Best Grants for Museums in Wisconsin

Who We Are

Advancing Wisconsin to be the healthiest state in the nation

AHW provides funding and resources to researchers, organizations, and communities devoted to improving the health of the people of Wisconsin.

Call for Applications: MCW-Led Seed Grants

Funding Summary

AHW’s Call for Applications: MCW-Led Seed Grants supports eligible MCW faculty to develop new approaches and methodologies, test innovative ideas, and foster greater collaboration to address Wisconsin’s leading health challenges and produce deeper impact on health and health equity in Wisconsin. Successful seed grants will build a foundation for future research or health workforce development endeavors beyond the project period. Applicants may request up to $50,000 for projects completed within a 12-month period, beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

To foster a collaborative approach to award selection, applicants will participate in a peer review process to assess proposals submitted to this funding opportunity by their fellow applicants. For the submitted application to be considered for funding, completion of all assigned reviews is required.

The Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grant Program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, provides competitive grants up to $150,000 for construction projects that manage urban storm water runoff and pollution. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal authorities, and certain districts. The program focuses on planning and implementation of initiatives that reduce urban nonpoint source pollution, ensuring sustainable urban environments while addressing public health and ecological integrity.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance and Federal Recreation Grants, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aim to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. These grants support various programs, including local parks development, acquisition of development rights, and urban green spaces. They also encompass federal initiatives such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Program. This funding fosters community engagement and promotes sustainable recreational access.

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.

Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation (WIG:HEART)The Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation (WIG:HEART) grant program funds competitive grants for innovative projects that develop transformational solutions to workforce challenges that impact the quality and availability of healthcare in Wisconsin's rural regions and communities across Wisconsin. Grants support healthcare industry employers in finding workers and help workers prepare for and connect to better, higher-quality, and more family-sustaining jobs.

The four-year program is scheduled to run from Oct. 30, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2030. The current application is for Year 1 of the grant, which will run from Oct. 30, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027.

The Joseph L. Runde Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports deserving female seniors from various high schools, including Hazel Green and Belmont, who aspire to pursue degrees in healthcare sciences. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship exemplifies the foundation's commitment to enhancing education and fostering personal philanthropy in the Southern Wisconsin community.

The Joseph Thomas Wyss Hockey Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from select high schools who are active participants in hockey. Eligible students must plan to attend an accredited college or university and have been involved in the Monroe Avalanche Hockey or Monroe Youth Hockey programs. This scholarship aims to promote educational opportunities for dedicated athletes in the region.

The Lars Christianson Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to support students from Beloit Memorial High School, Beloit Turner High School, Janesville Craig High School, Janesville Parker High School, Milton High School, and Parkview High School. Eligible applicants must plan to attend UW-Whitewater at Rock County and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship reflects the foundation's mission of matching personal philanthropy with community needs.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative offers up to $1,000,000 for the acquisition of private forest land in the Lake Superior Basin. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, local governments, and nonprofits. Projects must focus on forested properties over five acres, addressing threats of conversion to non-forest uses while enhancing community benefits. Proposals demonstrating significant public benefits and community engagement will be prioritized, especially those contributing to habitat connectivity and resilience for local ecosystems.

The North Crawford Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to provide educational opportunities for graduates of North Crawford High School. Students planning to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school with a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible to apply. This scholarship not only supports academic pursuits but also enhances the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin, aligning with the foundation's mission of matching personal philanthropy with community needs.

The Platteville Consumers Cooperative Scholarship, administered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from several high schools in the region pursuing education in agriculture or agribusiness. This initiative aims to enhance local educational opportunities and foster community growth by assisting students in their transition to post-secondary education. Eligible high schools include Belmont, Benton, Cuba City, and others, underscoring the commitment to supporting youth in Southern Wisconsin.

The Richard W. Rote Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports high school graduates from Monroe, WI, planning to attend accredited technical schools. While preference may be given to those demonstrating financial need, it is not a strict requirement. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and empower local students, contributing positively to the community's future.

The Rock Prairie United Presbyterian Church Scholarship, provided by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports current and past graduates from local high schools, emphasizing active church membership and community service. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities while connecting personal philanthropy with community needs, ensuring that local youth have access to necessary resources for their academic journeys.

The Ronald J. Jelinek Memorial Fund for Welding Education, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, provides scholarships for individuals seeking to enhance their welding skills. Open to residents of Rock County, this fund supports educational expenses including tuition, books, and necessary supplies. By bridging personal philanthropy with community needs, it aims to empower local students and adults in pursuing their educational goals in welding.

The Sonya Sauer Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students attending accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to those pursuing elementary education or religious studies, as well as to students demonstrating financial need. This initiative enhances educational opportunities for local students from Beloit Memorial, Janesville Craig, Janesville Parker, and Milton High Schools.

The Stebnitz Builders, Inc. Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from Walworth County high schools pursuing trade-related fields. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, submit a project photo, and provide two letters of recommendation. Preference is given to those with work or community service experience, particularly in carpentry. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters community engagement among local youth.

The Thomas B. and Grace Stevenson Jones Charitable Scholarship, administered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from various high schools in the region. Eligible applicants must be attending an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote community engagement, ultimately contributing to the local quality of life in Southern Wisconsin.

The Upper Midwest Endurance & Competitive Riders Association Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, offers financial support for post-high school education to members of the Association. Scholarships up to $1,500 are available for tuition and educational expenses at accredited institutions. Eligibility includes academic performance, recommendations, financial need, and active membership in the organization. This initiative fosters educational opportunities and community engagement among young riders.

The PRISM Fund Grant, offered by PFund Foundation, aims to enhance equity within LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. It focuses on supporting rural LGBTQ+ organizations through grants, training, and collaboration. The program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by discrimination, such as queer people of color, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ residents of North and South Dakota. By addressing unique regional challenges, the PRISM Fund fosters resilience and connectivity among these underserved populations.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program by the Arbor Day Foundation encourages colleges and universities to engage in sustainable practices by fostering community forests and enhancing campus greenery. Participating institutions benefit from recognition while promoting energy conservation, carbon absorption, and mental health support. By involving students in tree-related projects, schools cultivate environmental stewardship. This program not only beautifies campuses but also instills pride among students and staff, making higher education environments healthier and more livable.

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.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

The Bisexual+ Fund Grant, offered by the PFund Foundation, supports organizations that promote equity for bisexual+ individuals in the upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Grants range from $1,500 to $3,000 for general operating support, aiming to empower bisexual-led initiatives. Applications will open in late fall 2025, and eligible organizations must primarily serve LGBTQ+ populations and demonstrate commitment to bisexual+ communities.

Associated Bank Community Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of communities through charitable donations. Allocating 1% of annual pretax profits, the bank supports programs benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Philanthropic priorities include affordable housing, small business development, workforce development, sustainability, and racial/social equity. The bank collaborates with nonprofit organizations that align with its values, ensuring meaningful contributions to community growth and improvement.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The State Property Friends Groups Grant Program allocates $500,000 annually to support friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations in enhancing state properties. Grants can fund up to 50% of a project's costs, with a maximum of $20,000 per property. Eligible projects focus on nature-based outdoor recreation and must meet specific requirements, ensuring long-lasting improvements. Applicants are encouraged to engage with the DNR early in their planning process to ensure compliance and project success.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.