Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Wisconsin

Nonprofit organizations running education, arts, health, human services, or civic programs in Wisconsin communities where A. O. Smith has facilities can seek support for local community service projects. A O Smith Foundation accepts applications year-round and focuses on improving quality of life in the areas where its employees live and work.

Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, schools, and higher education institutions in Wisconsin and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports activities like GIS mapping, air and water monitoring, research, and community education in disadvantaged communities.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies in partnership with a 501(c)(3) in Wisconsin can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 to fund 50% of a Historic Structure Report for nationally or statewide significant historic sites. Jeffris Family Foundation supports planning that leads to sustainable, standards-compliant preservation and community-centered capital campaigns.

Nonprofit organizations working on arts in education, youth homelessness, climate change, or watershed stewardship in the U.S., including Wisconsin, may be eligible for program support. With a mission to honor shared family values, Laird Norton Family Foundation provides long-term funding partnerships focused on educational equity, environmental resilience, and youth and young adult services.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Wisconsin working on climate and energy systems change can seek operating or project support to cut greenhouse gas emissions and advance equity. The McKnight Foundation funds efforts like clean energy transition, decarbonized transportation and buildings, resilient working lands, and democratic participation that strengthen community-focused climate solutions.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraisers in Wisconsin can seek sponsorship funding to support local initiatives and activities. Focused on community development and quality of life, Old National Bank Foundation invites applications for one-time events, galas, tournaments, and other special events that engage residents and strengthen local communities.

Nonprofit arts organizations, tribal governments, universities, and local government arts programs in Wisconsin can receive multi-year operating and artistic programming support for ongoing creation and presentation of the arts. With a mission to strengthen community development and arts education, Wisconsin Arts Board provides Wisconsin community-focused arts groups with more than US $2,000 to sustain impactful cultural programming.

The Mid Wisconsin Grants, established under the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, provide funding for nonprofit projects in communities once served by Mid Wisconsin Bank. The grants support initiatives in health, education, and community development. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt entities based in specific Wisconsin locations. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with grant officers before submission. Note that political or strictly religious purposes are not funded, and prior recipients are ineligible for two years.

Nonprofit and advocacy organizations advancing environmental policy and justice in Wisconsin can seek support from the Joyce Foundation for climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water initiatives. With a mission to strengthen environmental policy, the Joyce Foundation provides Great Lakes region groups with funding for carbon-free power, clean water access, and infrastructure and equity-focused water reforms.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms in Wisconsin pursuing impact litigation can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Cases advancing social, economic, environmental, or racial justice that benefit communities facing systemic oppression may be especially relevant for community-focused projects.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin Public Service’s utility service area can apply for Wisconsin Public Service Foundation grants to support specific community programs and projects. Funding can back community and neighborhood development, education, health and human services, environment, and arts and culture initiatives, which may include community service projects across Wisconsin communities served.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation offers Local Community Grants to support initiatives that enhance community development, health, arts, education, and the environment. Nonprofit organizations in the service areas are eligible for funding. The foundation emphasizes partnerships that promote educational opportunities and community improvement. With a history of providing financial support since 1964, the foundation encourages projects that engage local residents and foster collaboration among diverse groups. Preference is given to specific programs or projects that align with their mission.

Nonprofit and tribal organizations in Wisconsin can receive US $2,000 - US $15,000 to present professional artists and offer creative, community-focused arts events. With a mission to support arts and cultural programming, Arts Midwest provides flexible funding for touring or local artist fees, accessibility accommodations, marketing, and educational activities that engage underserved audiences.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering direct community services can access funding through the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation for asset-based programs that build independence, self-sufficiency, and dignity. Priority goes to efforts in the St. Croix Valley counties serving children and youth, providing social supports, expanding health access, and offering community education and enrichment.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $500,000–$7 million in annual revenue can seek US $100,000 for capital projects or program expansions serving Greater Milwaukee communities in arts, education, environment, health, or families. With a mission to create lasting local impact, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee provides Wisconsin community service projects with transformative, measurable funding.

The Spring - Health Care Service Grant Cycle, administered by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Community Foundation, aims to support organizations providing essential health care services in the Milwaukee area, particularly in regions previously served by St. Anthony Hospital. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to philanthropy in Southeastern Wisconsin, focusing on health care for the underserved and fostering community well-being.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of operations can seek project funding for community development, youth, health, environment, arts, veterans, elders, and Native American services. Grants from Forest County Potawatomi Foundation help organizations serving low-income communities in Forest, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties strengthen local quality of life.

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) organizations doing biodiversity conservation work in Wisconsin’s Duluth-Superior region can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports habitat restoration, vulnerable species and ecosystem protection, climate adaptation planning, community-based research, and environmental education that center equity, collaboration, and long-term ecological resilience.

The Charles E. Kubly Foundation Grants focus on improving the lives of those affected by depression through funding mental health projects. They prioritize initiatives that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support suicide prevention. Grant requests are accepted from not-for-profit organizations providing direct services or educational programs. The foundation prefers projects impacting Wisconsin, with measurable outcomes and specific timelines. However, they do not support research, legislative activities, or ongoing operational costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community-focused healthcare, housing, education, human services, civic, or environmental programs in Wisconsin can apply for the Fred C And Katherine B Andersen Foundation’s grants. Funding may support general operations, programs, projects, and occasionally capital needs, especially for work serving St. Croix Valley communities and related community service initiatives.

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and similar tax-exempt entities in Wisconsin’s tri-state counties can seek up to US $50,000 for people-attraction projects that grow population, retain residents, and boost tourism. Focused on capacity building and community development, Dubuque Racing Association offers coaching and support for projects that strengthen local organizations and services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental bodies serving Wisconsin communities can seek US $1,000 - US $100,000 to address food insecurity and basic needs such as education, health, housing, and self-sufficiency. Grants from Schreiber Foods Foundation help eligible counties improve quality of life through impactful, measurable community service projects and programs.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving people with disabilities can receive funding for housing, assistive devices, inclusive education and recreation, transportation, or expansion of existing services. Wispact Inc supports community-based projects that improve daily living, accessibility, and fulfillment for individuals with disabilities, which may include community service initiatives across Wisconsin.

The Wirtanen Family Fund supports initiatives aimed at fostering community awareness of global interdependence, promoting social justice, and increasing democratic participation. It prioritizes projects addressing contemporary issues with regional impact, such as health care access and environmental preservation. Eligible organizations include those classified as charitable under IRS codes and serving specific counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The fund encourages co-sponsorship and highlights the importance of understanding diverse cultures and social systems.

The Kohler Foundation Grant focuses on preserving art environments and cultural heritage in Wisconsin and beyond. Grants up to $10,000 support innovative projects by tax-exempt public charities and institutions. With a preference for Sheboygan County, the Foundation encourages STEAM initiatives and programs enhancing access to the arts. Recent preservation efforts include notable sites like the Garden of Eden sculpture park and Pasaquan. The Foundation believes in impactful investments that foster lasting community benefits.

Grants from CommunityGiving help Wisconsin community organizations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities fund youth education and fitness projects, including capital improvements and new or expanded programs. Organizations serving Bernick’s service areas in parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota can request US $5,000 - US $40,000 for initiatives that promote youth development, active lifestyles, and well-being.