Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Wisconsin

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

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 Elkhorn Community Fund, established in 2007, enables residents to contribute to a permanent endowment that supports local non-profits. Grants are awarded annually to enhance community welfare through projects in education, health care, and cultural preservation. Governed by a volunteer board, the fund encourages community engagement and philanthropy, ensuring that donations make a lasting impact on the Elkhorn area.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Lake Mills Area Community Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing community life through charitable, educational, and cultural projects. Established in 1996, it supports innovative initiatives that address local needs. Applicants must be not-for-profit organizations that serve a public purpose. The Foundation prioritizes projects that can be completed within a year and typically does not fund ongoing operational expenses, salaries, or endowments. Grants can be requested at any time, with specific deadlines before board meetings.

Cell Signaling Technology’s Environmental Grants support initiatives aimed at ecosystem protection, wildlife research, and environmental education. Priority is given to action-oriented projects with at least 70% of funding allocated to those directly impacting the environment. Applications are accepted annually until May 1st, with a focus on organizations in Massachusetts, particularly the North Shore of Boston. Non-profit status is required, and discriminatory projects will not be funded.

The Jandy Ammons Foundation, established in 2012, is committed to enhancing local communities through innovative, project-driven initiatives. Focused on 'shovel ready' projects, it supports wildlife conservation, educational efforts, artistic installations, and Christian mission endeavors. By providing resources to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities, the foundation aims to inspire community engagement and sustainable growth. The foundation reflects the collaborative spirit of its founders, Andy and Jan Ammons, who believe in hard work, integrity, and maximizing available resources.

The Dane County Parks Conservation Fund Grant Program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governmental units for acquiring land or land interests as outlined in the Dane County Parks & Open Space Plan. It emphasizes partnerships to maximize County funding, allocating up to 20% of the Conservation Fund for these grants. Applications are accepted year-round, but a preliminary meeting is required before submission to discuss the project details.

The Confluence Grant Program, initiated by the Conservation Alliance in 2021, aims to strengthen partnerships with historically racially excluded groups. It awards four grants of $100,000 over two years to support projects that protect or restore natural places. The program emphasizes building meaningful relationships and sharing resources, ensuring that funded projects center on solutions led by impacted communities. By fostering collaboration and addressing funding gaps, the program enhances the conservation landscape for diverse voices.

The West Bend Community Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the greater West Bend area, encouraging community betterment through enduring donor legacies. Grants prioritize new projects and operating support, with a focus on various fields such as aging, arts, basic needs, youth, environment, and medical research. Organizations may apply for one grant annually, and multi-year grants are considered. However, funding excludes sectarian purposes and debt reduction.

The Four Cedars Environmental Fund, supported by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, offers financial assistance for programs that protect and educate about the unique natural resources of the western Lake Superior watershed. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations and those serving specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The fund aims to enrich local environmental initiatives through capital requests, start-up costs, and technical support, fostering sustainable practices within the community.

The Winneconne Area Community Foundation offers competitive grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. With a focus on arts, education, and basic needs, the foundation supports projects that address community challenges. Eligible organizations, determined by the IRS as public charities, can apply for funding to make impactful contributions. The grants promote various initiatives, ensuring that vital community services are accessible to all in the Winneconne area.

The Milton Community Fund Grant, established in 1996, supports charitable initiatives in the Milton area through annual grants funded by community donations. It aims to enhance historical preservation, environmental projects, education, healthcare, youth programs, and support for the elderly. Grants are awarded to non-profits, local schools, and government agencies, emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve community welfare. Managed by local volunteers, the fund adapts to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Madison Community Foundation's Community Impact Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for residents in greater Madison. They support innovative nonprofits and initiatives across five key areas: Arts & Culture, Community Development, Environment, Learning, and Organizational Capacity Building. Grants are available for program development, capital projects, and endowment challenges, fostering a vibrant, equitable community. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being located within Dane County and operating without discrimination.

The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation offers grants aimed at enhancing community life through diverse funding priorities, including arts, education, health, and environmental conservation. These grants support non-profits and governmental bodies serving Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties, focusing on innovative solutions to pressing local needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and are encouraged to address issues such as poverty, youth development, and community improvement. Notably, grants do not support religious activities or fundraising events.

The John M. O'Quinn Foundation Grant, established in 1986, has contributed over $192 million to various charitable activities, focusing primarily on Houston and its surrounding areas. The Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations and governmental units, emphasizing conservation, education, healthcare, and programs for underprivileged youth. Grants are not available for type III supporting organizations, individuals, or foreign charities, ensuring a targeted impact within the local community.

The Schwemm Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives promoting environmental enhancement, local history preservation, and community health. It aims to strengthen communities in Oregon, California, and the Chicago area by funding projects that protect ecosystems, document culture, and foster equitable access to resources. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits dedicated to measurable outcomes that align with the Foundation's goals. The Foundation does not fund operating support or scientific research.

The Marshfield Area Community Foundation provides Community Grants to support various projects in education, arts, culture, healthcare, and social services within its service area. These grants are awarded annually through a competitive process and aim to address the evolving charitable needs of the community. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities. The Foundation is committed to connecting caring individuals with impactful causes to enhance the quality of life in Marshfield.

The Donald & Ruby Branson Foundation Grant aims to promote environmental, educational, and social progress in America. Established by the Branson family, it seeks to instill values of community involvement and charitable responsibility in future generations. The foundation primarily supports tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) and emphasizes the importance of education and environmental stewardship, ensuring a cleaner and more attractive world for all.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation offers bi-annual grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to improve the quality of life in Fond du Lac County. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and should focus on practical solutions to community issues. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster cooperation, promote volunteerism, and address both prevention and remediation of problems. However, it does not support capital campaigns, religious organizations, or projects outside the local area.

The Menasha Corporation Foundation, established in 1953, supports nonprofit organizations across North America, focusing on community betterment, education, environmental sustainability, and health initiatives. Grants are awarded to projects that enhance the lives of individuals and strengthen communities, particularly in areas where Menasha Corporation operates. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and prioritize non-public funding. The foundation also encourages involvement from Menasha Corporation employees in supported projects.