Best Grants for BIPOC in Wisconsin

The 1890 Scholarships Program, overseen by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students at 1890 Land-grant institutions. It supports students pursuing degrees in food and agricultural sciences, fostering a skilled workforce in this critical sector. By providing scholarships, the program encourages academic excellence and commitment to the agricultural field, ultimately contributing to the development of future leaders in food systems.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Summer Food Service Program (SUN) program 2026

The Summer Food Service Program (SUN), created and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently provides organizations with limited funding opportunities to purchase and provide meals to their local communities in the form of reimbursements. Starting in 2011, IRUSA began to supplement and support the USDA in this effort. SUN recipient, organizations are able to start a USDA-approved site, increase the capacity of their current USDA-approved site(s) or develop their role as the meal-providing sponsor to subgrantees. Grants are provided to further enable and encourage wider participation in this program as well as increase food access and support to food-insecure children throughout the summer months. 

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Turkey Distribution 2026

IRUSA facilitates annual Turkey Distributions in cities across the United States during Thanksgiving. IRUSA will procure and deliver turkeys to partners that will deliver them onto people in need. Along with turkeys, partner organizations may distribute other Thanksgiving goods to assist individuals and families who may not have access to these food items. The distribution may occur with regular food pantry distribution dates or as its own event. The goal of this event is to not only address food insecurity in local communities but to also embody the season of giving by bringing the holiday festivities to those who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in their homes.

The Young Forester Leadership Award, presented by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), recognizes exceptional leadership from young forestry professionals under 40 years old. This award highlights contributions to forestry through innovative projects and sustained leadership roles. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF national convention, and support for travel expenses up to $500. This prestigious accolade aims to encourage the next generation of forestry leaders to excel in their professional endeavors.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Fruit of the Vine Scholarship

The Fruit of the Vine Scholarship Fund benefits graduating Napa County high school seniors and Napa Valley College transfer students who will find the cost of higher education a financial hardship. Consideration is given to applicants who are the first in their family to attend college or are employed (or have a parent or guardian who is employed) in the Napa County wine or grape industry. Recipients of the scholarship will receive funding for up to four years of undergraduate study.

McCormick & Company, Inc. actively supports charitable contributions through its Charitable Donations Committee (CDC), which prioritizes donations to non-profit organizations that enhance education, health, environment, and culture. The CDC focuses on organizations that benefit communities where McCormick employees live and work, ensuring a positive impact. Eligible groups must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. However, donations are not made to individuals, political organizations, or entities that conflict with corporate values.

The Delaney L. Wykle Nursing Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support nursing students from Raleigh and Summers counties in West Virginia. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in an accredited four-year nursing program. This scholarship helps empower students to achieve their educational goals while enhancing community health services in Southern West Virginia.

Incyte Corporation, a biopharmaceutical leader, offers healthcare sponsorships to support organizations focused on improving patient care and access to healthcare information. Eligible applicants include medical schools, associations, non-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should align with Incyte's commitment to enhancing the lives of patients affected by cancer and other diseases, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding.

The Friends Foundation for the Aging Grant supports innovative and impactful programs aimed at addressing the needs of older adults, particularly within underserved populations. This Quaker foundation prioritizes collaboration and sustainability in its funding efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities focused on enhancing the quality of life for aging individuals. Grants are typically awarded for one year and target organizations that align with the foundation's mission and values.

The Miller Indigenous Economic Development Fellowship, established by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, provides financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native doctoral candidates engaged in economic research impacting Native communities. This fellowship supports costs associated with data collection, analysis, and travel. It aims to enhance the representation of Native scholars in economics, addressing the current underrepresentation in the field. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to further their research and contribute to their communities.

The Hays, Karla, Loving Heart Scholarship offers financial support to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School, with one to three scholarships available totaling up to $1,000. Administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this initiative aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. The foundation, established in 1987, supports academic achievement and civic involvement in the community. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate ethical scholarship application practices.

The NIHCM Foundation's Local Media Award honors outstanding local journalism that enhances understanding of health care issues in the U.S. It aims to recognize reports that improve health care affordability, accessibility, and quality. A $15,000 prize is awarded to the winner. Eligible entries must be published in 2025 and focus on local markets, offering insights relevant to health plans and policymakers. This award encourages innovative reporting that addresses the complexities of the health care system.

The ASSP Foundation Academic Scholarships provide vital financial support to students in environmental health and safety programs. With over $6 million awarded since 1990, the foundation aims to enhance career prospects through education and leadership development. In the 2024-2025 academic year, $215,000 was allocated to 117 recipients, fostering a sustainable talent pipeline in EHS. This initiative not only promotes the profession but also ensures a safer future for workers by encouraging new talent to enter the field.

