Best Grants for Emergency Services in Wisconsin

Wisconsin emergency services, first responders, fire departments, law enforcement, municipal agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy initiatives. With a mission to create lasting safety solutions, Auto Club Group Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support programs, equipment like passive speed display signs, and related K–12 education efforts.

Eligible Wisconsin businesses affected by natural or manmade disasters can seek up to US $500,000 for building, utility, equipment repairs, and working capital that preserve or create jobs for low- and moderate-income workers. The State of Wisconsin Department of Administration’s CDBG Emergency Assistance Program supports recovery efforts that maintain at least 51% LMI employment, which may benefit emergency-related service providers.

Homeowners and tenants in Wisconsin needing post-disaster housing repairs can access grant-funded rehabilitation through their local municipal government for foundations, roofs, utilities, and similar work. The State of Wisconsin Department of Administration’s CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program provides up to US $500,000 per award, which may benefit communities and emergency services working on disaster-related housing needs.

Wisconsin local units of government needing to repair public facilities or infrastructure after disasters can access funding through the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration; awards up to US $500,000 support projects like streets, sidewalks, water, sewer, and electrical systems. Communities serving predominantly low-to-moderate income residents may be especially eligible, which can benefit emergency services operations.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing housing, homelessness prevention, or emergency support services can access funding through Edina Realty Foundation to aid homeless individuals, children, and families. Eligible organizations in western Wisconsin may use grants for emergency services, shelter, food, medical care, job readiness training, financial assistance, and related homelessness services.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Wisconsin and other EPA Region 5 states can receive up to US $150,000 for Tier 1 environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. The Minneapolis Foundation supports work such as environmental health studies, air and water monitoring, and community education in disadvantaged, underserved communities that may include emergency preparedness and disaster resilience efforts.

With a mission to support faith-driven service, Immanuel Lutheran Church provides Wisconsin emergency medical care and related service programs with project-based grants. Humanitarian and health initiatives in the Chippewa Valley, especially those expanding community care or emergency support, may be eligible. Rolling applications are reviewed quarterly by the Trust Fund Board.

Individuals and families in Western Wisconsin facing emergency basic health or human service needs can receive up to US $500 for housing, transportation, medical, or utility costs. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, United Way St Croix Valley provides short-term crisis support in Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties through the John Coughlin Hope Fund.

The Oscar Rennebohm Foundation Grant aims to enhance education, health care, research, and human services in the Madison area. This foundation supports innovative projects and initiatives that positively impact the community, particularly focusing on senior support services and K-12 mental health programs. Organizations eligible for funding must be recognized as public charities under IRS regulations. The foundation encourages applicants to verify their proposals with the President before submission, ensuring alignment with grant requirements.

Approved Tribal nation and county treatment facilities in Wisconsin can obtain supplemental or emergency funding to cover current-year intoxicated driver treatment costs when local surcharges, third-party revenues, and client fees fall short. Wisconsin Department of Health Services requires applicants to document financial need, demonstrate collection efforts, report PPS data, and show improved client outcomes in areas like functioning, housing stability, or criminal justice status.

Nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities in Wisconsin and the broader upper Midwest can seek support for rural-focused programs, capacity building, and community connection through the PRISM Fund from PFund Foundation. With a mission to build equity with LGBTQ+ communities, PFund provides grants, trainings, and cohort collaboration to strengthen queer-serving groups, including those in emergency or crisis-related services.

Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin: Innovating Healthcare Through Partnership Grants

This five-year grant funding opportunity is intended to catalyze innovative healthcare service models through partnerships across communities, systems, and sectors in rural Wisconsin. Through these grants, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) aims to address those points in a care continuum where community members are most likely to experience barriers to health-related services or fall out of care, and to directly address fragmented systems of care. Applicants may apply to multiple Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding opportunities for which their organizations are eligible.Application Phases

Applications for funding will be released in two distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Planning grant.
  • Applicants will submit a letter of application for an initial six-month planning or pilot grant.
  • The planning period will provide an opportunity for awardees to receive technical assistance for application development, build a strong foundation for program implementation, and develop strong partnership models.
  • We recognize that programs may be at different stages of development, from initial idea generation to ready-to-go projects and partnerships.
  • We welcome a range of planning period activities.
• Phase 2: Full award.
  • Planning grant awardees will be eligible to submit an application for a full award covering the remaining four-year grant period.
  • The full application will be released in February 2027.
  •  Only recipients of an approved letter of application will be eligible to apply for the full award.
  • Full award applications should reflect and build on the work done during the planning period and provide more in-depth program designs.

