quest for Truth Scholarship, established in 2020 by a caring donor, aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families in higher education. With a non-renewable award of $1,000, this scholarship encourages students demonstrating financial need to apply each year. However, recipients must maintain full-time student status at a UW institution and uphold good academic standing to retain eligibility. This initiative reflects a commitment to supporting educational aspirations.

The Sara Ruth Krueger Memorial Scholarship offers a one-time award of $600 for students attending a 2-year or 4-year UW institution. This scholarship is non-renewable and is intended to assist with the cost of attendance for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must enroll as full-time students. The funding is provided by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, a private organization dedicated to supporting local education.

The Van Wyk Family Scholarship, established in 1993 by Tom and Linda Van Wyk, awards a $2000 scholarship to a student pursuing a business-related major at the UWO-Fox Cities campus. To maintain eligibility, recipients must enroll in at least 9 credits per semester, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50, and continue majoring in a business field. This scholarship aims to support students in their educational endeavors.

The Verne Imhoff Scholarship, established in 2006, honors LaVerne J. Imhoff, a pivotal figure at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley. This $2,000 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to retain eligibility. The scholarship reflects the legacy of Dr. Imhoff, who significantly contributed to the university's development before his passing in 1997.

The Veldor Kopitzke Scholarship, established in 2004, supports students pursuing degrees in Business or Economics at UW institutions. Named after a dedicated community member and Professor Emeritus of Economics, this scholarship awards $800, non-renewable, for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must register as full-time students in their chosen fields. This scholarship honors Professor Kopitzke's commitment to education and community service.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

The William Guither Science Scholarship, established in 1981 and named in honor of Emeritus Professor William Guither, offers a $2,500 award to full-time students majoring in a science-related field at a UW institution. The scholarship provides $1,250 for each of the fall and spring semesters. To maintain eligibility, students must uphold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. This scholarship supports future scientists and acknowledges academic excellence in the physical sciences.

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.

The SWE Wisconsin Section Scholarship, established in memory of Martha Maxwell, supports female undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees at accredited colleges in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Eligible applicants must be full-time students with sophomore standing or higher, graduating after December 31, 2025. The scholarship aims to encourage young women in engineering, honoring Martha's passion for inspiring future generations in STEM fields.

Jonathan Little Scholarship Fund

The scholarship assists Division of Communication junior classmen from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point who have a focus in media studies.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The Ed & Joyce Creske Family Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in central Wisconsin, specifically Lincoln, Marathon, and Portage Counties. The foundation prioritizes causes that positively impact the Mosinee community. However, it does not fund annual campaigns, operating expenses, debt retirement, endowments, direct individual support, lobbying, or sectarian causes. This initiative reflects the Creske family's commitment to giving back to the community that has supported them throughout their lives.

The Charles S. McKee Performing Arts Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, supports students in Portage and Waushara counties. This scholarship is available for high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional learners pursuing music, theater, or liberal arts. Awards range from $500 to $40,000, aiming to foster educational opportunities. Applicants must meet specific criteria based on their academic performance and involvement in the arts.

The Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on health & wellness, hunger, and youth education. Since its inception in 2013, the foundation has granted over $800,000 to eligible organizations that align with these key areas. Applications from 501(c)(3) entities are prioritized, with a one-year waiting period for previous grantees. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare and making a positive impact.

The Rotary Club of Appleton offers a grant to support projects benefiting children with disabilities in Appleton and the surrounding area. Funded through the Helen Thom Fund, this initiative aims to assist eligible charitable organizations with impactful programs within a 50-mile radius. However, the funds cannot be used for employee salaries or general operating expenses. This grant represents a commitment to improving the lives of challenged children through dedicated community efforts.

The Alan A. Meddaugh Memorial Scholarship supports students in Central Wisconsin pursuing a 2-year technical education in fields such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or construction. Administered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, this scholarship is part of a broader initiative that awards over $325,000 annually to students across various educational backgrounds. Recipients are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and community involvement, with awards ranging from $500 to $40,000.

The Universal Service Fund - Nonprofit Access Grant supports nonprofit organizations in obtaining partial funding for projects aimed at improving affordable telecommunications access. Targeting low-income households and individuals with disabilities, this program allocates up to $500,000 annually to help address high service costs in underserved areas. By facilitating essential telecommunications services, the grant fosters greater connectivity and support for vulnerable communities across Wisconsin.

The Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, supports emergency response agencies in their safety initiatives. Since 2014, over $500,000 has been awarded to enhance public safety through equipment purchases and professional development. Each project can receive up to $2,000, with applications open to local, county, and volunteer fire, law enforcement, and rescue agencies within the service area. Grants should be utilized within two years to ensure impactful and sustainable safety efforts.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.