Best Shawano County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation Grant, established in 1998, supports projects under $5,000 that enhance arts, education, health, economic, and social development in North Central Wisconsin. Applications are reviewed monthly, with deadlines on the last Wednesday of each month. The foundation encourages diverse funding sources and prefers not to fund the same organization more than once a year. Clear and concise applications are welcomed to ensure meaningful community impact.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation provides grants over $5,000 for meaningful projects in North Central Wisconsin that enhance arts, education, health, economic, and social development. Applications are accepted six times a year, with deadlines on the last Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. The foundation encourages innovative initiatives that engage diverse communities, improve well-being, and support productive citizenship, while promoting appreciation for the area’s natural resources.

Nonprofits, local governments, tribes, and educational institutions in Shawano County, Wisconsin can apply for Fund for Lake Michigan’s grants to improve Lake Michigan watershed health through on-the-ground water quality projects. Eligible work includes habitat restoration, reducing polluted runoff, and related monitoring or planning that leads directly to measurable freshwater and ecosystem improvements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities needing general operating or program support in Shawano County, Wisconsin can seek flexible funding through the Community Vision Fund’s Annual Responsive Grants. With a mission to strengthen community services and nonprofit resilience, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region provides US $1,000 - US $15,000 one-year awards across three annual cycles.

The Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the We Energies Foundation, supports local public safety agencies with funding up to $2,000 per project. Eligible projects include equipment purchases and professional training that enhance safety initiatives within the communities served by the foundation. Grants must be utilized within two years, and projects should be special, one-time efforts. This initiative emphasizes the importance of safety and well-planned public safety responses.

Shawano County, Wisconsin environmental and conservation organizations can access funding for projects that deliver measurable, regionally significant improvements to the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Great Lakes Protection Fund supports collaborative, science-based efforts that use market, social, or policy strategies to restore freshwater habitats, reduce pollution, and improve water resource management affecting the basin.

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 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.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

Shawano County, Wisconsin fire, law enforcement, and rescue agencies that provide emergency response services can access funding for lifesaving equipment and professional development. Through the Rewarding Responders Grant from Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, eligible departments in the WPS service area may receive up to US $2,000 for special, one-time, safety-related projects.

Nonprofit organizations improving affordable telecommunications access for low-income residents, people with disabilities, or high-cost service areas in Shawano County, Wisconsin can apply for this program. Focused on technology access and digital literacy, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation invites eligible nonprofits to seek partial funding for projects that expand essential telecom services across designated counties.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Shawano County, Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Public Service Foundation’s Local Community Grant Program to support specific programs or projects in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, or health and human services. Eligible organizations must be within the utility’s service area and focus on one or more of these priority areas.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant supports local communities through charitable contributions, focusing on areas such as arts, education, and human services. Funded by shareholders, not utility customers, the foundation awards nearly $1.4 million annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance community quality of life. Eligible projects must align with specific funding areas and be located within the service area. The foundation encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement and development.

SECURA Insurance Companies Charitable Fund Grants support local nonprofit organizations in the Fox Valley area that provide essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Grants are awarded by SECURA’s Community Commitment Committee, which evaluates applications based on community impact. Eligible organizations include public charities and government units serving the Foundation’s service area, while ineligible projects include political affiliations and general operational costs.

Students pursuing technical education in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or construction in Central Wisconsin, including Shawano County, can receive scholarship support for 2-year technical schools. The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin selects recipients based on academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular involvement, and essay responses, and students may apply for multiple scholarships if eligible.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Nonprofit organizations focused on freshwater and marine conservation or recreational boating infrastructure in Shawano County, Wisconsin can apply for Great Lakes Foundation grants. Funding supports projects like protecting wilderness cruising areas, enhancing marine safety education, and preserving the Great Lakes environment through research, publications, seminars, and related initiatives.

The SAC Developmental Disabilities Grants aim to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by funding innovative programs that foster education, independence, and social engagement. Grants of up to $5,000 support both new and existing initiatives, including recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities. Eligible organizations include public charities and governmental units serving the Foundation’s designated areas. Priority is given to projects that promote respect, inclusion, and productivity, ensuring a positive impact on the community.

The Prospera Foundation Grant aims to positively impact local communities through financial literacy, sustainable housing, and poverty alleviation. This private funder, associated with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, prioritizes support for tax-exempt organizations dedicated to enhancing quality of life and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. By collaborating with nonprofits aligned with these values, the grant seeks to empower individuals and foster prosperous communities.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Mielke Family Foundation Grant supports innovative educational initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals in the Appleton and Shawano areas, focusing on health care, arts, and intergenerational programs. Established in 1963, the foundation prioritizes projects that reflect community demographics and foster collaboration. Grants are awarded annually through a responsive cycle, emphasizing proposals that engage local individuals, particularly in the fields of youth development and aging. The foundation actively seeks to empower its communities through education and creativity.

Background

The Community Vision Fund (CVF) is an unrestricted fund within the Community Foundation with the ability to be agile due to its discretionary nature. ​​Granting through this fund remains committed to fulfilling community needs and advancing the well-being for all in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties.

Community Vision Fund- Visionary Grants 

Focus:

Visionary grants support community-driven ideas that emerge from lived experience and grassroots leadership. They are designed to elevate voices with lived experience, encourage innovation and experimentation, and support early stage or non-traditional approaches. ​

​Grant Ranges:

• Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000 for a one-year award​

​Grant Considerations:

In alignment with the namesake of this fund, visionary grants are focused on supporting:​

• Community-driven ideas shaped by lived experience​
• Efforts that test new approaches, pilot emerging ideas, or explore creative solutions​
• Initiatives that are just beginning or evolving but show promise for community benefit​
• Projects where there is potential for shared learning, community strengthening, or systems insights 

Community Vision Fund- Event Sponsorship

Focus: Events that foster a community where all are valued, feel included, and can contribute​.

​Grant Ranges:

• $500 to $5,000​

​Grant Considerations:​

• Event must be free and open to the public​
• No top-tier sponsorships; ​
• Request can be up to 50% of event budget.​

​Application Process:

• Online portal application with high-level event summary report. Submission must be at least 60 days prior.

Community Vision Fund- Capacity Building Grants 

Focus:

Providing nonprofit organizations with the opportunity to enhance their internal capabilities and effectiveness. These grants focus on new strategies, improving processes, and strengthening organizational capacity to ensure long-term sustainability​

Grant Ranges:

• Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $75,000 for a one-year award​

Grant Considerations

This is not an exhaustive list, please reach out if you have questions about project alignment.​

• Leadership and Board Development; Staff well-being support​
• Key personnel expansion, including hiring and/or right-sizing FTE status​
• Technology optimization for systems and tools already assessed​
• Major organization transitions (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, or other structural realignments)​

Application Considerations:

To encourage shared investment and long-term sustainability, capacity building grant requests are limited to no more than 75% of the total project budget.

Community Vision Fund- Technical Assistance Grants

​Focus:

Providing support in the form of professional advice, consulting, training, and/or strategic planning. They are designed to help organizations achieve mission sustainability and their long-term goals with more certainty and clarity. ​

​Grant Ranges:

• Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000 for a one-year award​

​Grant Considerations

This is not an exhaustive list, please reach out if you have questions about project alignment.​

• Grants to support working with a consultant, expert, or advisor to provide specific advice, training, or planning assistance​.
• Strategic planning and/or board development support​.
• Technology optimization assessment work​.

​Application Considerations:

Applications are encouraged to provide a realistic scope of work, timeline and budget that reflects the project, even if it goes beyond the granting range identified above