Through this funding opportunity, DHS aims to address these challenges by leveraging the resources and innovation within Wisconsin’s rural communities. This funding will ensure that healthcare services and resources can be delivered in the most efficient, accessible, and high-quality manner possible.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving residents of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Wisconsin can receive US $500 - US $5,000 for community programs. Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Red Cliff/Miskwaabikaang Fund supports cultural and language revitalization, health and social services, arts, and environmental initiatives that may benefit local emergency and health-related services.

Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides Wisconsin emergency services and other eligible 501(c)(3), governmental, tribal, and faith-based organizations with up to US $300,000 to advance transformational, community-driven work. Funding supports initiatives, collaborations, and systems-change efforts that build opportunity, resilience, and belonging, including projects addressing housing, economic mobility, education, health disparities, and climate or disaster resilience in northwest Wisconsin counties.

Emergency services and other eligible 501(c)(3), governmental, tribal, or faith-based organizations in Wisconsin counties served by this fund can seek up to US $300,000 for transformational projects that advance belonging, opportunity, or resilience. Focused on systems change and equity, Boreal Waters Community Foundation invites collaborative, community-led initiatives that strengthen long-term community capacity and inclusive culture.

Nonprofits, government entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Wisconsin counties served by this fund can seek up to US $300,000 for transformational resilience work. Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides flexible support for community-led initiatives, systems change, and collaborations that strengthen long-term stability, including housing, food security, workforce readiness, and climate adaptation, which may benefit emergency services partners.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations providing emergency medical care, child welfare, or related health services can seek US $2,500 - US $20,000 to support programs, projects, or operations. Focused on children and eye, ear, nose, and throat conditions, the Dr. Harry J. Heeb Foundation may also support training for nurses and providers serving these populations.

Wisconsin emergency services nonprofits that also operate managed open admission humane organizations may be eligible for funding to support shelter and rescue animals. Wisconsin animal welfare groups can access funding through St. Croix Valley Foundation for food, supplies, infrastructure needs, veterinary costs, and in-house spay/neuter or other programs that enhance adoptability, with awards up to US $3,000.

EMS Leave Behind Program: Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strip Kits

The Division of Care and Treatment Services is providing fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits kits to Wisconsin EMS agencies operating leave behind programs.

Program overview

Drug checking technologies like fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits are an evidence-based method to prevent drug overdose deaths by educating people about the substances they are using.

Leave behind programs allow EMS professionals to share (“leave behind”) overdose prevention tools and resources with patients and/or their social networks (family, friends, roommates, etc.) at the scene of care or after a hospital transport. Leave behind programs also offer opportunities to provide connections to local treatment providers and overdose prevention organizations. This model presents an opportunity to provide the supplies and support people who use substances need to prevent and reduce health and safety complications.

EMS agencies interested in distributing fentanyl and/or xylazine test strip kits to community members as part of a leave behind program are invited to complete the application form linked in the "solicitation links" section to be considered for this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program.

Applicants accepted into this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program will receive test strip kits at no cost.

Nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups strengthening community resilience in parts of northern Wisconsin can seek US $25,000 - US $50,000 for programs, operations, or capacity building. With a mission to strengthen communities, Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports efforts like disaster preparedness, housing stability, food security, and community-driven emergency and stability planning.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Wisconsin aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. Funding is flexible, prioritizing smaller requests, and can be used for various purposes, including business training, infrastructure development, and community economic growth. The program targets projects in rural areas, enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and fostering economic development.

Wisconsin rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions can access funding through Compeer Financial for specialized emergency response equipment, with awards up to US $7,500. Eligible departments must serve counties within Compeer’s 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and designate one fiscal agent for the joint application.

The Douglas County Disaster and Welfare Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, provides essential financial support ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations. This funding aims to assist Douglas County residents during disasters by addressing critical needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve the local community, ensuring targeted aid during challenging times.

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations protecting or educating about natural resources in northwest Wisconsin can seek up to US $25,000 for operating, capital, start-up, technical assistance, or program support. With a mission to protect the western Lake Superior watershed, Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit emergency service providers engaged in environmental or community resilience work.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, and churches in Wisconsin counties like Ashland, Bayfield, and Douglas can seek $1,000 - US $5,000 to address basic human needs or animal welfare projects. With a mission to support vulnerable people and animals, Boreal Waters Community Foundation considers special projects, equipment, and general operating support that may complement emergency services work.

Wisconsin emergency services and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups can access funding through Boreal Waters Community Foundation to advance social justice, human rights, and community well-being. Grants up to US $4,000 support efforts like combating discrimination, promoting democratic participation, and addressing hunger, homelessness, and emergency aid in northwest Wisconsin counties.

Grants from CommunityGiving help Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities fund youth education and fitness initiatives, including capital projects and new or expanded programs. Organizations in Bernick’s beverage service areas that promote youth development, active lifestyles, and well-being may be eligible for awards of US $5,000 - US $40,000.