Best Forestry Grants in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture, including those in Wisconsin, may be eligible for this funding. Grants from U.S. Bank Foundation support programs that address work, home, and play, with priority for organizations led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

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.

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 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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working in health, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support local programs. Funding may benefit projects like healthcare access for underserved populations, food pantries, STEM education, or wellness initiatives that complement conservation or forestry-related community efforts.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for more than three years can apply for Robinson Foundation’s single-year grants supporting animal welfare, children and families, education, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, and nature and wildlife conservation. Wisconsin forestry or conservation groups may be eligible if their work serves communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Wisconsin community service nonprofits can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships that support local service goals and fundraising efforts. Focused on community services, Insperity invites eligible 501(c)(3) organizations connected to its employees, client base, or operating in its service communities to apply; charities based in the U.S. are considered, excluding individuals and certain ineligible organizations.

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 TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.