Best Air Quality Grants in Wisconsin

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

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.

Healthy Lakes & Rivers Grants

(See page 17 of attatched PDF)

Healthy Lakes & Rivers grants provide funding to qualified organizations to help facilitate the installation of practices on public or private property to improve habitat and water quality. They support five simple and inexpensive best practices including fish sticks, native plantings, diversions, rock infiltrations, and rain gardens. Practices must follow department guidelines published in the Healthy Lakes and Rivers Action Plan and supporting technical guidance. Detailed information is available on the Healthy Lakes & Rivers website.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant supports local communities through charitable contributions, focusing on areas such as arts, education, and human services. Funded by shareholders, not utility customers, the foundation awards nearly $1.4 million annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance community quality of life. Eligible projects must align with specific funding areas and be located within the service area. The foundation encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement and development.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation offers Local Community Grants to support initiatives that enhance community development, health, arts, education, and the environment. Nonprofit organizations in the service areas are eligible for funding. The foundation emphasizes partnerships that promote educational opportunities and community improvement. With a history of providing financial support since 1964, the foundation encourages projects that engage local residents and foster collaboration among diverse groups. Preference is given to specific programs or projects that align with their mission.

The County Forest Sustainable Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to support short-term projects that enhance sustainable forestry practices in counties with lands enrolled under the County Forest Law. Priority is given to urgent needs such as storm recovery and temporary staffing to address immediate workloads. This funding initiative seeks to improve forest management and ensure the long-term sustainability of Wisconsin's county forest resources.

The Recreational Boating Facilities Grants, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aim to enhance public access to waterways through funding for local governments and qualified entities. Projects may include constructing boat ramps, improving docks, and installing navigational aids. With an emphasis on sustainable waterway management, the program encourages larger grant requests to be submitted early due to processing timelines. This initiative supports outdoor recreation and the conservation of Wisconsin's natural resources.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Control Research & Demonstration program, supported by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance water quality and protect ecosystems through collaborative initiatives. By providing cost-sharing funding for various activities, this program empowers eligible applicants, including local governments and educational institutions, to engage in effective water management practices. The initiative emphasizes sustainable stewardship of surface water resources, fostering partnerships to ensure long-term ecological health and community resilience in Wisconsin.

The WDNR Surface Water Grants support organizations in managing surface water through various stages, from planning to implementation. Eligible applicants, including lake associations and conservation organizations, can access funding for education, planning, and management projects aimed at improving water quality and combating invasive species. Key deadlines include May 1 for eligibility inquiries, September 15 for pre-applications, and November 15 for full proposals. These grants reflect the DNR's commitment to sustainable resource management in Wisconsin.

The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, provides federal funding to support public water systems in small or disadvantaged communities. It focuses on addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS and manganese, ensuring safe drinking water. Grants target Other-Than-Municipal and nonprofit water systems, including mobile home parks and schools, enhancing public health through system improvements and contamination mitigation.

The Wisconsin Recycling Grant Program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, offers financial support to cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes, and solid waste management systems. This initiative aims to enhance residential recycling and yard waste programs by covering essential costs for managing recyclable materials, including paper, plastics, and glass. By fostering effective recycling systems, the program seeks to improve material recovery and promote sustainable waste management practices throughout Wisconsin.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Ronald P. Vallort Engineering Scholarship, named after a former ASHRAE President, supports undergraduate engineering students focusing on refrigeration and the cold chain. Available to students enrolled in select universities, applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. This one-year scholarship promotes excellence in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, aligning with ASHRAE's mission to advance sustainable technology in the built environment.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Summer Tribal Youth Program, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, provides matching grants to federally recognized tribes to engage youth aged 13-19 in natural resource conservation. This initiative promotes hands-on educational experiences, mentorship, and skill-building in environmental stewardship. Funding can cover up to 50% of project costs, including salaries, stipends, training, and materials. The program aims to foster interest in natural resource careers through culturally relevant, community-driven projects.

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 Archie C. Towle Aviation Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, offers financial assistance to students within a 50-mile radius of Wausau pursuing careers in aviation. With over $300,000 in scholarships available, it supports those demonstrating financial need and a passion for aviation. Eligible fields include Airline Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic, and Air Traffic Controller, among others, ensuring opportunities for future aviation professionals.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

About the DNR

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.

Targeted Runoff Management Grant Program

The Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Grant Program offers competitive grants for local governments for the control of pollution that comes from diffuse sources, also called “nonpoint source (NPS)” pollution. Grants from the TRM Program reimburse costs for agricultural or urban runoff management practices in targeted, critical geographic areas with surface water or groundwater quality concerns.

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.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program

This is a federal program administered in all states that encourages the creation and interpretation of high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received by the DNR for this program are split between DNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. LWCF grants provide local units of governments, tribes, and school districts opportunities to receive grants for outdoor recreation activities. Payment of grant funds is on a reimbursement basis.

Public access is fundamental to this grant program. Reasonable public access is required for any property purchased or developed with grant funds. The DNR can help determine what constitutes appropriate and reasonable public access for grant-funded properties.