Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The NSF National Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Teams program aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and marketable technologies. By providing NSF-funded researchers with entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and funding, it accelerates the transformation of foundational discoveries into viable products and services. Participants engage in hands-on customer discovery and business model assessments, leading to improved product-market fit and strategic partnerships. This initiative fosters collaboration between academia and industry, enhancing the commercialization of deep technologies.

The Sparkplug Foundation offers Emergency Grants of up to $5,000 exclusively for current and past grantees in education or community organizing. Funding is aimed at organizations with annual budgets of $500,000 or less, supporting innovative projects with limited existing funding sources. These one-time grants address urgent needs due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring accountability and inclusion, particularly within communities in the US and Palestine/Israel.

The National Science Foundation is piloting a no-deadline submission process for the Division of Chemistry's CLP, CSDM-A, and CTMC Programs. This initiative aims to enhance flexibility for principal investigators and promote interdisciplinary research. However, it may also present challenges and unintended consequences for PIs, reviewers, and institutions. Proposals can be submitted at any time, although certain exceptions apply, including specific deadlines for CAREER proposals and RUI/ROA solicitations.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers the Disaster Relief Grant to support libraries in rural areas of the United States affected by natural disasters. This grant provides $800 worth of quality, hardcover children's books to aid in rebuilding children's departments. Libraries must demonstrate a commitment to serving their communities and possess a limited operating budget. This initiative ensures that children in disaster-stricken regions have access to new books, enhancing literacy and fostering a love for reading.

The Simons Foundation's Targeted Grants in Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) program invites applications for funding to support research projects. Grants can be awarded for up to five years, with flexible funding levels. Eligible applicants include established educational institutions and research centers, and funding can cover various expenses such as salaries, travel, and equipment. Notably, the program does not allow funding for U.S. national labs. For complete guidelines, refer to the Simons Foundation's website.

The Albert J. Beveridge Grant for Research in the Western Hemisphere, awarded by the American Historical Association, supports research on the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Grants, funded by the Beveridge Memorial Fund, are available annually and can cover various research expenses, including travel and access fees. Preference is given to advanced doctoral students and non-tenured faculty. Eligibility is limited to AHA members, ensuring a focus on high-quality historical scholarship.

The George William Groh Trust Grant supports medical research initiatives by providing funding to organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of May 1 for consideration at the annual grant meeting. The foundation aims to enhance medical research efforts and contribute to advancements in healthcare.

The AWI Refinement Research Award, offered by the Animal Welfare Institute, supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing the welfare of animals used in experimentation. With a funding opportunity of up to $15,000, applicants can propose methods to reduce pain and distress, promote species-appropriate care, and address animal abuse in laboratories. Applications are open until October 11, and eligibility is restricted to projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada.

The DAAD North America program offers funding for faculty and students to organize interdisciplinary workshops and conferences focused on German studies. Supported by the German Foreign Office, it aims to enhance understanding of Germany's cultural, political, and economic landscape in North America. Projects must be well-defined and financially supported by at least 50% from other sources, excluding transatlantic travel and overhead costs. This initiative encourages collaboration and engagement in the humanities and social sciences.

The Burg-Coleman Iowa State 77 ACI Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering focused on concrete structures or materials. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and coverage of travel costs for two ACI conventions. Open to international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, this fellowship fosters the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The ASPCA Research Grants support innovative research aimed at enhancing animal welfare. With a total funding amount of $440,000, the grants are open to various research areas including cruelty research, access to veterinary care, applied behavior, psychological trauma, and farm animal welfare. Eligible applicants include U.S. public or private entities and Canadian universities. The maximum individual grant amounts vary by research area, encouraging impactful studies that directly benefit animals.

The National Scleroderma Foundation's Pre-Doctoral Summer Fellowship Award Program aims to support Ph.D. students conducting vital research on scleroderma. This initiative encourages emerging researchers by fostering their early interest in discovering the causes and potential cures of this challenging disease. By funding innovative research, the Foundation seeks to advance medical knowledge and improve the lives of those affected by scleroderma, reinforcing its commitment to finding a cure.

The Baker and Taylor YALSA Conference Grant provides two $1,000 awards to librarians working with young adults, enabling them to attend the Annual Conference for the first time. One grant supports a school librarian, while the other is for a public library librarian. Applicants must be current members of ALA/YALSA, with prior membership preferred for at least two years, and must have between one to ten years of experience working with teenagers.

The Boston Scientific Foundation Inc. offers charitable donations to U.S. Health Care Providers (HCPs) and National Associations supporting legitimate charitable efforts. These include funding for public health education, community health research, and charitable sponsorships. Eligible applicants are encouraged to reach out to the division Grant Coordinators for inquiries or submission guidance. This initiative aims to foster community well-being and enhance health outcomes through various charitable activities.

