Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Wisconsin

Ann Lane Gates Scholarship Fund

Established by Ann Lane Gates to provide scholarships for Project GRAD Akron Public Schools students.

Amount:

• Varies $500-$1,500

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, continue to pursue a degree in education, and reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Individual Provider Grants empower medical providers to contribute to communities through medical mission trips. These grants fund nonprofit organizations to assist with program costs. Applications are accepted year-round, but should ideally be submitted 30-60 days prior to the mission for timely processing. The Making a Difference Foundation reviews all applications monthly; however, meeting eligibility does not ensure funding at the requested amount.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Robert W. Klenk Scholarship

Established by the Mountain View School District Alumni Association in honor of Mr. Klenk, a long-time teacher and principal of the District. Provides a scholarship to a graduate who will attend college to pursue a degree in education.  

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco Memorial Teaching Scholarship

Established by Maureen Giangrieco, daughter of Gaetano “Mickey” Giangrieco, who passed away in 1994. Mickey dedicated 40 years to teaching Biology at Blue Ridge High School, where he also served as the junior varsity basketball and golf coach. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, Montrose High School or Susquehanna Community High School who plans to attend college or a post-secondary degree program to major in education. 

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program enhances access to scientific and engineering instruments in higher education and not-for-profit research organizations. By funding up to $4 million for multi-user instruments, MRI supports advancements in research capabilities and training for future instrument users. Institutions can submit multiple proposals across defined tracks, ensuring opportunities for critical research tools that propel science and engineering forward, while fostering innovation and education in instrument design.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or more to support innovative STEM projects for grades 6-12 in public and nonprofit private schools across the U.S. These grants encourage teachers to implement project-based learning in their classrooms. Founded in 1990, the foundation aims to enhance STEM education by providing necessary resources and support for educators to inspire their students. Applications require school official endorsement and must focus on innovative teaching methods.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Susquehanna County Township Officials Association Scholarship

Established by The Susquehanna County Township Supervisors Association to provide a college scholarship to a graduating senior from Susquehanna County who will major in governmental affairs or political science.

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has been promoting excellence in geoscience education since 1938. Through its sponsorships, NAGT aims to enhance visibility and impact within the geoscience community, fostering collaborations and expanding membership. Sponsorships support both long-term programs and single events, ensuring that NAGT is acknowledged and involved in all associated activities. This initiative aligns with NAGT's mission to provide effective Earth education to diverse audiences.

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award

Established in 1990 in honor of Dr. F. Marian Bishop, the F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award is presented by the STFM Foundation to honor senior leaders who have significantly enhanced the credibility of family medicine by a sustained, long-term commitment to family medicine in academic settings.

The award recipient will be honored during STFM's Annual Spring Conference. The award winner will receive a commemorative award and a complimentary registration to the STFM Annual Spring Conference.

The SLEEP Travel Grant for Sleep Technologists and Advanced Practice Providers, funded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, offers a $2,000 grant to support first-time attendance at the SLEEP 2026 meeting. This initiative aims to enhance engagement among non-physician members of the sleep team, such as sleep technologists and advanced practice providers, while promoting networking opportunities within the sleep community.

The Friends of Loutit Library Fund Scholarship, established by the Friends of Loutit Library in 2005, aims to assist students pursuing an advanced degree in Library Science. This scholarship is open to individuals who either reside or have resided in the Tri-Cities area of Northern Ottawa County. Financial need is not a consideration, ensuring that all eligible students can apply for this essential educational support from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

About Us

Columbus Citizens Foundation celebrates Italian heritage and culture through a broad range of philanthropic and educational activities. The Foundation’s Scholarship program has supported thousands of deserving Italian American students, offering them a chance to fulfill their academic dreams and excel in their endeavors. Since 1929, the Foundation’s most public activity is organizing New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and achievement in the world. CCF offers many programs throughout the year celebrating Italian language, culture, history, and the many connections between Italy and the United States that extend across several centuries and continue to the present day.

