Best Winnebago County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

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 Hannah Fitton Living Your Dreams Scholarship, established by Hannah Fitton, aims to empower graduating seniors with physical disabilities from public high schools in the Fox Valley region. A graduate herself, Hannah overcame Usher Syndrome to achieve success in music and swimming, including representing Great Britain at the Deaflympics. This scholarship encourages students to pursue their educational goals and dreams, reflecting Hannah's commitment to giving back and inspiring others to realize their potential.

The Inspire the Future Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Calumet County who have experienced foster care. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and academic success. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens for college or vocational training but also fosters a supportive community environment for those in need.

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 J. J. Keller Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and programs in Wisconsin's Fox Valley region, focusing on basic needs and mental health. With a commitment to combat poverty, they prioritize funding for initiatives that assist vulnerable populations. Grant applications exceeding $25,000 are reviewed thrice a year. The foundation encourages collaboration and innovation to effectively address complex social issues, ensuring a significant impact on the community's most pressing needs.

The Community Vision Fund (CVF) is an unrestricted fund within the Community Foundation with the ability to be agile due to its discretionary nature. ​​Granting through this fund remains committed to fulfilling community needs and advancing the well-being for all in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties.

Community Vision Fund- Annual Responsive Grants ​

Focus:

Grants play a vital role in strengthening nonprofit resilience by giving organizations the flexible, timely support they need to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. These cycles honor the reality of day-to-day mission work, allowing nonprofits to direct resources where they will have the greatest impact. 

The Annual Responsiveness grant is our pilot effort at being more open to hearing what nonprofits need in the moment. The 2025 nonprofit survey demonstrated that overall, nonprofits desire “general, responsive funding.” The Annual Responsiveness grant allows nonprofits to share an overall picture of opportunity: You can submit for general operating and/or a specific program. This is your time to help us understand what is currently happening within your organization and how continued philanthropic support would make a difference. ​

​Grant Deadlines:

With recognition of the cyclical nature of philanthropy, we will have three cycles. Applicants are encouraged to apply to the cycle that best aligns with their needs:​

​Grant Ranges:

• Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $15,000 for a one-year award​.

​Grant Considerations:

• Annual responsive grants support flexible, general operating support and the applications will reflect a more general approach to understanding the mission, current work being done, and financial need. ​

The Ladies Benevolent Society: Advocates for Older Adults Grants aim to support charitable projects that enhance the lives of elderly residents in the Oshkosh area. With grants of up to $5,000, this initiative focuses on aiding adults aged 55 and older, especially those facing economic hardships or social isolation. The funding encourages organizations to demonstrate impactful outcomes and prioritize projects that serve larger populations of older adults, ensuring vital resources are allocated effectively.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

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 Hiwela Youth Campership Grants aim to provide scholarships for children from low-income families to attend overnight camp, fostering outdoor learning experiences. Established by the Winnebagoland Council of Camp Fire Boys and Girls, this initiative prioritizes financial need while promoting appreciation for nature. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, while individuals and private schools are ineligible. The program emphasizes personal growth and community impact, enriching the lives of youth in Winnebago County.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation's Leadership Development Grant aims to enhance nonprofit resilience by providing leadership training and resources. This initiative supports organizations in Winnebago, Waushara, Green Lake Counties, and Ripon, focusing on critical skills in fundraising, digital marketing, and collaborative problem-solving. The year-long program includes scholarships for executive directors and senior leaders to strengthen their operational effectiveness. A co-investment of $1,500 is required from each participating nonprofit to promote sustainable growth and community impact.

The Community Impact Grants for Digital Marketing support nonprofits in enhancing their online presence through expert marketing services. Organizations can receive up to 45 hours of assistance, including brand audits, content creation, social media strategies, and SEO guidance. This initiative aims to amplify nonprofit missions, attract volunteers, and encourage donations. Eligible entities must serve specific counties in Wisconsin. A commitment of 1-2 hours per week is required, along with potential co-investment from the applicant.

The Dr. Leonard Weis Earth & Environmental Sciences Scholarship, established by Captain Greg Neuschafer, honors Professor Leonard Weis for his impactful teaching at the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley. This $500 non-renewable scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students from the Fox Valley area who are pursuing environmental or earth sciences at a UW institution. Preference is given to continuing students and veterans, with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5.

The Elizabeth Guttenberg Memorial Scholarship honors the vibrant life of Liz Guttenberg, a talented young artist and active community member who tragically passed away at 18. Funded by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, this $750 non-renewable scholarship supports graduating high school seniors or continuing college students from the Fox Valley area pursuing degrees in Arts or Theatre at UW institutions, encouraging them to thrive in their educational endeavors.

The Esther Kliefoth Stutzman Excellence Scholarship, established in 1998 by Charlie Kliefoth, honors his sister's memory. It offers a $1,800 award for high-achieving students from the Fox Valley area attending any 2-year or 4-year UW institution full-time. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate academic excellence. Preference is given to students attending UW-Oshkosh. This scholarship aims to support educational pursuits and foster community growth.

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 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 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 Women's Fund Grants aim to improve the lives of women and girls in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, through philanthropy and education. By providing financial support ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, the fund focuses on empowering women, enhancing economic self-sufficiency, and addressing health and safety issues. The fund encourages community awareness and involvement in women's issues, fostering a culture of philanthropy and support for initiatives that create lasting social change.

Community Vision Fund- Capacity Building Grants 

Focus:

Providing nonprofit organizations with the opportunity to enhance their internal capabilities and effectiveness. These grants focus on new strategies, improving processes, and strengthening organizational capacity to ensure long-term sustainability​

Grant Ranges:

• Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $75,000 for a one-year award​

Grant Considerations

This is not an exhaustive list, please reach out if you have questions about project alignment.​

• Leadership and Board Development; Staff well-being support​
• Key personnel expansion, including hiring and/or right-sizing FTE status​
• Technology optimization for systems and tools already assessed​
• Major organization transitions (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, or other structural realignments)​

Application Considerations:

To encourage shared investment and long-term sustainability, capacity building grant requests are limited to no more than 75% of the total project budget.

The Guyon Scholarship for Veterans, established by Ann Guyon in memory of her husband Bill, supports U.S. military veterans from specific Wisconsin counties. It offers a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for college costs during the first semester. Eligibility includes being a veteran and planning to attend an accredited institution. Financial need is considered, ensuring that the scholarship benefits those who require support for their educational pursuits.

The Community Arts Grants, funded by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, aim to enhance local arts programming and promote community engagement through diverse artistic activities. Grant proposals should be open to the public and can include performances, exhibitions, and educational workshops. Eligible organizations include non-profits and government agencies serving specific counties. The program does not support individual artists or fundraising events, ensuring accessibility and community benefit.

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.