Best Grants for Preschools in Wisconsin

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) in Wisconsin is seeking partner organizations to provide lead investigation services for children and pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. This initiative aims to reduce childhood lead poisoning by coordinating environmental investigations and remediation efforts for lead hazards in homes. The program is set to begin on October 1, 2025, and will prioritize projects based on the blood lead levels of children, ensuring safe living conditions for families across the state.

The Wisconsin Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds program invites applications for initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of care for nursing facility residents. Funded by penalties imposed on non-compliant nursing homes, this program supports projects that go beyond routine operations, such as resident relocation assistance and facility improvements. Eligible applicants include consumer advocacy groups and certified long-term care facilities. CMP funds cannot be used for ongoing operational costs or to bring facilities into compliance.

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

The Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Program honors exceptional teachers in Wisconsin, providing support for professional development. Each of the 100 selected teachers receives a $6,000 grant, with matching funds for their schools. Nominations can come from various community members, and eligibility includes all PK-12 classroom teachers planning to continue teaching. This initiative aims to recognize and enhance teaching excellence, fostering innovation in education across the state.

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 Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

Mission

The mission of The IRONMAN Foundation is to make a positive and lasting impact through the provision of grant funding and volunteerism. This commitment is realized by offering support to a diverse range of charitable organizations worldwide, including areas such as athletics, community, health, and public benefit.

Community Grant Program

The IRONMAN Foundation Community Grant program supports organizations within select North American and international race communities.

Grant funding provides an opportunity to create positive, tangible change in our race communities and leave the IRONMAN Legacy behind long after race day.

Since 2003, over $60 million has been provided through giveback programs led by the IRONMAN Foundation to more than 10,000 local, regional, national and global nonprofit initiatives.

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 Growing the Body of Christ Grants, offered by the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, aim to enhance the Lutheran community by funding capital requests over $50,000, specifically in the Fall cycle. These grants support ministries that strengthen congregations, develop leaders, and innovate in church practices. Eligible organizations include Lutheran churches in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, promoting effective, collaborative outreach and educational initiatives for youth and families.

The C.D. Besadny Conservation Grants support grassroots conservation and education projects in Wisconsin, with funding ranging from $500 to $5,000. The grants prioritize initiatives that engage marginalized communities, protect rare species, and enhance climate resiliency. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and accredited educational institutions. The total project budget cannot exceed $10,000, and matching contributions are encouraged. This funding opportunity aims to strengthen connections between people and Wisconsin's natural resources.

The Go Outside Fund aims to connect Wisconsin's youth with nature by providing grants between $100 and $500 for outdoor learning experiences. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and accredited educational institutions. The fund prioritizes projects that engage children in outdoor activities, facilitating access to nature while aligning with educational standards. This initiative addresses the pressing need for children to spend more time outdoors, promoting both physical and mental health benefits.

The Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund supports the creation and maintenance of quiet trails in Wisconsin, including walking, hiking, and skiing paths. Grants range from $500 to $1,000, prioritizing public access and inclusivity. Eligible applicants include public charities, government units, and accredited educational institutions. Projects must enhance trail accessibility and promote quiet outdoor experiences, while ineligible organizations include individuals and private foundations.

The Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation aims to enhance oral health access for underserved communities through funding programs, scholarships, and community events. With a focus on at-risk populations and a commitment to improving overall dental health, the foundation supports eligible organizations such as nonprofits and government agencies. Grants are limited to one per year per program, ensuring targeted and effective use of resources to make a measurable impact in Wisconsin.

MRC/SOT Victor A. Drill Award

This award recognizes the top student abstract at the MRC/SOT Spring meeting. The student must present a poster at the Midwest Regional Chapter meeting. Please include your poster (if available) as part of your application submission.

Winners will receive funds to be used for continuing education in toxicology (e.g., travel to national or regional meeting and/or purchase of textbook(s), participation in workshops).

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

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 Surface Water Grants: Management Plan Implementation Projects, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, support initiatives aimed at enhancing and protecting surface water resources. With a focus on approved management plans, these grants facilitate projects that improve aquatic ecosystems. Applications are due by September 15 for pre-proposals and November 15 for full proposals. Each waterbody can submit one application, ensuring targeted, impactful management efforts for Wisconsin's vital water resources.

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.

The MCW-Led Momentum Grant, offered by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, supports collaborative teams in pursuing innovative research and programs to enhance Wisconsin's health workforce. With funding up to $250,000, the grant aims to address critical health needs and promote health equity across diverse communities, ensuring impactful outcomes during the project period.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

The Brownfields Grant Program in Wisconsin aims to revitalize contaminated industrial or commercial sites, promoting economic growth and community development. This initiative supports applicants with funds for environmental assessments and remediation efforts, turning neglected properties into viable spaces for redevelopment. Eligible candidates must provide recent environmental reports and demonstrate the inability of the responsible party to pay for cleanup. By facilitating the transformation of these brownfields, the program enhances local economies and community welfare.

The Wisconsin Opportunity Attraction Fund aims to strategically invest in the state's economy by attracting major events and programs. Managed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, this fund enhances Wisconsin's visibility as a prime destination for travel and business. The program supports eligible entities in securing opportunities through competitive bidding, ultimately driving economic impact and boosting tourism and out-of-state talent attraction. This initiative reflects Wisconsin's commitment to fostering economic growth and community well-being.

The Wausau East Girls Swim Team Scholarship, established in 2006, honors student athletes who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the sport and their community. Administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Wausau East High School who have been active members of the swim team for at least three years. It celebrates values such as teamwork, perseverance, and a positive attitude, fostering future leaders both in academics and athletics.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Vibrant Spaces Grant in Wisconsin aims to enhance community well-being by funding public space improvements. Local governments can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. Key eligibility criteria include a 1:1 match requirement and community engagement. Projects should create vibrant gathering spaces, increase foot traffic, and support local businesses. The initiative fosters connections and encourages diverse activities, making it a vital resource for revitalizing underutilized areas and promoting economic growth.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.