Best Forestry Grants in Wisconsin

Wisconsin counties with lands in the County Forest Program can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources County Forest Land Acquisition Grants to fund fee simple acquisition of eligible forest lands. Projects must meet county forest law requirements, be free of conflicting uses or easements, and support long-term forestry and land conservation goals.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for work carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, and should demonstrate strong management and broad impact on their target populations.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

In keeping with our mission, the Department of Natural Resources 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.

Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant

This grant is for tree repair, removal or replacement within urban areas following a catastrophic storm event for which the governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 323.10, Wis. Stats. A catastrophic storm means damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind or tornado. Catastrophic storm does not include insect infestation or disease, forest fire, drought or water saturation due to flooding.

For this grant program, no local share (also called match) is required. Grant recipients may request 50% advance payment of estimated project costs. Applications must be postmarked no later than 60 days from the date of emergency declaration. Projects must be completed within 365 days after the governor’s emergency declaration.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Local governments, tribes, sanitary districts, and qualified lake associations in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Boating Facilities Grants to improve public boating access and infrastructure. Focused on recreational water use, this program can complement forestry and watershed projects that enhance sustainable waterway management and public access.

Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, local units of government, and accredited schools in Wisconsin can obtain cost-share funding for surface water protection, restoration, and aquatic invasive species control projects. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports water resource management through its Surface Water Grant Program, which may benefit organizations whose forestry work intersects with freshwater and watershed conservation.

Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help Wisconsin county forest programs fund short-term or unanticipated projects that promote sustainable forestry. Wisconsin counties with lands enrolled under the County Forest Law may receive support for storm-related work, temporary staffing to meet workload spikes, and other qualifying sustainability initiatives, excluding land acquisition, surveying, permanent staff salaries, and computer system upgrades.

Graduate students conducting ecological restoration research at accredited U.S. universities can receive US $8,000 to support supplies, equipment, travel, assistants, or tuition. With a mission to restore and protect the environment, Garden Club of America provides this fellowship, and projects with fieldwork in the U.S., including Wisconsin, may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial grants. Focused on strengthening community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites Wisconsin groups addressing hunger, shelter, economic stability, or arts access to seek support, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

Wisconsin county governments that employ a qualified professional forester to administer county forests can receive support for salary and fringe benefit costs through this forestry grant in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reimburses up to 50 percent of the county forest administrator or assistant administrator’s annual compensation for lands enrolled under the County Forest Law.

Federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin can receive up to US $22,727 in matching support to run summer programs engaging tribal youth in natural resource and forestry-related conservation projects. With a mission to protect Wisconsin’s environment, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources funds hands-on education, staff, stipends, equipment, materials, and limited construction for culturally grounded, community-driven initiatives.

Forestry professionals and SAF members in Wisconsin and across the U.S. can be nominated for recognition of sustained volunteer leadership and promotion of forestry. Society of American Foresters’ John A. Beale Memorial Award includes more than US $500, complimentary convention registration, and travel support, honoring long-term service to the Society and the profession.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

With a mission to support community welfare, this foundation provides Wisconsin forestry and agriculture organizations, schools, and government units with funding for education and research projects. Programs serving Iowa and Grant Counties that address local needs, especially in agriculture and forestry, may be prioritized when they are led by 501(c)(3) or public entities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Wisconsin communities served by Union Pacific can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Forestry and conservation organizations may be eligible when their programs fit these priority areas and local needs.

Vocational, technical, and trade school programs in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin can apply for Emberg Charitable Trust support to strengthen workforce-focused education, especially in fields like forestry and aircraft maintenance. Wisconsin programs preparing students for regional forestry careers may be eligible for annual funding decided at the trustees’ June grant meeting.

Tax-exempt nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs in northwestern Wisconsin can seek funding for education initiatives that prepare students for the regional workforce, including forestry-related fields. With a mission to strengthen vocational education, Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust provides support to programs that develop qualified candidates for prominent local industries.

Wisconsin forestry researchers and organizations focused on urban forestry projects can apply for US $10,000 - US $30,000 to support collaborative research and communication initiatives. Tree Fund’s Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative backs projects that help arborists and urban forest managers work with planners, engineers, and other professionals to demonstrate the value of urban forests.

Public water systems serving small or disadvantaged communities in Wisconsin can apply for up to US $240,000 to address emerging drinking water contaminants like PFAS and manganese. With a mission to protect natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides funding for eligible system improvements and contamination mitigation, which may benefit forestry-related facilities and lands with on-site water systems.

Wisconsin local governments, tribes, and solid waste management systems can receive funding to plan and operate residential recycling and yard waste programs in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports managing eligible recyclables like paper, plastics, metals, and glass. Forestry and natural resource agencies running community recycling efforts may be eligible as responsible units.