Best Shawano County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Shawano County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing mental health can access funding through BayCare Clinic Foundation to support projects improving community mental well-being. Eligible organizations must operate within BayCare Clinic’s service counties and may propose innovative, gap-filling programs, outreach for underserved residents, or educational campaigns that increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health.

501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in BayCare Clinic–served counties, including Shawano County, Wisconsin, can apply for BayCare Clinic Foundation’s Health and Wellness Grant to support community health initiatives. Eligible programs must address mental health issues and improve health and well-being for northeastern Wisconsin residents, with applications reviewed and funded on a quarterly basis.

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.

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 Fox Cares Foundation Grant, administered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports nonprofits addressing homelessness, hunger, and arts engagement. It provides funding for emergency shelter programs, innovative food security solutions, and arts initiatives that engage under-represented populations. Eligible organizations must be public charities serving specific counties in Wisconsin. Grants are not typically awarded to private foundations or for general operating support. This rolling application process enables impactful community support throughout the year.

The Schreiber Foods Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations addressing food insecurity and basic needs in Wisconsin. Open year-round, it encourages nonprofits in Brown, Calumet, and surrounding counties to apply for funding, which typically ranges from $1,000 to $100,000. The foundation prioritizes innovative solutions that enhance community quality of life, promote self-sufficiency, and foster partnerships. Notably, it does not fund religious activities, individuals, or debt retirement, ensuring a focus on impactful community projects.

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.

The Rotary Club of Appleton offers a grant to support projects benefiting children with disabilities in Appleton and the surrounding area. Funded through the Helen Thom Fund, this initiative aims to assist eligible charitable organizations with impactful programs within a 50-mile radius. However, the funds cannot be used for employee salaries or general operating expenses. This grant represents a commitment to improving the lives of challenged children through dedicated community efforts.

Shawano County, Wisconsin nonprofits and civic groups seeking in-kind support for adult-focused programs or fundraising events can request playing cards, restaurant gift cards, or hotel stays. Eligible organizations within roughly 90 miles of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino must pick up donated cards, and certain entities such as K–12 schools and for-profit corporations are excluded.

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region offers Impact Grants to support projects that enhance the lives of women and girls. The fund focuses on education, life skills, and mental wellness. This year, applicants can choose between Single-Year Impact Grants of up to $10,000 or Multi-Year Innovative Pathways Grants of up to $20,000 per year for three years. The initiative aims to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in the community.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

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.

The Shawano Area Community Foundation Grant provides funding to enhance the quality of life in the Shawano area through flexible support for creative projects, strengthening existing services, and small capital investments. Eligible organizations include public charities and educational institutions, while ineligible entities include private non-operating foundations and requests for general operating support. The foundation seeks unique, community-oriented proposals that address unmet needs and promote sustainability.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

The Habitat Protection and Restoration grant by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust aims to fund projects that protect and restore vital fish habitats in the Great Lakes region. Priorities include enhancing fish passage, supporting sustainable reproduction, and utilizing decision-support tools for project identification. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, focusing on projects within the Lake Michigan basin. This grant emphasizes community support and long-term management, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The John and Sally Mielke Early Years Fund supports innovative programs for children from birth to age five in the Fox Valley Region. This fund, established to honor the Mielkes' commitment to community welfare, prioritizes grants that enhance early childhood experiences through direct services, advocacy, and education. Eligible organizations include public charities and government units, with a focus on collaborative and preventative solutions. Applications are accepted biannually, fostering impactful initiatives for families and caregivers.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

State agencies or their designees implementing approved aquatic invasive species management plans in Great Lakes states can apply for US $100,000 - US $600,000 to support control, monitoring, and related work. Grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service help Shawano County, Wisconsin and other eligible areas advance invasive species control, fish conservation, and wildlife health under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

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 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.