American Brain Foundation

The American Brain Foundation funds research across the spectrum of the brain and nervous system, because it is our best hope for improving treatments, advancing prevention strategies, and discovering cures. Brain diseases, disorders, and injuries are interconnected. When we cure one, we will cure many.

Next Generation Research Grants

The American Brain Foundation’s Next Generation Research Grants (NGRGs) support early career investigators conducting high-quality research aimed at better understanding, treating, and curing brain diseases. These grants are offered in collaboration with disease-focused partner organizations and reflect ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many research philosophy: the belief that breakthroughs in one area of research accelerate progress across many others.

Lawrence M. Brass, MD Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Stroke

This award aims to recognize the importance of good clinical research and to encourage early career investigators in clinical studies related to stroke, vascular neurology, and neurocritical care.

For the purpose of this scholarship, research is defined as “patient-oriented research conducted with human participants, or translational research specifically designed to develop treatments or enhance diagnosis of neurological disease. These areas of research include epidemiologic or behavioral studies, clinical trials, studies of disease mechanisms, the development of new technologies, and health services and outcomes research.” Disease-related studies not directly involving humans or human tissue are also encouraged if the primary goal is the development of therapies, diagnostic tests, or other tools to prevent or mitigate neurological diseases.

The AGA-Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer provides $100,000 annually for three years to early-career faculty focused on independent research in pancreatic cancer. This award aims to protect at least 50% of the recipient's time for research activities. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be classified as early-career. The award encourages physician-scientists and underrepresented groups in biomedical research to apply, supporting innovative research that can lead to significant advancements in understanding pancreatic cancer.

The Colon Cancer Coalition offers the Get Your Rear in Gear Grants to support local programs aimed at improving colon cancer screening and awareness. Open year-round, applications are reviewed biannually in February and August. Grants fund initiatives that educate the public about colon cancer and alleviate the financial burden on patients. By applying, organizations commit to promoting local events that raise funds for these important community programs.

The Project Cure CRC Early-Career Investigator Award, offered by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, seeks to attract innovative early-career faculty to colorectal cancer research. This award supports groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing our understanding and treatment of colorectal cancer. With no application deadlines, submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing awardees to receive funding for their original preclinical, translational, or early clinical research projects, fostering the next generation of CRC research leaders.

The Jurgens, Virgil Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $375 award to a Beatrice High School senior who excels in baseball and ranks in the top 25% of their class. The Foundation, established in 1987, provides financial support for educational opportunities. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and community involvement.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.

The Bob Zylstra STEM Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who identify as female or as students of color from West Michigan. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing STEM majors by removing barriers to education and fostering diversity in these fields. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation Grant Program supports 501(c)3 non-profits dedicated to making real food accessible and fostering community growth. Established in 2011, this initiative aligns with Chipotle's mission to cultivate a better world. Eligible organizations can apply through an invitation-only process, focusing on those paving the way for a better future. The foundation also offers mentorship and resources to innovative ventures in the food industry.

The 1954 Project - Luminary Award seeks visionary nonprofit leaders dedicated to advancing educational equity for Black students. Awardees receive $1 million in funding, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The selection prioritizes leaders demonstrating strategic vision, community commitment, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. Applicants must align with one of three impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Diversity in Education, or Pathways to Economic Mobility, ensuring their initiatives foster systemic change and uplift marginalized communities.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

The RSLAAIS Leadership Award, presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), honors exemplary leaders within state, regional, or local allergy societies. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to community involvement, clinical education, and the advancement of the AAAAI's mission. Candidates are nominated by the RSLAAIS Board of Governors and must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their local allergy societies and the broader medical community.

The USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (USADPLC) invites research proposals for pulse crops, focusing on breeding, nutrition, crop management, and product development for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Projects should adopt a transdisciplinary approach to tackle complex challenges, with average awards around $30,000. Researchers are encouraged to leverage industry funding for matching grants. Note that equipment purchases over $10,000 are not eligible. Compliance with specific proposal guidelines is essential.

Music Movement offers grants for music therapy aimed at children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. Grants typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, providing financial relief to families seeking therapeutic resources. Eligible applicants include legal guardians of children in the U.S. who select qualified therapists. The organization focuses on enhancing communication, social skills, and emotional well-being through music, benefiting diverse communities and promoting personal growth.

The MIND Prize, funded by The Pershing Square Foundation, supports innovative research to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It empowers early-to-mid-career investigators to explore unconventional approaches and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Each winner receives $250,000 annually for three years, promoting advancements in neuroscience and creating a unique network for researchers. The initiative aims to enhance our understanding of brain health and tackle pressing societal challenges.