Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Wetland Conservation Trust (WWCT) provides grants to restore and enhance wetlands across the state. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the program allows for mitigation of unavoidable wetland impacts through the purchase of credits. Eligible applicants include public agencies, private landowners, and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on maintaining ecological integrity within local watersheds. Projects must ensure long-term protection of mitigation sites through legal instruments.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Clean Sweep Grants program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, provides funding to municipalities and Tribes for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, agricultural pesticides, and prescription drugs. With a total budget of $1 million, it allocates funds specifically for household hazardous waste, agriculture, and unwanted prescription drug collections. Eligible applicants can receive reimbursements for various related costs, promoting safer community practices throughout Wisconsin.

The Trillium Foundation Grant aims to improve the lives of Wisconsin citizens, focusing on Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities, including veterans and underserved communities. Named after a native wildflower, the foundation emphasizes resilience and community support. Eligible applicants must possess nonprofit tax-exempt status and cannot be individuals. The foundation does not fund activities that are already publicly funded or supported by other grantmaking entities.

The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students with epilepsy. This scholarship is open to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, who are high school seniors or current college students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in accredited institutions. The program reflects a commitment to accessibility and support for underrepresented students.

The Amy Kerwin-Kobishop Accounting Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America Inc, supports high school seniors and current college students pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in Accounting or Finance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse during the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers to education, promoting academic success for underrepresented and underserved students.

The Fox Cities Amateur Sports Authority Scholarship offers five renewable scholarships of $5,000 each for students pursuing higher education at 2-year or 4-year institutions in Wisconsin. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and non-traditional students residing in the Fox Cities area. The scholarship aims to support individuals demonstrating good character and financial need, ensuring that they can pursue their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Hendricks Family Foundation - Impact Grant provides funding of up to $100,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations focused on creating measurable community impact in Beloit, Wisconsin. The foundation prioritizes projects in areas such as career development, education, public safety, and community vitality. Organizations must demonstrate existing partnerships and a commitment to the Beloit community. Applications are encouraged for impactful initiatives that align with the foundation's mission and values.

The Hendricks Family Foundation offers operating grants exceeding $100,000 to support new and existing projects that make a measurable impact in priority areas such as career development, education, public safety, and community vitality in Beloit, Wisconsin. Organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate meaningful partnerships and activities in the community. Letters of Inquiry can be submitted anytime, with eligibility determined through an initial quiz.

The Hendricks Family Foundation offers capital grants exceeding $100,000 aimed at fostering local impact in Beloit, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate strong community partnerships and measurable program outcomes. The application process includes passing an eligibility quiz and, for those invited, submitting a full proposal. This grant supports initiatives in key areas such as workforce development, education, public safety, and community enrichment.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Fishing Piers

These grants may be used to construct fishing piers that are primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible projects are fishing pier construction and renovations. Facilities that provide access to and amenities for fishing piers may also be eligible. Matching contributions for these grants must be from non-federal sources.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Boat Access Program

These grants may be used to construct boat access projects. Eligible components include boat ramp construction and renovation, along with related amenities such as parking lots, accessible paths, lighting and restroom facilities. Funding for this program comes from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and a portion of the federal gas tax.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Boat Enforcement Patrol Grants

This grant is issued to Wisconsin counties or municipalities that participate in boating enforcement efforts. Eligible agencies may receive law enforcement aids for up to 75% of their net costs.

Every 2 years, a patrol representative must attend a water safety patrol biennial workshop, date to be scheduled and notice sent out by the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Attendance is limited to 2 participants per patrol. At least one attendee must be an active officer of the patrol.

The AHRF: Bernard and Lottie Drazin Memorial Grants provide up to five $1,000 awards to otolaryngology residents conducting research projects during their residency. Eligible applicants must be from selected Chicago programs or institutions represented by AHRF Board members. Proposals are evaluated on criteria such as novelty, significance, and feasibility. Grant recipients are required to submit progress reports and notify AHRF of any publications resulting from their funded research.

Bader Philanthropies offers the Alzheimer's & Healthy Aging Grant to support nonprofits and government entities in Wisconsin. The grant aims to enhance services for older adults, including support for Alzheimer's patients, critical needs, and educational opportunities. With a focus on aging in place and technology use, this initiative fosters community engagement and caregiver support. Preliminary applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, ensuring timely responses for potential funding.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

The Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the lives of low-income and disadvantaged communities in Greater Milwaukee. Starting January 1, 2024, the Foundation will support operational and programmatic grants rather than capital projects. It prioritizes initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, emphasizing the needs of women, children, and the elderly. This shift aims to empower organizations that foster social change and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.

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.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants program provides funding for customized occupational training aimed at unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers across all industry sectors. Grants range from $5,000 to $400,000, with a requirement for a 50% cash or in-kind match. This initiative supports businesses in enhancing workforce skills, leading to full-time and higher wage employment opportunities. Open to all sizes of companies, it aims to bolster the state's workforce and economic growth.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

Opening Doors to Jewish Experiences

The St. Paul Jewish Federation is committed to helping individuals and families access meaningful Jewish experiences through a variety of scholarship opportunities. Whether it’s attending Jewish day school, participating in youth programs, Israel experiences, or supporting a family with a child with special needs, our scholarships open doors to connection, learning, and growth.

We believe everyone in our community should have the opportunity to engage deeply in Jewish life.

SPJF Summer Camp Scholarships

Give your child the gift of Jewish summer camp.

The St. Paul Jewish Federation provides need-based scholarships to help families afford both day and overnight Jewish camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Camp is where kids build lifelong friendships, deepen their Jewish identity, and experience the joy of community.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Hickory Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin and South Carolina. Funding supports capital campaigns, new programs, general operating support, and social entrepreneurship. Grants under $5,000 require a Letter of Inquiry, while larger grants require both a Letter of Inquiry and a full application. Notably, funds are not allocated for endowments, individual grants, lobbying, scholarships, or medical research.