The Major Research Grants on Reducing Inequality, funded by the William T Grant Foundation, support research aimed at reducing inequality in youth outcomes for ages 5-25 in the U.S. Grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2-3 years. Studies can explore various systems such as education, mental health, and justice, focusing on mechanisms for change, intervention effectiveness, and improved measurement of inequality.

Resist.

In 1967, Resist emerged out of the resistance to the Vietnam War and evolved to support the visionary frontline groups that are resisting, re-imagining, and transforming their communities for a more just and liberated world.

Resist is a foundation that supports people’s movements for justice and liberation. We redistribute resources back to frontline communities at the forefront of change while amplifying their stories of building a better world.

Our grant-making: Throughout this history, Resist has provided critical early funding to some of the most influential progressive organizations in the U.S. In total, Resist has granted more than $12 million to over 6,000 dedicated groups across the United States.

Urgent Action Fund

The 2026 Urgent Action Fund resources organizations with urgent projects or requests that include, but are not limited to, events, direct actions, accessibility, and mutual aid. Applications will open on the last Monday and close the following Friday of each month until cap has been reached. Projects that reflect escalated resistance, campaigns, events, projects or programmatic work will be prioritized.

The Community Seed Donations program by Seed Savers Exchange provides seeds to schools, community gardens, and nonprofits, ensuring that these resources are freely available to those in need. In addition, they offer disaster relief seed donations for organizations affected by recent natural disasters. To qualify, applicants must be nonprofits with U.S. shipping addresses. This initiative not only supports community growth but also promotes sustainability and resilience in the face of challenges.

The Law & Science Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, invites interdisciplinary proposals that explore the intersection of law and scientific principles. It focuses on research examining human behavior, legal processes, and the application of technology in legal contexts. Topics include crime, environmental science, and forensic studies. Applications are due on January 15 and August 1 for the years 2021 through 2025, promoting innovative research that enhances understanding of legal systems.

The Economic Research Rescue Fund, established by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), provides emergency grants up to $250,000 for economics-related research projects whose NSF funding has been terminated. This initiative aims to support Principal Investigators facing disruptions in crucial research that holds significant societal benefits, amidst reduced NSF support. Eligible projects must have previously received NSF funding and be linked to a practicing PhD economist. This fund seeks to sustain vital economic research during challenging times.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

James Clerk Maxwell Prize for Plasma Physics

Recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of plasma physics.

The prize consists of $10,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a travel reimbursement of up to $2,000 to attend the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) meeting. Information on allowable travel expenses appears here.

The recipient will be asked to deliver an invited talk at the DPP meeting and will receive a meeting registration waiver.

The prize will be presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Budding Botanist Grant, offered by the Klorane Botanical Foundation, aims to educate students about environmental sustainability and biodiversity through school garden programs. In 2023, grants of $1000 will be awarded to twenty schools across the U.S., prioritizing those with a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This initiative encourages young learners to explore and care for their local ecosystems.

The Braslau Family Travel Grant supports degree-seeking students and early career physicists in the US to attend APS March or April Meetings. Established in 2016, it honors the Braslau brothers, both distinguished scientists. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, prioritize applicants lacking financial support, particularly underrepresented minorities and women. Funds are disbursed post-meeting, contingent on required documentation. This initiative fosters professional and academic interactions crucial for emerging physicists.

The AAO-HNSF Health Services Research Grant provides $10,000 for one year to support research that enhances the effectiveness and appropriateness of medical practices in otolaryngology. Projects should yield clinically significant findings within the award period and can be innovative in nature. Eligible applicants include otolaryngologists from the U.S. and Canada, with support letters required from Department Chairs. Funding cannot be used for Principal Investigator salaries or clerical support, and detailed budgeting is crucial for application.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research

Recognizes a particular recent outstanding achievement in plasma physics research.

The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a travel reimbursement of up to $2,000 to attend the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) meeting. Information on allowable travel expenses appears here.

In the case of multiple recipients, the stipend and travel reimbursement will be divided equally.

The recipient will receive a DPP meeting registration waiver. In the event of a team larger than five (5), DPP may cap the number of registration waivers.

It will be awarded annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

Prior to 2007, this award was originally named the Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics.

The AWI Implementing Refinement Grant, offered by the Animal Welfare Institute, aims to enhance the welfare of animals in experimentation. Grants up to $8,000 support equipment purchases or staff training for implementing proven refinements. Eligible applicants must be from the U.S. or Canada, and projects should be completed within a year. The grant focuses on improving animal lives beyond basic needs, ensuring no funds are misused for indirect costs or basic care.

The Chicago Artistic Vitality Grant supports over 175 small, professional arts organizations across various disciplines. It provides essential unrestricted operational funding that allows these organizations to thrive while encouraging artistic innovation. Grantees must be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors, with expenses under $1 million per year. The grant aims to foster a vibrant arts ecosystem in Chicago, ensuring diverse artistic expressions in every neighborhood, and promotes the sustainability of emerging talent.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.