Best Waukesha County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 Elm Grove Junior Guild Grants support local non-profits focused on the education, wellness, and protection of women and children. With 75% of funds raised allocated to 501(c)(3) organizations in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties, and 25% dedicated to projects in Elm Grove, the guild plays a vital role in community support. Typical grants range from $500 to $10,000, empowering initiatives that benefit families in need.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can seek funding for specialized emergency response equipment, with awards up to US $7,500. Compeer Financial supports regional first responder partnerships to equip rural departments with tools like compression systems, fit testing machines, and hydraulic extrication or oxygen refill equipment.

Farmers market vendors in Waukesha County, Wisconsin who are Compeer Financial clients can receive up to US $500 for education, marketing, or technology improvements. Compeer Financial provides support for items like branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and equipment such as tents, tables, scales, coolers, and signage to strengthen local agricultural sales.

High school seniors and college students in aviation-related fields from Waukesha County, Wisconsin and select nearby counties can receive a one-time US $2,500 scholarship for higher education costs. The Colleen Deininger Aviation Scholarship Fund, administered by Kenosha Community Foundation, supports students with a 3.0 GPA or higher attending accredited two- or four-year institutions.

The Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on health & wellness, hunger, and youth education. Since its inception in 2013, the foundation has granted over $800,000 to eligible organizations that align with these key areas. Applications from 501(c)(3) entities are prioritized, with a one-year waiting period for previous grantees. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare and making a positive impact.

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.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can seek sponsorship funding for one-time events, fundraisers, galas, and similar activities. Old National Bank provides these sponsorships to support initiatives serving underrepresented groups and low-to-moderate income communities, with priority for programs in areas like economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education.

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.

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.