Best Grants for Museums in Wisconsin

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

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.

Recycling Consolidation Grant to Responsible Units

The Recycling Consolidation Grant is available in addition to the Basic Recycling Grant. This grant program was created in the state 2011-13 Budget to offer supplemental assistance for Responsible Units (e.g. cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes or solid waste management system) that meet the eligibility criteria in s. 287.24, Wis. Stats. The sum of the awards may not exceed the total net eligible costs of recycling expenses.

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.

Basic Recycling Grant to Responsible Units

Recycling grant awards are made to responsible units (cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes or solid waste management systems) for residential recycling and yard waste program costs that are reasonable and necessary for planning and operating an effective recycling program. 

Eligible costs include those eligible recycling items associated ONLY with residential single family and 2–4-unit households.

If you are eligible to apply for this Basic Recycling Grant you may also qualify for the Recycling Consolidation Grant.

PFund Foundation supports LGBTQ+ communities in the Upper Midwest by providing event sponsorship funding for various gatherings, including fundraisers and pride festivals. Organizations eligible for funding must align with the foundation's mission, serve LGBTQ+ individuals, and be registered as 501c3 nonprofit entities. Events must be located within the foundation's service area and be scheduled at least 60 days in advance. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and support.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Midwest Asset Management University Program

Operating, maintaining, and preserving affordable housing is complex and requires a specialized set of skills and a deep organizational commitment to asset management. Today, affordable housing providers face a variety of economic, operational, and compliance challenges, including rising operating costs, rental arrears, staffing shortages, and an aging portfolio.

Enterprise is launching its first Asset Management University (AMU) Program in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and/or Minnesota) in March 2026 to support mission-aligned, affordable housing providers in meeting these challenges in their efforts to provide housing stability to residents and preserve the long-term affordability of properties.

The Midwest AMU is a comprehensive, five-month training program that seeks to strengthen the asset and property management capabilities of participating housing providers, improving organizations’ capacity to oversee the financial, physical, and operational health of their housing portfolios.

Midwest Asset Management University Cohort 

Enterprise is excited to offer this application for participation in the Asset Management University (AMU) Cohort (the “Cohort”). Up to fifteen (15) eligible organizations will be selected for this Cohort and will receive access to online training offered by the Consortium of Housing and Asset Management (CHAM), peer learning opportunities, and post-training technical assistance.

The Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants program supports the state's agricultural and food industries by addressing marketing and distribution challenges. Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the program provides up to $50,000 per project with a 50% matching requirement. Since 2008, it has funded 128 projects, generating significant local food sales and creating over 540 jobs, benefiting thousands of producers and markets across Wisconsin.

The Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants, provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, aim to enhance soil and water quality in Wisconsin. By funding innovative, producer-led conservation practices, the program encourages farmer participation and has significantly increased funding and project numbers since its inception. With 41 projects funded, this initiative represents a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and effective nonpoint source pollution management.

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.

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.

Underserved Drinking Water System

The federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) provided funds to assist public water systems in small, underserved and disadvantaged communities in resolving violations and action level exceedances of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The Wisconsin DNR received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set up the Underserved Drinking Water System Grant Program in Wisconsin. The DNR will issue approximately $1.3 million in grants to OTM and nonprofit NN public water systems serving small and underserved communities in Wisconsin.

What are OTMs?

Other-Than-Municipal Community (OTM) public water systems are not owned by a government or municipality and serve groups of 25 or more year-round residents. OTMs can include mobile home parks, apartment buildings and condominium associations that are not on city or municipal water.

What are nonprofit NNs?

Non-Transient Non-Community (NN) public water systems are nonresidential and regularly serve groups of at least 25 of the same people over six months of the year. NNs can include schools and daycare centers that are not on city or municipal water. A nonprofit NN is a government entity or an organization that is described under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue code, which does not lobby. NNs must be nonprofit in order to qualify.

The Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students facing financial hardship. It provides funding for any public college in Wisconsin or Minnesota, including technical, community, and universities, as well as Century College and Metropolitan State University. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals by alleviating financial barriers and fostering academic success in the St. Croix Valley region.

