Best Grants for Children in Wisconsin

Judd S. Alexander Foundation provides Wisconsin youth services nonprofits with funding for children and human services, education, recreation, and enrichment programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities whose projects directly benefit residents of Marathon County. Awards range from US $1,000 - US $1,000,000 for community-focused initiatives, including programs serving children and youth.

Wisconsin youth and children’s service nonprofits can seek funding for education, health, human services, arts, and civic programs in communities where A. O. Smith has facilities. A. O. Smith Foundation accepts applications year-round and supports a broad range of charitable initiatives that make local communities better places to live and work.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal organizations, government agencies, and public schools can seek funding for community-benefit programs and events that improve health for at-risk children and other vulnerable groups. Wisconsin youth-focused organizations can access funding through Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation to expand access to dental care and strengthen the oral-health workforce statewide.

Wisconsin youth and family-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on housing, homelessness prevention, or emergency support services can access funding through Edina Realty Foundation for programs aiding children and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Support is available for housing and shelter, education programs, emergency services, and financial assistance in western Wisconsin communities.

Wisconsin youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor can seek capacity-building support to strengthen programs in meaningful work, character development for ages 12–24, and connections to nature. Focused on youth services, Schlecht Family Foundation invites groups serving Dane County or rural Wisconsin children and young people to apply for organizational effectiveness and technical assistance funding.

Wisconsin youth-serving and nature-focused nonprofits can receive general operating support to advance meaningful work, youth character development, and connections to nature. Focused on education, outdoor equity, and wellbeing, Schlecht Family Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations serving Dane County or rural Wisconsin children and young people ages 12–24 to apply for mission-aligned, impact-driven funding.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in Wisconsin working with children and ages 12–24 can seek funding for meaningful work, nature connections, and character-building programs. Schlecht Family Foundation supports organizations serving Dane, Green, Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties through capacity-building, seed, general operating grants, and impact investments, excluding lobbying or election activities.

Nonprofit organizations and social enterprises serving children and youth in Wisconsin, especially Dane County and rural areas, can seek startup funding for new programs or services through seed grants. Grants from Schlecht Family Foundation help youth-focused groups advance meaningful work, build character for ages 12–24, and foster children’s connections to nature and overall well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with basic needs, education, health care, or civic and environmental programs in Wisconsin communities where Valero operates may be eligible for invitation-only support. Valero Energy Foundation focuses its giving on improving quality of life through strategic community investments and requires all annual requests to be submitted together.

Nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin working on wildlife protection, animal welfare, environmental conservation, or outdoor and environmental education can apply for grants from the James E. Dutton Foundation. Programs that benefit wildlife or domestic animals, restore habitats, or teach children and youth about nature, biology, conservation, and stewardship may be especially competitive.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms in Wisconsin bringing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation costs. Cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression, including children and youth, may be eligible.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct services to children and youth in select southeastern counties can access funding through the Heart of Canal Street program, supporting health, welfare, and development. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will select 30 children’s charities, focusing on organizations serving infants to age 17 in eligible counties with established programming.

Wisconsin youth and community service nonprofits can access funding through the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation to deliver direct services for children and youth, social supports, education, and health access. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties may submit a letter of inquiry or full proposal for asset-based, community-driven programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, or Waukesha Counties can seek US $100,000 for capital projects or program expansions serving children and youth. With a mission to make transformative community impact, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee supports youth services within arts, education, health, family, and community revitalization, requiring measurable outcomes over a defined period.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Wisconsin can apply for operating or capital support for youth enrichment, food security, medical assistance, and related services. Grants from Wisdom Family Foundation help eligible groups, primarily in Northern Wisconsin counties, with awards of US $1,000 - US $5,000 to strengthen children, families, and communities.

The Go Outside Fund aims to connect Wisconsin's youth with nature by providing grants between $100 and $500 for outdoor learning experiences. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and accredited educational institutions. The fund prioritizes projects that engage children in outdoor activities, facilitating access to nature while aligning with educational standards. This initiative addresses the pressing need for children to spend more time outdoors, promoting both physical and mental health benefits.

Wisconsin youth-serving public charities and government agencies can seek funding for programs benefiting girls and young women in Winnebago County, including education, health, safety, and economic self-sufficiency initiatives. The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation’s Women's Fund offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 grants, with non-501(c)(3) groups able to apply through a fiscal sponsor.

The Herb Kohl Philanthropies Homegrown Grants support local initiatives aimed at strengthening communities in Wisconsin. These grants are designed for organizations that empower children and youth, promote financial stability, and provide essential resources. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with federal tax-exempt status that actively engage with their communities. The program emphasizes innovative solutions to local needs, ensuring funds are used effectively to enhance well-being and skills. Collaboration with local partners is encouraged to maximize impact.

With a mission to strengthen early childhood development, Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides Wisconsin child-focused nonprofits with up to US $5,000 to support high-quality early childhood education in the greater West Bend area. 501(c)(3) organizations serving children ages 0–8 can request operating, special project, or capital support for ECE facilities, workforce, access, and development.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations serving children or youth, especially those who are underprivileged or abused, can seek $2,500 - $20,000 to support programs, projects, or general operations. Focused on child welfare, youth services, and education or medical care related to eye, ear, nose, and throat conditions, the Dr. Harry J. Heeb Foundation prioritizes work in Florida and Wisconsin.

Wisconsin youth and children’s organizations serving poor and neglected children can access funding through the Roger W. and Mary C. Lyons Memorial Trust for health, medical, and social service programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits; individuals are not eligible to apply.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, youth, and families can seek project funding for community services, education, athletics, health, and related needs through the Green Bay Packers Foundation, with awards of US $3,000 - US $8,000. Eligible nonprofits must be Wisconsin-based, have at least two years of tax-exempt status, and align with the current year’s focus areas.

Organizations able to coordinate lead hazard reduction and home remediation for children and pregnant women on Medicaid or BadgerCare in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Lead-Safe Homes Program. Funding supports coordination, environmental investigation, project oversight, and repair of lead hazards in eligible homes statewide, with multiple grants expected.

Nonprofit organizations supporting education, youth services, or family stability in Wisconsin can apply for funding that prioritizes children and young adults. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the Holz Family Foundation provides Wisconsin nonprofits with support for youth education, food and housing security, cultural and scientific institutions, and civic initiatives in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Hales Corners.

The IRONMAN Foundation's Community Grant Program aims to create a positive impact through financial support and volunteerism in select communities. Since its inception in 2003, the program has contributed over $60 million to more than 10,000 charitable initiatives worldwide, focusing on athletics, community health, and public benefit. Grants prioritize organizations that foster youth involvement in sports and meet specific community needs, ensuring measurable outcomes from funded projects.

Nonprofit and other charitable organizations supporting youth and community programs in Wisconsin can seek funding for athletics, wellness, and public benefit projects. The Ironman Foundation supports youth services and sports initiatives in select race communities, prioritizing programs that help children swim, bike, and run, meet local needs, demonstrate measurable impact, and leverage additional or matching funds.

Madison4Kids Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for children and youth organizations in Greater Madison, WI. With grants not exceeding $1,000 and available quarterly, the initiative supports local youth by funding various needs, such as summer camps, playground equipment, and educational tools. Eligible applicants include individuals aged 17 and under, as well as local groups serving children. The grants foster confidence, health, inspiration, and learning among the youth, ensuring a brighter future.