Best Rusk County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Aquatic Invasive Species Control – Large or Small-Scale Population Management

(See page 31 of attatched PDF)

When an established population of aquatic invasive species is having adverse effects on a waterbody or wetland, funding is available for control activities. Managing aquatic invasive species can be challenging, but adaptive and integrated pest management can help. Participation in the large- or small-scale control program requires an approved recommendation in an aquatic plant or aquatic invasive species management plan. Eligible projects will implement one or more of the resulting recommendations. Public access required, unless controlling a prohibited species.

DNR cost share: Grants may cover up to 75% of total project costs.

The AIS Population Management Grant includes Small-Scale Population Management Projects and Large-Scale Population Management Projects.

Large-Scale Population Management Projects

Large-Scale Population Management projects will result in long-term, multi-season suppression of one or more established populations of aquatic invasive species. Projects are large in scale, affecting a substantial portion of a lake, stream reach, or wetland.

Projects that address multiple populations across a region should employ a strategic approach to managing multiple populations, prioritizing control actions in a way that ensures wise spending of grant funds. For example, a regional wetland control project might focus on populations that threaten high-functioning natural wetlands or focus on small, more easily controlled populations. For Phragmites-focused projects seeking AIS planning and control grant funds, please see the Phragmites Statewide Management Strategy for more specific guidance.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

ATV/UTV Trail Aids Program

A financial assistance program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle trail aids grant program was created with section 23.33, Wis. Stats. This law authorizes the Department to administer a program of financial assistance to local units of government and federal agencies for the acquiring, developing, rehabilitating, insuring and maintaining of off-road all-terrain and utility terrain vehicle trails, intensive use areas, and more. 

Counties, towns, cities, villages and tribes can apply for funds to acquire, insure, develop and maintain ATV/UTV trails, areas and routes.

Ranking Priorities

Trail funds are distributed according to the following ranked purposes (NR 64.14 [exit DNR]):

• maintenance of existing, approved trails, areas, and routes;
• liability insurance acquisition;
• easement acquisition;
• major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails; and
• Land acquisition and development of new ATV trails and areas.

Eligible items and funding levels include:

• all-terrain/utility-terrain vehicle trails available for spring, summer, and fall reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs (max: $1,000 per mile);
• all-terrain vehicle trails available for winter riding reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs (max: $100 to $300 per mile depending on other uses);
• development of ATV trails and areas reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible costs;
• major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible costs; and
• maintenance of ATV intensive use areas reimbursable up to 50 percent of eligible costs.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Boat Enforcement Patrol Grants

This grant is issued to Wisconsin counties or municipalities that participate in boating enforcement efforts. Eligible agencies may receive law enforcement aids for up to 75% of their net costs.

Every 2 years, a patrol representative must attend a water safety patrol biennial workshop, date to be scheduled and notice sent out by the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Attendance is limited to 2 participants per patrol. At least one attendee must be an active officer of the patrol.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program

The purpose of BIG is to construct, renovate and maintain boating infrastructure facilities for transient recreational vessels at least 26 feet long.

Project Cost

• Construction, renovation and maintenance of boating infrastructure tie-up facilities, solely for transient recreational vessels 26 feet or more in length. Does not include: Commercial vessels, cruise ships, dive boats, ferries and vessels that operate permanently from the proposed project location.
• Produce information and education materials specific to BIG or BIG funded projects (i.e. charts, cruising guides, and brochures).

Special Conditions or Requirements

• Facilities constructed, operated or maintained with grant funds must offer reasonable access for all transient recreational vessels for the full period of their useful life.
• Facilities must be open to the public during reasonable time periods.
• Entities may charge fees. Fees must be comparable to the prevailing rate in the area.
• New construction and renovations must be designed to last throughout its useful life.
• BIG grants require a minimum of 25% matching funds, federal share not to exceed 75% total costs.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program has two Tiers: Tier 1 - State; and Tier 2 - National

Tier 1 - State

Provides up to $300,000 per year to the state of Wisconsin. Projects are competitively ranked within the state.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Translational Research Award aims to foster translational research that bridges military-related toxic exposure studies and clinical applications. This program encourages innovative collaborations by allowing for a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary partnerships. By integrating basic science with clinical insights, the initiative seeks to expedite the development of impactful health care products and interventions to address toxic exposures faced by military personnel.

The FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) Clinical Trial Award supports clinical trials aimed at addressing health issues from military-related toxic exposures. This initiative encourages collaboration through a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary research efforts. Projects range from early-phase trials to large-scale studies, focusing on innovative treatments and management strategies for affected populations. The goal is to expedite the translation of research findings into effective clinical applications.

The Juan Diego Guadiana Legacy Foundation Scholarship supports students from Las Cruces High School or Doña Ana County, especially those affected by cancer treatment or pursuing health-related fields. This scholarship is open to various backgrounds, including BiPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. The foundation aims to empower students at different educational stages, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

The Johanna Koester Heine Endowment Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students pursuing higher education across various fields, including vocational training. It is open to diverse applicants including BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities. The scholarship reflects the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Southern New Mexico by providing educational opportunities and fostering community development.

The Josh Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, is designed to support students who are residents of Chaves, Lincoln, and Otero counties. It encourages applications from single parents demonstrating financial need. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and can attend any higher education institution, including universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. This scholarship aims to empower various individuals on their educational journeys.

The Harold Cousland Fund for Young Journalists Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support aspiring journalists pursuing various educational paths. This scholarship is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Southern New Mexico, the fund seeks to empower the next generation of storytellers and media professionals.

The Zachary Adam Giordan-Lascari Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports fathers pursuing physical therapy education at accredited institutes. This scholarship aims to assist students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a focus on community impact, this fund exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a thriving future for recipients in Southern New Mexico.

The Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support young individuals from the Las Cruces area in pursuing higher education. This scholarship is open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those identifying as BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, and students with disabilities. It encompasses various educational paths, including vocational and professional certifications, ensuring accessibility for all committed learners seeking to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

The Nancy Huntley Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, provides financial support for students pursuing higher education and professional certifications. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for diverse applicants, including those from marginalized communities and various academic backgrounds. With an emphasis on accessibility, it encourages individuals at different life stages to apply, fostering growth and development in Southern New Mexico.

The Southern NM Down Syndrome Families Scholarship Fund Endowment aims to provide financial support for individuals with Down syndrome pursuing post-secondary education or life skills training at accredited institutions. Managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, this scholarship embodies the mission of improving quality of life and fostering educational opportunities for diverse communities. It encourages applicants from various backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to achieve their academic and personal goals.

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.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey (18 years old) of Hinckley, New York. Connor aspired to be a rural physician and attended premedical school at Siena College. His dream was to practice medicine in an underserved area in order to help residents receive adequate health care.

Connor had an extraordinary way about himself for someone his age. He was God-inspired, loved everyone as he loved himself, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a mysterious ability to consistently make lemonade out of lemons. Everyone loved him when they met him. He was truly an inspiration to friends, family and clergy members alike, who now all suffer an enormous heart-wrenching void due to a careless and reckless drunk driver that took his life on August 11, 2018.

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.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey (18 years old) of Hinckley, New York. Connor aspired to be a rural physician and attended premedical school at Siena College. His dream was to practice medicine in an underserved area in order to help residents receive adequate health care.

Connor had an extraordinary way about himself for someone his age. He was God-inspired, loved everyone as he loved himself, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a mysterious ability to consistently make lemonade out of lemons. Everyone loved him when they met him. He was truly an inspiration to friends, family and clergy members alike, who now all suffer an enormous heart-wrenching void due to a careless and reckless drunk driver that took his life on August 11, 2018.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

The Boulé Foundation Scholarship

The Boule' Foundation in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund, will provide annual merit-based scholarships to entering college freshmen students (Fall 2026) attending four-year, accredited non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities of their choice.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Don & Mary Hamerski Memorial Scholarship Fund

Qualifications: Graduating High School seniors from a Central Wisconsin high school.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Joey Trzebiatowski Memorial Scholarship

Qualifications: Graduating senior from Central Wisconsin, or UWSP or UW-Madison student planning to study business.

