Best Agriculture Grants in Wisconsin

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

Our Vision for Land Conservation

Protected, restored, and sustainably managed lands and natural resources are essential for both nature and humans to thrive.

Land conservation protects biodiversity, addresses climate change, and supports diverse communities and economies. From natural areas to working lands, our approach to land conservation emphasizes climate resilience, inclusivity, and effective advocacy. We offer a wide array of support, including multiyear general operating grants, project grants, and technical assistance.

Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants

We offer general operating and project grants to organizations that further natural and working land protection and stewardship in the greater Chicago region, with emphasis on integrating climate resiliency, advocacy, and inclusive conservation strategies. ​

Grant Award Ranges

The amount and duration of grant awards are influenced by the organization’s/project’s level of impact on strategic land conservation efforts in the region, organizational/project size and budget, and the organization’s demonstrated leadership in advancing the core objectives of the Foundation’s land conservation strategy.


How We Work

Relationships are at the core of our grantmaking process. Each grant starts with a conversation with a program officer so we can get to know you and your work. We strongly encourage you to contact us in advance of our proposal deadlines so that we can explore potential fit.

Primary Goals of the Foundation’s Chicago Region Land Conservation Strategy

• Strategic Natural and Working Land Conservation: We aim to support organizations and projects advancing natural and working land protection and stewardship in strategically significant areas across the Chicagoland region that provide both ecological and quality-of-life benefits. Examples include wetland restoration in flood-prone communities, habitat connectivity improvements, and conservation easements on priority natural areas and agricultural land.

• Conservation that Integrates Climate Resilience: We support an increased emphasis on incorporating climate resilience considerations in all land conservation programs and projects. Examples include using resiliency prioritization in land acquisition and stewardship planning, protecting and restoring strategic parcels to increase habitat corridors, and working in vulnerable communities to mitigate climate and flooding impacts using land conservation and natural-focused green infrastructure strategies that deliver meaningful biodiversity and community benefits.

• Advocacy and Engagement Efforts: We believe that effective advocacy, public engagement, and communications strategies are critical to creating and enhancing land conservation programs and policies. Examples include efforts to develop new public conservation funding programs at the state and local level, in addition to engagement on proposed land use activities or conservation policies that could impact land protection efforts at scale in the region.

• Inclusive Conservation that Benefits All People: We want to increase the relevance and reach of land conservation work by supporting inclusive efforts that provide both biodiversity and human quality of life benefits for the diverse communities across the region. Examples include direct support of or meaningful engagement with community-based organizations to ensure that land conservation and resiliency efforts serve the needs of historically disinvested communities.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Notice of Intent/Discharge Cost-Share Grants

Eligibility & Purpose:

The DNR and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offer cost-share funding grants to governmental units working with owners and operators of livestock operations to meet pollution control requirements imposed by the DNR.

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants program supports the state's agricultural and food industries by addressing marketing and distribution challenges. Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the program provides up to $50,000 per project with a 50% matching requirement. Since 2008, it has funded 128 projects, generating significant local food sales and creating over 540 jobs, benefiting thousands of producers and markets across Wisconsin.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

The Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants, provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, aim to enhance soil and water quality in Wisconsin. By funding innovative, producer-led conservation practices, the program encourages farmer participation and has significantly increased funding and project numbers since its inception. With 41 projects funded, this initiative represents a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and effective nonpoint source pollution management.

The Elmer G Biddick Charitable Foundation Grant supports organizations in Iowa and Grant Counties, Wisconsin, focusing on enhancing community welfare. It prioritizes programs that deliver significant benefits to local residents and welcomes applications from public schools, government units, and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation particularly values educational initiatives in agriculture and forestry while discouraging funding for individual grants and operating expenses. Collaborative projects addressing community needs are encouraged, ensuring no duplication of existing services.

