Best Rock County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The WDNR Surface Water Grants support organizations in managing surface water through various stages, from planning to implementation. Eligible applicants, including lake associations and conservation organizations, can access funding for education, planning, and management projects aimed at improving water quality and combating invasive species. Key deadlines include May 1 for eligibility inquiries, September 15 for pre-applications, and November 15 for full proposals. These grants reflect the DNR's commitment to sustainable resource management in Wisconsin.

The WDNR Forest Fire Protection Grant Program provides 50% cost-share funding to Wisconsin fire departments and county fire associations. This initiative aims to enhance local fire departments' capabilities for initial-attack fire suppression on forest fires. Eligible applicants must have a signed DNR Memorandum of Understanding for Mutual Aid and Fire Suppression Services. The grant prioritizes funding for protective equipment, training, prevention, and suppression tools to strengthen community resilience against forest fires.

The WDNR's Forest Fire Protection Grant Program offers 50% cost-share grants to Wisconsin fire departments and county/area fire associations. This funding aims to enhance local fire departments' roles in strengthening the Department of Natural Resources' initial-attack capabilities for forest fire suppression. Eligible applicants must serve organized forest fire control areas designated by the DNR, and prioritized funding includes protective equipment, training, and essential suppression tools.

The WDNR offers grants totaling $250,000 annually to friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations to enhance facilities, develop recreation projects, and restore habitats on state properties. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit entities committed to conservation and have a written agreement with the DNR. Projects should focus on nature-based outdoor recreation and address specific unmet needs in alignment with DNR management plans. Grants can cover up to 50% of project costs, promoting sustainable environmental practices.

The Hunter R3 Grant Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance safe and ethical hunting through recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts. This initiative seeks to engage new hunters, especially families and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, by providing educational resources and mentorship opportunities. By addressing common barriers such as access to land, understanding regulations, and fostering community support, the program promotes sustainable hunting practices and strengthens the hunting community across Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Ready for Reuse Program offers loans and grants to support the cleanup of brownfield properties. Administered by the Department of Natural Resources, the program provides zero-interest loans for projects requiring a minimum of $250,000, with grants up to $200,000 available. A 22% match contribution is necessary, and applications are accepted year-round. This initiative aims to revitalize contaminated sites, fostering community development and environmental safety.

The ASCFG Research Foundation Grant, offered by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, aims to support innovative research projects that benefit specialty cut flower growers. The program, open to academia, government, and industry researchers, will distribute up to $30,000 in grants in 2026. Proposed research should last one year or less and can include multi-year projects. Recipients are expected to present their findings at ASCFG meetings, fostering collaboration and advancement in the cut flower industry.

The Wisconsin Wetland Conservation Trust (WWCT) provides grants to restore and enhance wetlands across the state. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the program allows for mitigation of unavoidable wetland impacts through the purchase of credits. Eligible applicants include public agencies, private landowners, and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on maintaining ecological integrity within local watersheds. Projects must ensure long-term protection of mitigation sites through legal instruments.

The Flowers Fund Grant, established by HRE USA in 2017 to honor founding member Nancy Flowers, offers annual small grants of up to $1000. It aims to support innovation and mentorship in human rights education in the U.S., encouraging new ideas and outreach methods. Applications are open to HRE USA members for projects relevant to human rights education, with a focus on research, conferences, and leadership. Grants are intended for completion within the academic year.

The Edward O’Brien Human Rights Education Awards, established by Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA) in memory of Ed O’Brien, honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to human rights education in the U.S. Nominations for the 2024 awards are open to both individuals and organizations. Any member of HRE USA or its affiliates can nominate, while non-members are encouraged to join before submitting nominations. These awards aim to recognize and promote impactful human rights education.

Urban Agriculture Resilience Program

In 2020, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the American Public Gardens Association (the Association) initiated the Urban Agriculture Resilience Program. Since its inception, the program has supported 131 urban agriculture projects nationwide, promoting public garden participation in collaborations that combine food growing and education while addressing food security challenges facing communities.

Over the program’s six years, we have awarded $2.7 million to 136 projects in 34 states and D.C. These programs have grown and shared over 750,000 pounds of produce, distributed more than 292,000 seedlings, and provided more than 53,000 hours of urban agriculture training to students, interns, and trainees.

2027 Urban Agriculture Resilience Program

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) are partnering to support public gardens and their partners to facilitate collaborative urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food-growing projects. Applications for a new cycle will open this fall!

The 2027 Urban Agriculture Resilience Program will comprise a small group of projects seeking to sustain and institutionalize their work. Participants will receive funding to help build their programs.