About The Children’s Heart Foundation

The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) is the country’s leading national organization solely dedicated to funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research. The mission of The Children’s Heart Foundation is to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects. Since its inception, CHF has funded millions of dollars of CHD research across the U.S. and Canada. 

AHA/CHF Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards

The Children’s Heart Foundation partners with the American Heart Association to fund Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards. This collaborative investment of funds provides support for investigators who are actively conducting research directly related to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CHDs, which directly aligns with The Children's Heart Foundation's mission. 

Congenital Heart Defect Funding Opportunities

A multi-year commitment between the American Heart Association (AHA) and Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) jointly supports Predoctoral Fellowship or Postdoctoral Fellowship investigators actively conducting basic, clinical, population, or translational congenital heart defects research.

Predoctoral Fellowship

Purpose

To enhance the integrated research and clinical training of promising students who are matriculated in pre-doctoral or clinical health professional degree training programs and who intend careers as scientists, physician-scientists or other clinician-scientists, or related careers aimed at improving global cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health.

• AHA research awards are limited to U.S.-based non-profit institutions, including medical, osteopathic, and dental schools, veterinary schools, schools of public health, pharmacy schools, nursing schools, universities and colleges, public and voluntary hospitals and others that can demonstrate the ability to conduct the proposed research.

• Applicants must be AHA Professional Members at the time of proposal submission. The AHA expects all mentors associated with training/mentored research awards to maintain active AHA membership, as well.

• This award is not for individuals of faculty/staff rank.

Applicants are not required to reside in the United States for any period before applying for American Heart Association funding. However, applicants must have one of the following designations at the time of proposal submission – not award start date, depending on career stage and each individual’s situation. An awardee must maintain one of the designations listed below throughout the duration of the award. Please consult with your institution’s grant officer.

• U.S. citizen
• Permanent resident
• Pending permanent resident (must have filed Form I-485 for permanent resident status and obtained an I-797C 3 Notice of Action that the application has been received by USCIS and case is pending)
• E-3 Visa - specialty occupation worker
• F-1 Visa – student (for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows only)
• G-4 Visa - family member of an international organization employee
• H1-B Visa - temporary worker in a specialty occupation
• J-1 Visa - exchange visitor (pre- and postdoctoral fellowships only; all other awardees must obtain an H-1B or equivalent by the award activation date)
• O-1 Visa - temporary worker with extraordinary abilities in the sciences
• TN Visa - NAFTA Professional
• DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

About The Children’s Heart Foundation

The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) is the country’s leading national organization solely dedicated to funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research. The mission of The Children’s Heart Foundation is to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects. Since its inception, CHF has funded millions of dollars of CHD research across the U.S. and Canada. 

AHA/CHF Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards

The Children’s Heart Foundation partners with the American Heart Association to fund Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards. This collaborative investment of funds provides support for investigators who are actively conducting research directly related to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CHDs, which directly aligns with The Children's Heart Foundation's mission. 

Congenital Heart Defect Funding Opportunities

A multi-year commitment between the American Heart Association (AHA) and Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) jointly supports Predoctoral Fellowship or Postdoctoral Fellowship investigators actively conducting basic, clinical, population, or translational congenital heart defects research.

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Purpose

To enhance the training of postdoctoral applicants who are not yet independent. The applicant must be embedded in an appropriate investigative group with the mentorship, support, and relevant scientific guidance of a research mentor. Recognizing the unique challenges that clinicians, in particular, experience in balancing research and clinical activity, this award mechanism aims to be as flexible as possible to enable applicants to develop academic careers in research alongside fulfilling clinical service commitments.