The MCW-Led Momentum Grant, offered by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, supports collaborative teams in pursuing innovative research and programs to enhance Wisconsin's health workforce. With funding up to $250,000, the grant aims to address critical health needs and promote health equity across diverse communities, ensuring impactful outcomes during the project period.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The Marathon County Farm Technology Days Scholarship offers financial support to students pursuing agricultural studies in Wisconsin. Administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, this scholarship encourages residents and students to engage in programs that enhance their skills in agriculture-related fields. With over $300,000 available, it aims to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders and professionals, making education accessible for those dedicated to the industry.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Don & Mary Hamerski Memorial Scholarship Fund

Qualifications: Graduating High School seniors from a Central Wisconsin high school.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

The John C. Deetz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports high school seniors from specific schools pursuing higher education in agriculture. This scholarship emphasizes financial need without imposing it as a strict requirement. It aims to foster students' academic and career aspirations in sustainable farming practices and agricultural research, enhancing the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin.

The Lavern Anderson Memorial Scholarship supports students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig, and Parker High Schools who attended Lincoln Elementary. Eligible candidates should pursue studies in agriculture, education, or health care, and maintain a class ranking in the top 50%. This scholarship is part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which manages over 700 funds to enhance the quality of life across nine counties in the region.

The John Redfearn Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from local high schools pursuing careers in agriculture. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate involvement in school and community activities. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and encourage personal philanthropy that meets community needs. It serves students from various Southern Wisconsin counties, fostering a commitment to agricultural education and community engagement.

The Platteville Consumers Cooperative Scholarship, administered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from several high schools in the region pursuing education in agriculture or agribusiness. This initiative aims to enhance local educational opportunities and foster community growth by assisting students in their transition to post-secondary education. Eligible high schools include Belmont, Benton, Cuba City, and others, underscoring the commitment to supporting youth in Southern Wisconsin.

DATCP Mission

We partner with all the citizens of Wisconsin to grow the economy by promoting quality food, healthy plants and animals, sound use of land and water resources, and a fair marketplace.

DATCP Vision

We will deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses, to provide market confidence and to enhance competitiveness and profitability.​

Specialty Crop Block Grants

Wisconsin non-profit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities and other agricultural groups are encouraged to apply for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program ​funds when funding periods are open. DATCP seeks applicants ​that will enhance the comp​etitiveness of Wisconsin's specialty crop industries in domestic and foreign markets.​

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds ar​e to be used to benefit the entire specialty crop industry as a whole and not provide direct profit to a specific organization, insti​tution, or individual.

Specialty crops are defined in law as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. A more comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops is at: US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Program.​​

Regional Conservation Partnership Program - Wisconsin

Benefits

RCPP encourages partners to join in efforts with producers to increase the restoration and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife and related natural resources on regional or watershed scales. Through RCPP, NRCS and its partners help producers install and maintain conservation activities in selected project areas. Partners leverage RCPP funding in project areas and report on the benefits achieved. The Secretary of Agriculture may also designate up to eight critical conservation areas to focus RCPP assistance.

Funding

Funding for RCPP is allocated evenly to projects in two different categories, state/multi-state and critical conservation areas. Conservation program contracts and easement agreements are implemented through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) or the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). NRCS may also utilize the authorities under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Program, other than the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, in the designated critical conservation areas.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program brings together a wide array of local and national partners, including Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, private industry, conservation districts, water districts, universities and many others. So far, more than 2,000 partners are engaged in locally-led conservation efforts through RCPP.

The most successful RCPP projects share four common characteristics: they innovate, leverage additional contributions, offer impactful solutions and engage more participants.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

The Herb Kohl Philanthropies Homegrown Grants support local initiatives aimed at strengthening communities in Wisconsin. These grants are designed for organizations that empower children and youth, promote financial stability, and provide essential resources. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with federal tax-exempt status that actively engage with their communities. The program emphasizes innovative solutions to local needs, ensuring funds are used effectively to enhance well-being and skills. Collaboration with local partners is encouraged to maximize impact.

The Clean Sweep Grants program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, provides funding to municipalities and Tribes for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, agricultural pesticides, and prescription drugs. With a total budget of $1 million, it allocates funds specifically for household hazardous waste, agriculture, and unwanted prescription drug collections. Eligible applicants can receive reimbursements for various related costs, promoting safer community practices throughout Wisconsin.