Best Rock County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Adirondack League Club Scholarship

Established by Adirondack League Club to award scholarships to students in the Central Adirondack region of the Adirondack Park.

Candidates are identified by a committee.

Saginaw Area Health Care Administrators Scholarship

The Saginaw Area Health Care Administrators Scholarship was established in 1987 to help advance health care for the elderly and ill elderly. The scholarship provides cash awards to assist employees of association members in meeting educational expenses. Each year, employees in the areas of administration, nursing, dietary, maintenance, and other health-related occupations are invited to apply for scholarships.

Terrance Lavell Winters Memorial Scholarship

The Terrance Lavell Winters Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of a loving son, father, brother and uncle – Terrance Lavell Winters. He was born October 7, 1983 to his parents Barbara Ezell and Ray Henderson. Terrance had one son, Trevontae Lavell Winters, whom he considered his true love.

Sometimes shy, Terrance was loved by his smile. He enjoyed buying cars, repairing them and then selling the vehicles. He was known by his family as “Mr. R.P.M.”

Since Terrance’s passing on April 26, 2005, his mother Barbara has promised to keep his memory alive. To honor her son, Barbara created the Grandma Barb’s World-Class Students program. She bought and filled book bags for nearly 300 students for nine years. Barbara also organized a successful rally, prayer vigil and march to remember and honor her son in April 2015. By establishing this scholarship, Barbara hopes to keep the memories of Terrance alive.

About Enterprise

Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $92 billion and created 1.1M homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

Request For Proposals: General Support for Program Evaluation and Related Services

Purpose

Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (Enterprise) has initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select one or more qualified consultants who can provide a range of evaluation-related supports to its in-house Impact and Evaluation department on an as-needed basis.

Enterprise seeks to select contractor(s) who can:

• Conduct quantitative data analysis, using primary and secondary data sources
• Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis
• Provide evaluation-related training and technical assistance
• Prepare reports, presentations, white papers, blog posts, landscape analyses, literature reviews, etc., for a wide range of audiences and purposes

RFP proposals may address all service areas or only one or two. Proposals may also address only a subset of capabilities within a particular service. We do not expect that all proposals will address all competencies and capabilities. Enterprise may select individual consultants, and/or small and large firms, to meet the variety of evaluation-related activities for which we may need support. Preference will be given to those consultants who have experience in the housing and community development fields. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program offers vital technical and financial support for projects aimed at protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems. Collaborating with conservation partners, the program ensures that all projects are scientifically sound and align with the missions of the Department of the Interior. Applicants must contact a local office for guidance before applying, ensuring projects meet strategic conservation goals.

Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

Empowerment through Food Awareness, Access, and Education

We are a private, family-directed, not-for-profit philanthropic organization, established through the estate of Ann B. Zekauskas. We are dedicated to educating students, families, and communities, especially the underserved, on producing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, and to supporting organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts.

We perform our mission through collaborations with and support of approved non-profit organizations within these key areas of giving: nutrition education, food access, and culinary arts training.

Culinary Arts Careers - Advancing the Culinary Arts

When Ann B. Zekauskas was headed to college just after the end of World War II, there were not many professional options for women. Ann chose to study home economics. When she graduated, she took that otherwise traditional degree, moved to New York City, and created a new profession in the burgeoning field of food advertising, becoming the first notable freelance food stylist.

For 60 years, Ann worked with and around those in the advertising and food industries. She spent vacations helping her sister, Nell, and brother-in-law Frank, grow, harvest, and sell fruits and vegetables on their prosperous family farm on Long Island. Throughout her life, Ann saw how professional training in culinary arts could lead to success. She mentored young chefs, food stylists, bakers, and pastry artists to help them achieve their dreams of a career in food — whether on a studio set, in a restaurant, or at their own business.

Through direct giving to culinary training and workforce development programs, we support the next generation of restaurant managers, chefs, food stylists, mixologists, bakers, sommeliers, pastry artists, catering professionals, and more.

Request a Grant

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.

The Quinn Alec Hoover Legacy Scouting America Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Scouting America in the Mason Dixon District, encompassing Washington County, MD, and parts of Pennsylvania. Established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, this scholarship honors the legacy of Quinn Alec Hoover, aiming to recognize and assist students who embody the values of scouting. Applications open annually in January, closing by April 1st, promoting community engagement and educational advancement.

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.

The Placement and Coordination Program, administered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, invites eligible organizations to enhance refugee resettlement services. By diversifying service providers, the program aims to strengthen the national resettlement framework. Key responsibilities include managing the Program of Initial Resettlement and Intensive Case Management for vulnerable refugees, ensuring comprehensive support from arrival through initial resettlement, and addressing barriers to self-sufficiency.

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 FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Synergistic Idea Award supports innovative research on neurofibromatosis (NF) through collaborative efforts of two or three Principal Investigators (PIs). By leveraging their unique perspectives, these PIs will tackle significant questions in NF research. Applicants must provide relevant preliminary or published data to support their proposals, ensuring a strong foundation for impactful research outcomes.

The DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award addresses critical needs in neurofibromatosis research, aiming to enhance patient care through innovative projects. It supports various research phases, excluding clinical trials, and encourages collaboration between scientists and clinicians. The funding mechanism includes two levels based on participation in optional features, such as the Open Science Initiative and collaboration with qualified partners, promoting data sharing and collaborative research efforts.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award supports early-career independent investigators focusing on neurofibromatosis research. Scholars are required to be within 10 years of their terminal degree and must designate a Career Guide for mentorship, fostering collaboration. This initiative aims to advance impactful research and develop skilled researchers in a supportive environment, addressing critical areas of emphasis in neurofibromatosis research.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award encourages innovative, high-risk research concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF). This award aims to support groundbreaking studies that will pave the way for future scientific inquiries. Proposals should present a well-defined, testable hypothesis grounded in sound scientific rationale. While preliminary data is encouraged, it is not a prerequisite for submission, allowing researchers to explore novel paradigms and perspectives in NF research.

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.

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.