Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Allan H. Selig Scholarship Program offers financial support to graduating seniors from Wisconsin high schools, who are accepted to colleges or universities in the state. Established in honor of former Commissioner Bud Selig, the program provides $2,500 annually, renewable for up to four years, totaling $10,000. Recipients must maintain a 2.8 GPA, complete 12 credits each semester, and attend a pre-game ceremony. This initiative underscores a commitment to educational excellence in Wisconsin.

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 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 Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award supports Wisconsin's private school principals and administrators by recognizing their leadership. Each year, up to four private school principals can receive a $6,000 grant, alongside a matching grant for their school. This award aims to help administrators achieve their professional goals and enhance their schools. Eligible nominees must be committed to their roles for the upcoming school year, and prior recipients may reapply if nominated.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

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.

Wisconsin Department of Justice

​​​​​The Wisconsin Department of Justice (Wisconsin DOJ) is led by the attorney general, a constitutional officer who is elected by partisan ballot to a four-year term. Public safety is the core of Wisconsin DOJ's mission. The main duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing legal advice and representation for the State of Wisconsin
• Investigating crimes that are statewide in nature, importance, or influence
• Providing technical assistance and training to law enforcement officers and prosecutors
• Assisting victims of crime in exercising their rights and accessing services
• Providing forensic analysis of evidence in criminal cases
• Promoting safe school environment​s​

Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) Grant Program

Program Goal

The goal of the SAVS Grant Program is to develop, expand, enhance, and/or support comprehensive sexual assault victim services so they are available to victims of sexual assault regardless of where they reside in Wisconsin. 

Core Services

The SAVS legislation provides a brief list of services that award recipients must provide or propose to provide, and statistical information that OCVS is mandated to collect from grantees. Statistical information reflects the core services.

• 24 Hour Crisis Response
• Personal Advocacy
• Systems Advocacy
• Information and Referral
• Support Groups
• Accessible Services
• Community Outreach and Prevention Education

Wisconsin Emergency Management 

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, is committed to building a safe and resilient Wisconsin. WEM coordinates statewide resources, supports local governments and tribal nations, and strengthens preparedness for disasters and emergencies. From operating the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to delivering training, exercises, and planning support, WEM ensures communities are ready to respond and recover. Key priorities include disaster response coordination, hazard mitigation, recovery programs, and public safety training. Guided by its mission to protect lives and property, WEM partners with agencies across the state to enhance emergency capabilities and foster resilience.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program is an annual, nationally competitive grant program for state agencies, county governments, local governments and Tribal Nations to implement long-term, cost-effective mitigation actions that mitigate risk to infrastructure and community lifelines.

BRIC program priorities include:

• Mitigation measures that incentivize natural hazard risk reduction activities that mitigate current and future risk to public infrastructure
• Incorporate nature-based solutions
• Enhance climate resilience and adaptation
• Increase funding to applicants that facilitate the adoption and enforcement of the latest published editions of building codes.

 WEM works to fund as many grants as possible under its set-aside allocation for planning, capability & capacity (C&CB) grants, and traditional mitigation projects. All projects must pass a Benefit-Cost Analysis using FEMA’s software and undergo a review for environmental and historic preservation impacts.

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.

The James Beckum Player/Coach Scholarship Program, established by the Brewers Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities for Wisconsin youth. Named after James Beckum, a former Negro League player, this one-year scholarship varies between $1,000 and $2,500. To qualify, recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.8 or higher and complete at least 12 credits each semester, while also participating in a pre-game ceremony at the ballpark.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

Wisconsin Humanities Council

Established in 1972 as an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Wisconsin Humanities is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization governed by a volunteer board of directors who come from across the state.

Mission Statement: Wisconsin Humanities strengthens our democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state.

Grants for Humanities Programs

Wisconsin Humanities awards grants to support locally-initiated public humanities programs. Grants for humanities programs are awarded to encourage greater public participation in humanities programming, spark imagination, and promote thoughtful conversation across the state. We especially encourage organizations in underserved communities to apply.

Major Grants

Major Grants (with budget requests of $2,001 - $10,000) are awarded three times per year. Award decisions are made about two months after the deadline. The online application opens after the previous deadline closes.

What is a humanities program?

Humanities programs should be reflective experiences that engage the public. Programs can take many forms including exhibitions, performances, community discussions, guest speakers, workshops, oral history projects, panels, town halls, films, and more. Creativity is encouraged!

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Environmental Programming Grant supports organizations in Cedar Grove, Belgium, Northern Ozaukee, Oostburg, and Random Lake, Wisconsin, focusing on water-related programs and animal rehabilitation. Grants can be matching, special projects, endowments, capital projects, or general operations. Eligible organizations must be local, 501(c)(3) certified, and spend 25% or less on administrative costs. The Bruce Krier Charitable Foundation Inc prioritizes impactful, community-driven initiatives.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

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 Post-Doctoral Researcher Seed Grants

Funding Summary

AHW’s Call for Applications: MCW Post-Doctoral Researcher Seed Grants allows eligible MCW Post-Doctoral Researchers and their faculty supervisor to test innovative ideas to address Wisconsin’s leading health challenges and enhance Wisconsin’s health workforce equipped to conduct valuable research to advance health. Successful seed projects will support the post-doctoral researcher in building a foundation for future research independence and career development beyond the project period. Applicants may request up to $50,000 for projects completed within a 12-month period, beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Idle Sites Redevelopment Program by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) aims to rejuvenate abandoned or underused sites in Wisconsin. This program offers grants to local governments for redevelopment efforts, enhancing local economies and community quality of life. Eligible projects can utilize funds for demolition, environmental remediation, and infrastructure improvements, with a focus on transforming blighted properties into valuable community assets. Preference is given to projects in high-density urban areas.

The WAB Creation and Presentation Grant provides vital support to established nonprofit arts organizations in Wisconsin that create or present significant arts programming. This grant emphasizes community impact and artistic quality, requiring applicants to demonstrate a history of consistent artistic activities and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be incorporated in Wisconsin, hold 501(c)(3) status, and provide a dollar-for-dollar match of funding. This multi-year grant program facilitates ongoing artistic development while ensuring accountability.

The Mission Grant by the Dubuque Racing Association aims to enhance community well-being through support for non-profit organizations focused on population growth, retention, and tourism. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt entities, with a preference for projects that involve capacity building. The grant does not fund endowments, political causes, or personal benefits. This initiative seeks to bolster the tri-state area, specifically targeting Dubuque and surrounding counties to promote local tourism and economic development.

The WDNR Shooting Range Grants support counties, cities, and organizations in constructing outdoor shooting ranges, including essential facilities like backstops, benches, and protective fencing. Grants are reimbursement-based, requiring applicants to cover costs upfront. Eligible entities include governmental agencies and educational institutions. The program prioritizes sustainable practices in managing Wisconsin's natural resources while providing safe outdoor recreational opportunities. Interested applicants should refer to the program guidance for detailed instructions on eligibility and application processes.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.