Best Waukesha County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support grant focuses on enhancing early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development. It aims to promote equitable access to quality education and mental health resources, addressing systemic disparities in the Milwaukee area. Organizations seeking funding for innovative projects are encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 per year for three years, emphasizing racial equity and community impact.

The Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County (WGF) provides grants up to $20,000 to support local nonprofit projects that empower women and girls. Focus areas include health, self-sufficiency, and empowerment, addressing needs such as mental health, economic security, and education. Since its inception, the WGF has awarded over $2 million to organizations throughout Waukesha County, fostering safety and well-being for women and girls in the community.

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) has been supporting nonprofits since 1999 by awarding Community Grants to enhance the quality of life in Waukesha County. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and support areas such as arts, health, education, and environment. Organizations must serve the county and submit evidence of 501(c)(3) status. Collaboration and impact on community outcomes are key preferences for funding.

The Women & Girls Fund of Waukesha County Grant supports nonprofit programs aimed at improving the quality of life for women and girls in Waukesha County. Grants up to $20,000 are awarded annually for projects focusing on health, education, and empowerment. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits that significantly benefit local women and girls, with over $1.6 million granted since the fund's inception.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies serving Waukesha County, Wisconsin can seek project, general operating, or capital support for arts and culture, early childhood education, environment, entrepreneurship, aging, and healthy birth outcomes. Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $100,000 to programs advancing racial equity and community well-being.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

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 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 Forest County Potawatomi Foundation aims to combat poverty and promote community development through grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. With a commitment to responsible citizenship, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and environmental services, focusing on areas with significant economic challenges. Since its inception in 1999, it has allocated over $30 million to various charitable causes, fostering self-sufficiency and improving the quality of life for families in Forest County and the Greater Milwaukee area.

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

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

About Us

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. Since 1915, we have been at the heart of the civic community, helping donors achieve the greatest philanthropic impact, elevating the work of changemakers across neighborhoods, and bringing people and organizations together to help our region thrive.  

West Bend Community Foundation - Early Childhood Education

West Bend civic leaders Cliff Nelson and R. Douglas Ziegler believed that people ought to give back to the community in which they live. In 1999, the two men put their words into action by launching the West Bend Community Foundation, a Greater Milwaukee Foundation supporting organization that is a permanent charitable endowment serving the greater West Bend area.

Area served

Greater West Bend area 

Grantmaking focus

The West Bend Community Foundation has a separate grant application to support the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector. Nonprofits working to support high quality ECE facilities, expand the ECE workforce, advocate for increased ECE access, and/or work to promote healthy physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development for children 0 – 8 years of age may apply for grants up to $5,000.

Grant amount

• Multi-year grants will be considered, but generally not for more than three years
• Organizations may only apply for one grant of any type per year
• Grants cover operating support, special projects or capital projects

Evaluation criteria

• Significance of the problem(s) addressed to the people of the greater West Bend area
• Capacity of the agency (governing body, staff, financing) to respond to the problem(s)
• Number of greater West Bend area residents expected to benefit
• Urgency of need for support 

The GMF: Cycle 3 - General Operating grant by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports community projects aligned with their strategic vision for an inclusive Milwaukee. This grant prioritizes arts education, healthcare equity, and early childhood education initiatives, focusing on racial equity and community engagement. Organizations that demonstrate diversity in leadership and serve Milwaukee and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply for funding up to $50,000 per year for three years to foster impactful community change.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

Waukesha County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits and some government agencies can apply for Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s project support grants, with awards up to US $50,000 per year. Funding supports arts and culture, aging and older adults, early childhood education, environment, healthy birth outcomes, and entrepreneurship initiatives that advance racial equity in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies seeking capital support for arts, early childhood facilities, environment, aging, or health equity work in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can apply for up to US $50,000 per year. Greater Milwaukee Foundation funds projects advancing racial equity and serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing technology access and digital literacy programs in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can apply for Spectrum Digital Education Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $50,000. Grants from Charter Communications / Spectrum support existing programs that help families or seniors in low-income or multicultural communities close the digital divide and report clear impact metrics.

501(c)(3) pet welfare nonprofits hosting cat or dog welfare events in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can apply for Nestlé Purina’s event sponsorship, requesting monetary support, pet food, litter samples, or giveaway items. Eligible events must occur in the U.S., generally within 50 miles of Purina’s facilities, with at least six months’ lead time required.

The KMEF Impact Grant offers up to $5,000 for Kettle Moraine educators to enhance student achievement and growth. This grant supports innovative projects that contribute to the academic success of students, allowing educators to create impactful learning experiences. Priority will be given to projects that have not received funding in the past, ensuring fresh ideas and initiatives are encouraged. Funds can be utilized in the 2024-25 or 2025-26 school years, promoting ongoing educational improvement.

The KMEF Scholarship Fund, established in 1973 by the Kettle Moraine Education Foundation, aims to support graduates pursuing higher education. Funded by community contributions, it offers multiple scholarships based on varying criteria. Applications open in mid-December and close in mid-March, with reviews conducted by selection committees. Scholarships range from $500 to $3,000, helping students access educational opportunities and eliminate barriers to success.

The Hamilton Education Foundation's Project 360 offers grants up to $360 for innovative classroom projects, supporting students and educators in the Hamilton School District. Established in 1991, the foundation enhances educational opportunities through community funding. Eligible applicants include students and educators within the district, while projects lacking an educational focus or involving travel expenses are not considered. This initiative encourages specific educational cost requests to broaden learning experiences and foster creativity.

The Marjorie Wrezic Scholarship, established by the Hamilton Education Foundation in 2013, honors Ralph Wrezic and supports graduating Hamilton High School seniors. With multiple awards of $10,000 for four-year degrees and $5,000 for technical programs, this scholarship aims to assist students with a 3.25 GPA or higher and financial need. The foundation, founded in 1991, has provided over $2.5 million to enhance educational opportunities within the Hamilton School District.

The Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) supports educational enrichment for students and educators in the Hamilton School District through various grants. Among these are New Horizons Grants for innovative classroom projects, Excel Grants for cultural and educational initiatives, and Technology Grants for tech-related projects. Additional funding is available for arts programs and educator enrichment opportunities. Established in 1991, HEF has raised over $2.5 million to inspire creativity and academic excellence within the community.

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.