CCF Medical School Scholarship

Since 2017, Columbus Citizens Foundation has been awarding scholarships to promising medical school students of Italian heritage. The scholarship that launched CCF’s medical school offerings in 2017 is primarily funded by, and candidates selected in partnership with, the Morgagni Medical Society, an organization founded in 1890 in order to foster the professional, intellectual, and economic development of Italian American physicians.

In 2021, CCF launched the Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Medical School Scholarship, to be awarded annually to Italian American students who exemplify the values and determination of Dr. Fauci. The scholarship supports students with great academic prowess seeking financial aid at the graduate level in medical and public health fields of study.

The Raibrook Foundation Mini Grant provides quick funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in Education, History, and Recreation. With a maximum request of up to $500, applicants can apply at any time, though there is a limit of four grants per organization each calendar year. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and local government units serving Door County, ensuring that projects have a direct community impact.

The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.

The James H. Shea Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), recognizes outstanding contributions in writing and editing Earth science materials aimed at the public and educators. Established in 1991, this prestigious award honors the legacy of James H. Shea, a dedicated advocate for quality geoscience education. Nominations require a detailed letter outlining the nominee's exceptional contributions, reinforcing NAGT's commitment to fostering excellence in Earth science education.

Since 1977, MAHF has provided grants to help fund almost 50 research and educational projects through individuals and institutions to improve the health and welfare of all animals. These grants have improved veterinary care, animal housing and medical techniques for all species for animals.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The B-INSPIRE program aims to foster behavioral interventions that enhance interest and preparedness for careers in biomedical research. It invites applications that propose innovative studies addressing motivation and persistence in research-oriented individuals. The initiative also encourages analyses of existing data to improve intervention methodologies. Successful projects should yield findings that support the implementation of diverse strategies across academic levels, ultimately enriching the biomedical research workforce.

The Kathleen Patton Westby Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life by supporting the arts, arts education, and culture. Applicants must submit a letter of inquiry as the first step, as proposals are accepted only upon request. The foundation primarily funds tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and does not support deficit financing, individual grants, or research projects unless integral to broader programs.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) offers a grant to support state education agencies in utilizing longitudinal data systems to inform policies and programs for learners with disabilities. This initiative aims to enhance evidence-based decision-making at both state and local levels, ensuring better educational outcomes for at-risk students. The grant encourages collaboration and effective use of data to promote informed policymaking in special education.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening offer the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant to enhance community gardens across the U.S. This initiative supports programs that engage under-resourced communities, focusing on youth participation. In 2026, 120 grants of $750 will be awarded, with additional funding opportunities available through specialty awards for programs addressing specific needs, including those serving LGBTQ+ youth and communities of color.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Thomas and Richard Larrimer Scholarship Fund-Franklin County

This scholarship was established by Terrence Larrimer to honor his grandfather, Thomas Larrimer (1879-1915), and his father, Richard Larrimer (1903-1987). Both men grew up and were educated in Washington Court House. When Thomas Larrimer died in a work related accident, Richard assumed responsibility for his own education and that of his two younger brothers. Richard Larrimer graduated from The Ohio State University Law School in 1925 and founded Larrimer & Larrimer, a Columbus law firm specializing in Worker's Compensation. Through this scholarship Terrence wishes to recognize his father's commitment to education and by focusing the scholarship on science and engineering, to emphasize the importance of these disciplines in our nation's future.

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Dr. Louis Sklarow Award

The Dr. Louis Sklarow Award was established in 1995 in honor of prominent Buffalo Physician and State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School Graduate Dr. Louis Sklarow.

The award is given to an outstanding graduate of Jewish faith from the Jacob’s School of Medicine who has shown by character and medical accomplishment great promise in becoming a fine physician and a person most likely to make a contribution to mankind and bring honor to the Jacob’s School of Medicine.

The Louis Sklarow Memorial Fund continues to fund research for the treatment and cure of Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer through research performed at the University of Buffalo, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and other renown institutions.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.