Best Rock County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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

Purpose

The purpose of this request for applications is to seek local partner organizations to provide in-home asthma education services as part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (WI-DHS) Asthma-Safe Homes Program. This program is available through a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) health services initiative (HSI) funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).

WI-DHS will select organizations with capacity to provide outreach, in-home asthma self-management education, and home asthma trigger assessment for children and pregnant individuals with uncontrolled asthma. 

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The Milton Community Fund Grant, established in 1996, supports charitable initiatives in the Milton area through annual grants funded by community donations. It aims to enhance historical preservation, environmental projects, education, healthcare, youth programs, and support for the elderly. Grants are awarded to non-profits, local schools, and government agencies, emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve community welfare. Managed by local volunteers, the fund adapts to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

The Janesville Education Foundation Excellence in Education (EIE) Grant is designed to enhance educational experiences for students in Janesville public schools. By utilizing private charitable resources, the EIE funds support innovative projects and programs that promote student achievement and community involvement. Since its incorporation in 1983, the foundation has focused on enriching classroom curricula through grants that enable creative educational opportunities, ensuring every student has the chance to excel in their chosen fields.

The Rubie McWilliam Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from Janesville Charter Schools and nearby high schools. Eligible candidates must rank in the top 10-20% of their class, exhibit good citizenship, and actively participate in school activities. Financial need may also be considered. This scholarship aims to enrich students' academic journeys and foster community engagement across nine Southern Wisconsin counties.

The Parkview Community Fund, established in 2024 by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to enhance community life in the Parkview School District area. It serves local residents, donors, and businesses, facilitating charitable contributions that are tax-deductible. The Fund supports various initiatives, including education, health care, and community development, by awarding grants annually based on its earnings. This initiative strengthens local engagement and promotes sustainable development in Southern Wisconsin.

The Lavern Anderson Memorial Scholarship supports students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig, and Parker High Schools who attended Lincoln Elementary. Eligible candidates should pursue studies in agriculture, education, or health care, and maintain a class ranking in the top 50%. This scholarship is part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which manages over 700 funds to enhance the quality of life across nine counties in the region.

The Knipp-Poulter Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from Beloit Memorial, Janesville Craig, and Janesville Parker High Schools. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to high school athletics. The Community Foundation oversees over 700 charitable funds aimed at enhancing the quality of life across nine counties in Southern Wisconsin, ensuring effective management and disbursement of grants and scholarships.

The JAREA-Kathryn Mary Swingle Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from various local high schools pursuing careers in education. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin by investing in the future of education. The foundation oversees numerous charitable funds, ensuring effective management and disbursement of grants and scholarships to foster educational growth within the community.

The Janesville Women’s Club Association Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from local charter schools and high schools in Janesville. This scholarship aims to assist graduates pursuing post-secondary education, with a preference for those demonstrating academic excellence or financial need. The foundation oversees over 700 charitable funds, enhancing the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin through grants and scholarships.

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

The Janesville Multicultural Teachers Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports multicultural students who aspire to become educators. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig High School, or Parker High School, and identify as African American, Latino, Asian, or Native American. Recipients agree to apply for employment in the School District of Janesville after certification and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 to remain eligible.

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 Janesville High School Class of ‘57 Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is designed to support need-based students from Janesville schools. Established to commemorate the class's 50th reunion, it awards at least one scholarship annually to graduating seniors who will attend accredited colleges or technical schools. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters community support in Southern Wisconsin.

The Henry L. & Ruth O. Elmer Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from Janesville Craig, Janesville Parker, and Milton High Schools pursuing nursing careers at accredited institutions. This scholarship aims to enhance education accessibility, particularly for those demonstrating financial need. The foundation oversees numerous charitable funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin, benefiting communities across nine counties.

The George & Harriet Christopherson Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig High School, and Parker High School. To be eligible, students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to attend a technical school. This scholarship is part of a larger effort to enhance the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin through educational funding.

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.

The Lafayette County Bluebird Society Legacy Fund (LCBS) is dedicated to supporting bird conservation initiatives and educational programs in the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin. Managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, the fund prioritizes projects that include Lafayette County and organizations whose main mission aligns with bird conservation. Grant applications are reviewed by a volunteer advisory board, and requests should ideally not exceed $3,500.

CFSW The Women’s Fund, part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of women and girls in Rock County through permanent endowment funding. The Fund supports non-profit organizations addressing crucial mental health needs, such as anxiety and depression, while encouraging community involvement. By fostering leadership opportunities for donors and reflecting diverse perspectives, the Women’s Fund aims to empower women, ultimately benefiting the entire community and breaking the cycle of poverty.

The Edgerton Community Fund Grant, established in 2001, serves as a permanent financial resource for the Edgerton community. Each year, this fund distributes grants to local non-profits, schools, and government agencies, aligning philanthropy with community needs. Managed by a volunteer board, it emphasizes supporting charitable programs that enhance the community's welfare and development.

The Seneca Foods Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. Since 1988, it has provided funding for education, community assistance, and internships. The Foundation prioritizes organizations connected to Seneca employees, located near its operational facilities, and those that align with its mission. It requires documented performance results and considers only one request per organization annually, ensuring that grants foster measurable impact within the communities served.

The Ecolab Community Giving Program, supported by the Ecolab Foundation, matches employee donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits up to $1,000 annually. This initiative promotes community engagement and supports various focus areas, including youth education, civic development, environmental conservation, and arts. With over $174 million contributed since 1980, Ecolab demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the communities where its employees live and work through impactful philanthropic efforts.

The Janesville Generations Fund Grant, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to support the Janesville community through various charitable funds. Established to create a lasting legacy, it invites donations of any amount, allowing community members to contribute to vital projects. The grant oversees distribution from five family funds, ensuring that the community's needs are met for generations to come. This initiative fosters local engagement and empowers donors to make impactful contributions.

The Evansville Fund, established in 1996, serves as a permanent charitable endowment dedicated to enhancing the Evansville community. It allocates a portion of its earnings annually through grants that support vital sectors including arts, education, health services, and historic preservation. Governed by a volunteer board, the fund prioritizes local community needs, ensuring that contributions directly benefit various charitable initiatives. This collaborative effort fosters growth and sustainability within the community, promoting long-term positive outcomes.