Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol).

WisDOT supports all forms of transportation. The department is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Wisconsin's network of state highways and Interstate highway system. The department shares the costs of building and operating county and local transportation systems - from highways to public transit and other modes. WisDOT plans, promotes and financially supports statewide air, rail and water transportation.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is the State of Wisconsin’s program for what is now the federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) set-aside Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), enacted in November 2021, replaced the FAST Act-era TA Set-Aside guidelines with enhanced funding availability and programming guidelines. With certain exceptions, projects that met eligibility criteria for the Safe Routes to School Program, Transportation Enhancements, and/or the Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Program are eligible TAP projects.

All TAP projects require project sponsors to pay 100% of project costs up front and are then reimbursed up to 80% of approved project costs after conducting project activity. All TAP projects require sponsors to pay a minimum of 20% of the approved project costs. Federal TAP funds are capped at the time of the project. A TAP project may not be substituted for another project and per Wisconsin Statute §85.021(2)(b), TAP projects must commence within four years of their award date. No exceptions or extensions can be made.

TAP projects within the jurisdiction of a Transportation Management Area (TMA) are selected at the regional level by TMAs, which are metropolitan planning organizations with a census-designated population over 200,000.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

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 Clean Sweep Grants program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, provides funding to municipalities and Tribes for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, agricultural pesticides, and prescription drugs. With a total budget of $1 million, it allocates funds specifically for household hazardous waste, agriculture, and unwanted prescription drug collections. Eligible applicants can receive reimbursements for various related costs, promoting safer community practices throughout Wisconsin.

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.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants program provides funding for customized occupational training aimed at unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers across all industry sectors. Grants range from $5,000 to $400,000, with a requirement for a 50% cash or in-kind match. This initiative supports businesses in enhancing workforce skills, leading to full-time and higher wage employment opportunities. Open to all sizes of companies, it aims to bolster the state's workforce and economic growth.

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 Fox Cities Amateur Sports Authority Scholarship offers five renewable scholarships of $5,000 each for students pursuing higher education at 2-year or 4-year institutions in Wisconsin. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and non-traditional students residing in the Fox Cities area. The scholarship aims to support individuals demonstrating good character and financial need, ensuring that they can pursue their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The We Energies Foundation Grants support community development, health services, arts, education, and environmental initiatives. They prioritize projects from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations located within their service areas, aiming to foster relationships that yield lasting community benefits. Funding is restricted to one grant per organization per year, with a preference for supporting specific projects rather than general operating expenses. Overall, they encourage innovative approaches to enhance community well-being and cultural enrichment.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners 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. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve. 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. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy - Resilience Capacity Grant

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is seeking Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from eligible tribal entities, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) that have participated in the Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy.

The Academy provides cohort-based learning opportunities for Southwest Tribal housing organizations to connect with one another, engage with subject-matter experts, and collaborate with local stakeholders to address the unique climate-related hazards facing their region.

To build on the knowledge and technical assistance gained through the Academy, Enterprise will award grant funding to participants of the Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy to support the implementation of resilient, community-driven solutions.

The Trillium Foundation Grant aims to improve the lives of Wisconsin citizens, focusing on Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities, including veterans and underserved communities. Named after a native wildflower, the foundation emphasizes resilience and community support. Eligible applicants must possess nonprofit tax-exempt status and cannot be individuals. The foundation does not fund activities that are already publicly funded or supported by other grantmaking entities.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Wisconsin Wetland Conservation Trust (WWCT) provides grants to restore and enhance wetlands across the state. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the program allows for mitigation of unavoidable wetland impacts through the purchase of credits. Eligible applicants include public agencies, private landowners, and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on maintaining ecological integrity within local watersheds. Projects must ensure long-term protection of mitigation sites through legal instruments.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers Reproductive Health and Family Planning Grants aimed at supporting racial minority health professionals. With a total funding of $31,500 per grant period, these grants aim to employ licensed nurses and midwives in minority communities. The program, effective from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, will award up to 10 agreements to enhance healthcare access and services for underserved populations.

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.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Flowers for Dreams Foundation Grant prioritizes organizations committed to mental health and community care initiatives for vulnerable populations. With a mission to fund local charities, the foundation has donated over $1.5 million to date. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, with applications accepted year-round. In 2025, the foundation emphasizes support for mental health services, ensuring that funds are used for impactful community care. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and operate within the designated service area.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

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.