• Build urban agriculture capacity in public gardens community
• Provide funding ($5,000 to $20,000 per participant/project)
• Share models and lessons learned with the broader community of public gardens

The Chisholm Foundation offers grants to support arts, education, and religion projects across the United States. Applications for May and November grants should be submitted by March 1st and September 1st, respectively. The Foundation evaluates each application individually and encourages innovative projects that can attract additional funding. Grants may be awarded as lump sums or in installments, and applicants are advised to seek matching gifts to enhance their proposals.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program supports Wisconsin nonprofit organizations in launching new events that stimulate local tourism and economic growth. Eligible projects must be innovative, generate increased visitor traffic, and have a funding strategy for future sustainability. Grants can cover up to 75% of promotional costs in the first year, with a maximum award of $39,550. This program is a vital resource for communities aiming to enhance their economic impact through strategic marketing initiatives.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program supports Wisconsin nonprofit organizations by funding promotional activities that boost tourism. Grants cover eligible expenses for sales promotions that entice visitors through significant incentives over a limited timeframe. Applications must demonstrate potential economic impact and include participating businesses. The maximum award is $39,550, with reimbursements based on project costs. This initiative aims to enhance local economies while promoting Wisconsin as a premier travel destination.

About Us

Wisconsin’s smallest cabinet agency makes a tremendous impact. At one half of one percent of the state budget and one half of one percent of the state workforce, the Department of Tourism markets Wisconsin as one of America’s premier travel destinations under the brand name Travel Wisconsin, supporting an industry that makes up more than 7 percent of the state’s gross domestic product.

The team at Travel Wisconsin is honored to be joined by the Wisconsin Council on Tourism, our committee members and our industry partners to maintain tourism’s ranking as a top Wisconsin industry.

Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for qualified promotional costs. There are five categories of JEM grants.

One Time/One-of-a-Kind Events

• These projects publicize an event of major significance that has the potential to generate media coverage at least throughout the Midwest.

Why You Should Apply

• A JEM grant is often a catalyst for communities, giving them the means to make an impact on their economy and create jobs for its residents.
• It could be just the thing to bring an idea to life.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program supports collaborative marketing initiatives to enhance tourism in Wisconsin. By partnering at least three municipalities, projects can access funding for promotional activities, research, and strategic marketing efforts. The program is designed to boost local economies through increased visitor traffic and job creation. Nonprofits can apply for grants to cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $10,000 per municipality, fostering impactful tourism campaigns.

The Tourist Information Center (TIC) Grant Program, funded by Travel Wisconsin, supports nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities, and Native American tribes in operating regional tourist information centers. This program offers reimbursement for up to 50% of eligible expenses, including staffing, signage, and display equipment, with a maximum of $15,000 per organization per year. This initiative aims to enhance traveler services and boost the economic impact of tourism in Wisconsin.

Takeda's Corporate Giving program focuses on enhancing community well-being in the U.S. by supporting initiatives in two key areas: Food is Health and Building STEM Foundations. Through employee engagement and partnerships, Takeda aims to provide access to nutritious food and foster STEM education, addressing social disparities and empowering future innovators. This commitment reflects Takeda's mission of better health and a brighter future for all.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

Join Maddie's Fund every Monday at 11am PT for the Weekly Community Conversations, a supportive platform for animal well-being professionals. Engage in discussions about innovative programs and share valuable insights with peers. Each month, attendees have the chance to win up to $10,000 in grants by participating in the calls or watching on-demand. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses crucial topics in the field.

The Community Wellbeing Grant, offered by the Lululemon Centre for Social Impact, aims to enhance wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and connection. This grant supports community-led non-profits working to address systemic inequities, helping to build access to wellness resources. Applications are encouraged from organizations that prioritize diverse leadership and serve populations facing barriers to wellbeing. The goal is to impact 10 million individuals positively by 2025, fostering equity and resilience in communities worldwide.

The Geometric Analysis program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes research in differential geometry, including its connections to partial differential equations and variational principles. It emphasizes global analysis, complex manifolds, and geometric methods in mathematical physics, while also exploring integral geometry and convex sets. This initiative supports innovative studies aimed at advancing the understanding of geometric concepts and their applications in various mathematical disciplines.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports research in algebraic topology, covering areas such as homotopy theory, cohomology, and K-theory. It encourages exploration of topological manifolds, knots, and geometric group theory. Researchers can delve into differential topology and general topology, contributing to fundamental advancements in mathematics. This funding opportunity is ideal for those seeking to push the boundaries of knowledge in these complex and essential fields.

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, established in 1988, supports photography programs at museums and public institutions. It promotes photography's recognition alongside other art forms and contributes to HIV/AIDS medical research. Notably, it has funded major galleries and initiatives, donating significant collections to renowned museums. The Foundation aids curators in developing photography exhibitions and provides financial support for acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications, ensuring Mapplethorpe's artistic legacy endures.

The Venturous Capital Grants aim to empower small and medium-sized not-for-profit theaters to produce bold and experimental new plays. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, covering extraordinary costs that enable productions to thrive. The program supports text-based, author-driven works that are ambitious, challenging, and innovative, while emphasizing the importance of playwright compensation and adhering to AEA standards. This initiative fosters creativity and helps overcome financial barriers in theater production.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The NewSchools: Learning Solutions Grant Program aims to empower K-8 students by enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills, crucial for overcoming educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. With a focus on innovative learning solutions, the program seeks to fund early-stage ideas that engage students and support educators. By leveraging research and technology, including generative AI, it aims to create equitable educational opportunities, fostering a brighter future for all students.