Best Walworth County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Sara Ruth Krueger Memorial Scholarship offers a one-time award of $600 for students attending a 2-year or 4-year UW institution. This scholarship is non-renewable and is intended to assist with the cost of attendance for the fall semester. To maintain eligibility, students must enroll as full-time students. The funding is provided by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, a private organization dedicated to supporting local education.

The Quest for Truth Scholarship, established in 2020 by a caring donor, aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families in higher education. With a non-renewable award of $1,000, this scholarship encourages students demonstrating financial need to apply each year. However, recipients must maintain full-time student status at a UW institution and uphold good academic standing to retain eligibility. This initiative reflects a commitment to supporting educational aspirations.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

The DEW Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt charitable organizations globally, aiming to promote the common good through financial contributions and personal involvement. The foundation prioritizes charities where family members are actively involved and focuses on ministries, health, education, and community service. While it may fund its own projects, it typically does not exceed 10% of an organization's operating budget and avoids supporting politically affiliated causes or normal church operations. Innovative and effective organizations are especially welcome.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

The PLTW Computer Science Program Expansion grant, funded by Pentair, aims to support schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2026-2027 school year. Grantees can utilize the $10,000 funding for activities such as adding new courses, increasing class periods, or training additional educators. Eligible schools are primarily public and charter institutions located in specific cities, while certain expenses like salaries and infrastructure improvements are ineligible for funding.

The PLTW Engineering program, in collaboration with Pentair, offers grants to schools for the 2026-2027 academic year, providing $30,000 to implement at least one engineering course. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Funds may cover participation fees, training, and necessary equipment. However, expenses such as salaries, infrastructure, and optional supplies are not allowed. This initiative aims to enhance engineering education in targeted regions.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion, in partnership with Pentair, aims to support schools in enhancing their engineering curriculum for the 2026-2027 academic year. This grant, totaling $15,000, is designated for expanding existing PLTW Engineering courses, training additional educators, or introducing new courses. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions located in key areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Milwaukee, ensuring broader access to quality engineering education.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, in partnership with Pentair, supports schools in implementing the PLTW Computer Science program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course and report on their progress for one year. The total award amount is $20,000, aimed at covering fees for participation, training, and necessary equipment, ensuring that students gain essential skills in the field of computer science.

The Richard L. Reetz Engineering Scholarship offers four non-renewable awards of $2,500 each for students majoring in engineering at UW institutions. Eligible applicants must be enrolling as sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to support engineering students in their educational journey, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed during their academic careers.

The Michael J. O’Brien Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Michael O’Brien, a dedicated educator and author from Green Bay, WI. This $700 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in history, political science, or international relations at a UW institution. Eligible candidates must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment. The scholarship, established in memory of Michael by his family, aims to recognize individuals with outstanding character and leadership, reflecting his commitment to education and mentorship.

The State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund, established by the Wisconsin Legislature, provides grants to Friends Groups for maintaining state parks and forests. Eligible groups must be nonprofit organizations with an endowment fund. Grants cover operation, maintenance, and project costs that align with DNR-approved plans, promoting outdoor recreation and accessibility. Priority is given to projects enhancing interpretive programs and native plant restoration, with funding capped at $30,000 per year per property.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Community Foundation is offering the Fall Education, Lay Leadership, and Community Grant Cycle, aimed at supporting Catholic education and community initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that align with the Foundation's focus areas, including education, leadership development, and community-building. Eligible organizations must be listed in the Official Catholic Directory or have a mission consistent with the church. Note that multi-year grants are rarely funded.

The Elkhorn Community Fund, established in 2007, enables residents to contribute to a permanent endowment that supports local non-profits. Grants are awarded annually to enhance community welfare through projects in education, health care, and cultural preservation. Governed by a volunteer board, the fund encourages community engagement and philanthropy, ensuring that donations make a lasting impact on the Elkhorn area.

What is an EIE Fund?

Excellence in Education (EIE) funds are a means to strengthen our school communities with the use of private charitable resources. EIE funds are awarded for the benefit of school district students and staff. They encourage creative and innovative educational programs, recognize and reward outstanding achievement, and encourage local business, civic and community involvement and investment in schools. EIE funds are community-supported funds that operate independently of school board oversight. All EIE funds are components of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.

Hollis and Alyce Herbison Excellence in Education Fund

The Hollis and Alyce Herbison Excellence in Education Fund (EIE) Fund, established by Hollis Herbison out of his passion and dedication to education, is an endowment fund that provides private resources for the support of Eastview Elementary School in Lake Geneva, WI.

The Patricia S. Warrick Scholarship, established in 2006 by Professor Patricia S. Warrick, offers a $2,500 award split over two semesters for full-time students at UW institutions. This scholarship honors Warrick's legacy in literature and education, supporting aspiring scholars in their academic pursuits. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum of 12 credits to retain their eligibility. This scholarship reflects the commitment to fostering educational excellence in the Fox Valley community.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

The Lynn and Roger Van Vreede Scholarship offers financial support to students attending a 4-year UW institution. The award amount varies and is distributed evenly across the fall and spring semesters. To maintain eligibility, recipients must register as full-time students and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. This scholarship is managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, which aims to support local students in their educational pursuits.

The J.C. Bubolz Memorial Scholarship provides two $2,000 awards for graduating high school seniors or continuing college students from the Fox Valley area. Eligible applicants must attend a 2-year or 4-year UW institution as full-time students, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship honors Julius Christian Bubolz, who valued education and community support, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin's Community Impact Fund provides grants up to $10,000 for impactful projects in nine counties. Focused on sustainability, it supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies in enhancing community services, expanding programs, and addressing systemic challenges. The fund aims to create lasting change by funding projects that exceed local resource capacities and encourage collaboration among communities.

The Invest in Her Future Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, offers a renewable $2,500 award to single mothers in the Fox Valley area attending UW institutions as part-time or full-time students. This initiative supports educational advancement and addresses financial needs, ensuring that recipients can pursue their academic goals. The scholarship emphasizes community impact by fostering the growth and success of families in the region.

The Howard and Alice Curler Academic Excellence Scholarship offers three $2,500 awards to graduating high school seniors and continuing college students from the Fox Valley area. Eligible students must attend a 2-year or 4-year UW institution full-time and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for high school seniors or 3.0 for current college students. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing any major while demonstrating community and leadership qualities.

The Health Sciences Scholarship, established in 2000 by Emeritus Professor James Hauxhurst, supports students from the Fox Valley area pursuing health science majors at UW institutions. Awarding $3,000 in total, it is divided into two payments of $1,500 for the fall and spring semesters. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and continuing college students, with financial need being a consideration. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in health care for the community.

The Schwemm Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives promoting environmental enhancement, local history preservation, and community health. It aims to strengthen communities in Oregon, California, and the Chicago area by funding projects that protect ecosystems, document culture, and foster equitable access to resources. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits dedicated to measurable outcomes that align with the Foundation's goals. The Foundation does not fund operating support or scientific research.

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.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The Business & Accounting Scholarship, established by anonymous donors through the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to support high school seniors and college students from the Fox Valley area pursuing degrees in business, accounting, or economics. The scholarship offers one award of $2,000, distributed across two semesters, to students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. This initiative helps foster educational opportunities and community growth.