Best Forestry Grants in Wisconsin

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.

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.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human and social services, environment, or community issues can seek funding to address pressing social problems. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to submit a letter of inquiry for programs testing new solutions, which may include forestry-related or environmental initiatives.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

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.

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.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying foreign entities, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for social and human services or disaster relief. Gupta Family Foundation supports smaller organizations worldwide, which may include Wisconsin groups whose forestry-related work addresses poverty, disability, or other disadvantages.