The Albrecht Memorial Scholarship, provided by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students with disabilities from five local high schools in Rock County to pursue post-secondary education at UW-Whitewater. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 and provide proof of disability. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and matching personal philanthropy with community needs, ensuring a lasting impact in Southern Wisconsin.

The Curt Marzolf Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, offers financial assistance to graduating seniors from Monroe, Argyle, Juda, or South Wayne high schools pursuing engineering studies at accredited colleges. This scholarship aims to support students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and encourages applicants with interests in hunting, fishing, or related fields, although this is not a requirement. It reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in Southern Wisconsin.

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.

The Doug & Janice Steinback Family Scholarship is offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin to assist students from Southwest Wisconsin pursuing degrees in agriculture, life sciences, biology, or chemistry. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and may receive preference if they demonstrate involvement in community activities or financial need. This scholarship aims to support local high school graduates from specific counties in their academic endeavors.

The Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship (JMTS) is a renewable scholarship aimed at high school students from multicultural backgrounds pursuing a career in education. Sponsored by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, this program requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and commit to applying for employment within the School District of Janesville after receiving their Educator Certification. It promotes diversity in teaching and supports students in their educational aspirations.

The Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship (JMTS) supports non-traditional students pursuing careers in education. Offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, this renewable scholarship aims to foster diversity in teaching by assisting African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American students. Applicants must maintain a 2.75 GPA and commit to applying for employment within the School District of Janesville upon earning their Educator Certification. This initiative strengthens educational opportunities for underrepresented communities.

The John C. Deetz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports high school seniors from specific schools pursuing higher education in agriculture. This scholarship emphasizes financial need without imposing it as a strict requirement. It aims to foster students' academic and career aspirations in sustainable farming practices and agricultural research, enhancing the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin.

The John Redfearn Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from local high schools pursuing careers in agriculture. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate involvement in school and community activities. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and encourage personal philanthropy that meets community needs. It serves students from various Southern Wisconsin counties, fostering a commitment to agricultural education and community engagement.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and similar nonprofit programs in Wisconsin and 12 other eligible states can apply for UNICO Foundation’s Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant to buy food or provide shelter. Museum-affiliated programs that operate qualifying food or shelter services for low-income or vulnerable people may be eligible.

The Joyce Awards

The Joyce Awards provide direct, catalytic support to Great Lakes-based artists and culture bearers whose visionary creative practices meaningfully impact and advance racial equity in their communities.

Informed by conversations with artists, arts leaders, and past awardees across the region, the new Joyce Awards program includes unrestricted awards of $100,000, paired with a $40,000 grant to a Great Lakes organization selected by the artist to help realize, expand, or deepen the impact of their work in the region.

Administered by United States Artists, the program now welcomes both peer and self-nominations and has expanded eligibility state-wide in six states. Artists and culture bearers based in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will be eligible in 2026, followed by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in 2027. Following a nomination, application, and panel review process, four Awards will be awarded in each year. 

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

Wisconsin Sea Grant

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector.

Each year, the program scrutinizes the impact it has on coastal communities, serving people and better understanding the Great Lakes ecosystem. Our 2026 program one sheet provides a summary.

Wisconsin Fellowship in Water-Related Environmental Hazards and Public Health

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center, home to the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute and Wisconsin Sea Grant, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, seeks applicants for a fellowship focused on water-related environmental hazards and public health in Wisconsin.

This two-year fellowship provides an opportunity for a recent Master of Public Health graduate or doctoral graduate to apply their technical expertise to real-world public health challenges while gaining valuable experience working alongside professionals in state government. The fellow will be employed by UW- Madison and stationed full-time with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The fellowship is designed to support both professional development and community impact. Community- engaged science and public health rely on building relationships, fostering trust, and working collaboratively to support informed decision-making. Through this role, the Fellow will gain experience working at this interface, developing and implementing approaches that support communities while learning how to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful public health action.