The trainee and mentor should collaboratively provide a thoughtfully planned, systematic proposal aimed at clearly answering an investigative question in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or brain health research

• AHA research awards are limited to U.S.-based non-profit institutions, including medical, osteopathic, and dental schools, veterinary schools, schools of public health, pharmacy schools, nursing schools, universities and colleges, public and voluntary hospitals andothers that can demonstrate the ability to conduct the proposed research.

• Applicants must be AHA Professional Members at the time of proposal submission. The AHA expects all mentors associated with training/mentored research awards to maintain active AHA membership, as well.

• This award is not intended for individuals of faculty rank.

Applicants are not required to reside in the United States for any period before applying for American Heart Association funding. However, applicants must have one of the following designations at the time of proposal submission – not award start date, depending on career stage and each individual’s situation. An awardee must maintain one of the designations listed below throughout the duration of the award. Please consult with your institution’s grant officer.

• U.S. citizen
• Permanent resident
• Pending permanent resident (must have filed Form I-485 for permanent resident status and obtained an I-797C 3 Notice of Action that the application has been received by USCIS and case is pending)
• E-3 Visa - specialty occupation worker
• F-1 Visa – student (for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows only)
• G-4 Visa - family member of an international organization employee
• H1-B Visa - temporary worker in a specialty occupation
• J-1 Visa - exchange visitor (pre- and postdoctoral fellowships only; all other awardees must obtain an H-1B or equivalent by the award activation date)
• O-1 Visa - temporary worker with extraordinary abilities in the sciences
• TN Visa - NAFTA Professional
• DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

The FY26 Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program's Idea Award promotes innovative, high-risk cancer research initiatives. It supports groundbreaking concepts that advance cancer knowledge, patient care, and treatment options within the Military Health System. Projects must demonstrate creativity and innovation, avoiding incremental advancements. Notably, the Early Career Investigator Option is available to foster the growth of promising new investigators early in their careers. This award aims to make significant contributions to cancer research for Service Members and Veterans.

The DoW Peer Reviewed Cancer Clinical Trial Award supports the rapid initiation of clinical trials aimed at significantly improving cancer treatment. Projects may range from small pilot studies to large-scale phase III trials, focusing on innovative products, drugs, or devices. This award mandates the inclusion of patient advocates and prohibits animal studies, ensuring that all preclinical work is completed prior to the award start date. Regulatory applications must be submitted if required for the proposed trials.

The FY26 Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program Impact Award promotes significant research aimed at enhancing clinical cancer care. It requires preliminary data to ensure feasibility and emphasizes projects with a strong potential for immediate impact. This funding supports clinical trials and allows for either a single Principal Investigator or a duo of partnering PIs, ensuring that both can contribute distinct aspects of the research. Applications must be carefully coordinated to avoid withdrawal risks.

The Davis-Kozoll Scholarship, established in 2019 by the Sandia Foundation, supports students from northwest New Mexico pursuing higher education in science or human service disciplines. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be renewed annually based on academic progress. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate community ties, and may pursue various degrees or vocational certificates. Priority is given to students from specific local communities, enhancing educational opportunities in the region.

The James Knott Memorial Scholarship, established by the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Association, supports graduating high school seniors residing in manufactured homes. Awards of up to $1,000 are given annually to students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who attend a nonprofit or public educational institution full-time. Applicants must provide proof of residency, a written statement of financial need, and a reference from a teacher or counselor. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals.

The Susie Kubié Symphonic Music Scholarship, established in 2017, provides financial support to talented young musicians from the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program (AYSP). Each year, up to $4,000 is awarded to new or renewing scholars pursuing a music degree. Applicants are required to submit a personal essay, letters of reference, and a video performance. This scholarship not only aids students in their educational pursuits but also honors Susie Kubié's legacy of dedication to music education.