Best Waukesha County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The Scholastic Fund for Students of Hispanic Descent (SFSHD) Scholarship Program, established in 1963, supports Hispanic high school seniors in Waukesha, Wisconsin, pursuing post-secondary education. This initiative has awarded over 525 scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and community development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate Latin blood quantum and be graduating seniors from Waukesha. The scholarship is designed to empower youth by facilitating their transition to higher education, thereby strengthening the community as a whole.

The Waukesha Education Foundation Grants aim to enhance educational experiences for students in the Waukesha School District by providing funding for innovative and enrichment programs not covered by the district's budget. Applications are open to educators and staff, promoting creative opportunities that recognize quality work and extend core curriculum activities. The grants are solicited annually in spring, fostering community involvement in education.

The Siebert Lutheran Foundation offers grants aimed at educating children and youth while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It supports high-performing Lutheran-affiliated schools and programs for those in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, focusing on academic success and empowerment. Additionally, the foundation assists Lutheran churches in meeting the basic needs of disadvantaged individuals, fostering self-sufficiency. With a geographic focus on Wisconsin, it aims to create a future filled with hope through collaborative and innovative partnerships.

Bader Philanthropies' Community Matters Grant Programs focus on enhancing community engagement and support in Milwaukee. They provide funding to tax-exempt organizations and government entities that address critical human needs through innovative strategies. The program emphasizes grassroots initiatives and metrics like individuals served and mindset changes to measure success. Preliminary applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with deadlines aligned to biannual board meetings, ensuring timely responses to applicants.

Nature's Path Organic is committed to giving back through its Eat Well Do Good initiative, donating over $2 million worth of organic food annually to those in need. With a focus on supporting urban gardening projects and community food banks, they have raised over $2.8 million to date. Their mission includes promoting healthy living, vegetarian lifestyles, and supporting endangered animals, making a positive impact in communities across North America.

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Classroom Impact Grant

The Classroom Impact Grant funds educator-led projects that directly improve student learning. We provide the financial support teachers need to bring fresh ideas, modern resources, and creative learning experiences into their classrooms.

Focused on programs for kids, hunger, and education, Brinker International invites Waukesha County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits to request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support. Eligible organizations must apply online at least six weeks before their event, and may receive one donation per calendar year for child-focused or anti-hunger initiatives.

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community health, wellness, or related events in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can apply for sponsorship or donation support from ATI Physical Therapy. With a mission to improve quality of life, ATI Physical Therapy provides philanthropic support across its service communities for initiatives that elevate awareness of health and wellness.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

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 Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

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 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 Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation Grant Cycle 1 supports projects and programs that align with priorities for creating a Milwaukee for all. Funding is available for arts, basic needs, housing, and physical health initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies, with specific requirements for board diversity. The foundation does not fund individuals, for-profit organizations, or partisan activities. The grant cycle accepts one application per organization.

The Cream City Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to uplift the LGBTQ+ community in Southeastern Wisconsin, focusing particularly on people of color and transgender individuals. By providing grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, the program supports grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and well-being. Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation has mobilized over $1.5 million to address economic, health, and safety needs, fostering inclusion and acceptance within the community.

The Cream City Foundation's LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program supports student leaders from the LGBTQ+ community in Southeastern Wisconsin by providing funding for post-secondary education. Established in 2015, it has awarded $270,000 to over 120 recipients, empowering individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to address economic, health, safety, and equity needs, fostering a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - Project Support initiative offers funding for projects that enhance early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development in the Milwaukee area. With grants of up to $50,000 per year for three years, the foundation prioritizes applications that promote racial equity and support community-led initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies, with a focus on creating equitable opportunities for all residents.

Waukesha County 501(c)(3) nonprofits doing year-round civic engagement and democracy-focused programs can access funding through Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s GOTV Open Grant. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 support voter registration, education, mobilization, and broader civic participation activities delivered through clearly defined partnerships in the Milwaukee region, including Waukesha County.

The Charles S. McKee Performing Arts Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, supports students in Portage and Waushara counties. This scholarship is available for high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional learners pursuing music, theater, or liberal arts. Awards range from $500 to $40,000, aiming to foster educational opportunities. Applicants must meet specific criteria based on their academic performance and involvement in the arts.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - Capital Support grant offers funding to 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies that promote community impact, focusing on racial equity and inclusion. With a maximum of $50,000 available per year for three years, this initiative supports projects in early childhood education, mental health, and workforce development, all aimed at enhancing economic mobility and addressing systemic disparities in the Milwaukee area.