Best Grants for Rare Diseases in Wisconsin

Wisconsin nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program support in communities where Costco operates. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working on rare disease care or related health services may apply online; applications are reviewed within 4–6 weeks based on community need and measurable outcomes.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and related social issues can seek invitation-only funding to launch or expand programs. Focused on innovation in addressing societal problems, Creag Foundation invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations, including those working on health, diseases and conditions, or community services that may intersect with rare disease needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can apply for up to US $15,000 from the DanPaul Foundation to support health, education, development, and welfare programs worldwide. Wisconsin groups working on child welfare, early childhood development, homelessness, poverty, clean air and water, or refugee enrichment may be eligible if their projects directly serve young people.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations addressing critical social or environmental challenges in Wisconsin and beyond can receive up to US $300,000 over three years to scale proven, impact-first solutions. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation also offers intensive capacity-building and a global peer community; health-focused ventures, including those serving rare disease populations, may be eligible.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Cisco Systems Foundation provides worldwide social impact programs with support for innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved populations, including those based in Wisconsin.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Wisconsin can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs addressing community safety, disaster preparedness, housing, economic empowerment, or education may be eligible, including those serving people with rare or chronic diseases.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in Wisconsin on health, education, or community initiatives can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, and STEM education. Rare disease organizations may be eligible if their work fits these priorities, including preventative healthcare and patient services.

Organizations in Wisconsin working on education, childhood health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other mission-aligned entities.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, economic development, or community services can access funding through PNC Foundation to benefit low- and moderate-income children and families. Programs may include early learning, affordable housing, small business support, workforce readiness, arts and culture, or neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit charities in Wisconsin can seek support for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts initiatives that promote sustainable development and engage local partners and employees. With a mission to strengthen communities, Roche provides Wisconsin organizations with philanthropic donations for accredited, high-quality projects that may complement rare disease–related outreach, education, or social support efforts.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can seek support for marginalized communities, including those addressing respiratory and other diseases in Wisconsin and worldwide. The Semnani Family Foundation backs on-the-ground programs that improve healthcare access, child and women’s health, vaccines, and broader human and social services for vulnerable populations.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations working on medical, scientific, educational, or charitable programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for projects carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal (and, if applicable, California) law. Health-focused groups, including those addressing respiratory or rare diseases, may benefit.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Organizations addressing housing, jobs, hunger, or related health and social needs for low- and moderate-income communities, including those serving people with rare or respiratory diseases, may be eligible.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) charities working on health, medical assistance, or related human services can apply for Robinson Foundation’s single-year project support. Eligible organizations must be over three years old and serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line; Wisconsin rare disease nonprofits may qualify if their work fits these priorities and geography.

Focused on community services, Insperity invites Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for philanthropic grants or event sponsorships supporting their service and fundraising goals. Organizations working on rare or respiratory diseases may be eligible if they serve communities where Insperity employees live and work or are Insperity clients.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Wisconsin can apply for funding to support their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible support for initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment, which may benefit organizations addressing rare or respiratory diseases as part of broader community health efforts.

Wisconsin nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek support for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites organizations within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply; rare disease programs may be eligible if they fit these priorities.

Wisconsin nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence survivors can access funding through TJX Foundation if they are 501(c)(3) organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX site. Programs may include food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness for ages 16–24, and safety services for vulnerable families and children.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin and across the U.S. can seek funding for community-based programs, including health facilities, youth and senior services, disability services, education, and cultural initiatives. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation awards US $1,000 - US $20,000, which may benefit organizations addressing respiratory and other rare diseases through related services or facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs can seek Ameriprise Community Grants to support services like hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, and job readiness. Focused on community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites Wisconsin organizations addressing health-related social needs in rare disease populations to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support education, health care, social services, civic, cultural, or environmental projects, including work in Wisconsin. With a mission to improve our world, Dr Scholl Foundation provides one-year project funding; organizations addressing rare or chronic diseases may be eligible if they fit these priorities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Non-traditional students in Wisconsin pursuing nursing degrees can receive up to US $2,000 for tuition and books through the Isabelle Rowe Nursing Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region support part-time or full-time study, with preference for applicants from the Fox Valley and Waupaca areas who have healthcare work experience and financial need; rare disease-focused caregivers may be eligible.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.