Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The USDA Forest Service's Invasive Species Program funding opportunity invites proposals aimed at enhancing invasive species prevention. By leveraging existing research and knowledge, projects can create actionable solutions to protect American agriculture. This initiative seeks to connect scientific insights with practical regulatory improvements, thereby reducing the introduction and establishment of new invasive pests. Previous research, including horizon scanning and monitoring sentinel trees, serves as a foundation for developing effective strategies.

The Higher Education Challenge Grants Program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance institutional capacities in food and agricultural sciences education. This initiative focuses on improving curriculum, faculty, and student recruitment for master's and doctoral programs, particularly in veterinary medicine. By strengthening these educational frameworks, the program seeks to ensure the availability of skilled professionals in critical agricultural sectors.

Common Waters: Strengthening Community-based Coastal and Riverine Stewardship

Opportunity Overview

Projects supported by this RFP must be community-based stewardship initiatives (including but not limited to stewardship driven by Indigenous and descendant communities); they should be led by an individual with a strong connection to and/or an existing track record of work in the community(ies) where the project will take place, or by a member of the community themselves, and be designed in response to community needs. Projects can focus on a wide range of specific issues, including (but not limited to) local conservation and ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and resilience, or sustainable fishing/agriculture. The RFP will prioritize projects in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions destinations, including the Arctic, Asia, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe and the Mediterranean, Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more detailed information on targeted areas within these regions, please refer to the targeted areas document.

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports outdoor enthusiasts and promotes responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Its mission includes educating the public on land use and wildlife conservation while protecting access to public lands. Applications are accepted quarterly from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on land stewardship and access improvements, ensuring a safe and sustainable outdoor experience for all.

The Jobs Plus NOFO for FY2026, issued by the US HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing, aims to enhance job opportunities for public housing residents. This initiative encourages innovative programs that prepare individuals for employment in high-demand fields, ultimately fostering economic stability within communities. By focusing on workforce development, this funding opportunity seeks to empower residents through education and training, paving the way for long-term success and self-sufficiency.

The Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons offers a Career Development Award to support early career investigators in colorectal surgery. With a funding of $75,000 per year for two years, this award emphasizes mentorship and career growth. Applicants must be within five years of their first faculty position and demonstrate innovative research in colon and rectal diseases. The award aims to enhance academic careers while fostering advancements in surgical techniques.

The Robotic Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, provides up to $150,000 over two years for innovative research in colorectal surgery and robotics. Emphasizing education, health equity, and novel techniques, the grant supports projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada, with a focus on scientific rigor. Applications must be submitted by ASCRS members who are principal investigators, ensuring alignment with ethical research standards.

The GSF Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families in need. Applications must be submitted by a current GSF Associate who nominates the organization and its project. Since 2002, the foundation has funded over 600 organizations nationwide. It emphasizes personal involvement and contributions from associates, focusing on essential needs such as education tools, food, and shoes for children. Grants are reviewed at local and national meetings.

The Applied Drug Policy Research Experiences project aims to provide graduate students and recent post-graduates with hands-on research opportunities to support the National Drug Control Strategy. Through rigorous studies and data analyses, this initiative will explore the evolving dynamics of illicit drug supply and usage, assisting public health and safety officials in anticipating drug-related issues and crafting effective responses to safeguard the American public.

The ASTR Targeted Research Area Grant supports projects by scholars focusing on under-represented areas in theatre, dance, and performance studies. This includes research on Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern disciplines, as well as pre-1900 studies and essential translations. The grant, offering up to $3000, encourages recipients to publish their findings and collaborate with Theatre Survey editors. Eligibility extends to scholars with terminal degrees and graduate students, provided they are ASTR members.

The Research Foundation of the ASCRS offers the Limited Project Grant to support innovative research in colon and rectal surgery. With funding up to $25,000 for one year, this grant aims to foster investigator-initiated, hypothesis-driven projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada. Successful applicants may secure further funding from national agencies. ASCRS membership is required for principal investigators, ensuring a dedicated approach to advancing colorectal health and surgical techniques.

The Eugene Salvati, MD, Limited Project Grant, offered by the Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, supports clinical research in colorectal surgery. This grant aims to honor Dr. Salvati's legacy by funding innovative projects that improve patient care. With a maximum funding of $25,000 for one year, it emphasizes investigator-initiated research conducted within the U.S. or Canada, encouraging collaboration among ASCRS members and adherence to ethical review board protocols.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The Eastern Bank Foundation (EBF) is dedicated to empowering communities through its Neighborhood Donations initiative. By investing over $16 million in local organizations, EBF aims to support vital services and promote equity in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This program allows contributions to non-501(c)(3) organizations, reinforcing EBF's commitment to partnership and community-driven solutions, with donations typically ranging from $100 to $1,000.

The See, Test & Treat Grants, offered by the College of American Pathologists Foundation, aim to enhance community health by providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Since 2011, nearly 9,000 women have benefited from these programs, which will expand in 2026 to reach more underserved populations. This initiative empowers pathologists to reduce healthcare disparities through accessible screenings and follow-up care, ensuring prompt results and comprehensive health education for participants.

The General Surgery Resident Research Initiation Grant aims to engage General Surgery Residents in research related to colorectal diseases. With an annual funding of $20,000, this grant supports both clinical and laboratory-based research. It is geared towards residents or recent graduates of approved General Surgery programs, prioritizing those with aspirations in Colon and Rectal Surgery. This initiative fosters innovative research to enhance patient care and surgical techniques in the field.

The Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 by Marjorie Fegley, honors her late husband, James E. Fegley. This fund supports Berks County residents pursuing music education, particularly in orchestral strings. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in music programs. The Berks County Community Foundation manages this fund, which contributes significantly to the local arts and education landscape, fostering musical talent in the community.

The Horton PhD Research Grant supports up to three Ph.D. students annually in hydrology and related fields, funded by the Robert E. Horton Fund. It provides a maximum of $10,000 for research and travel, along with $500 for U.S. and Canadian applicants participating in AGU's annual meeting. Eligible students must be active AGU members, enrolled for the award's duration, and meet all application requirements. This grant promotes excellence in hydrological sciences.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund offers emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected financial obstacles while pursuing degrees in engineering. This initiative supports basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation, ensuring that students can continue their education without interruption. It aims to empower women engineers and underrepresented groups in the semiconductor industry, fostering a diverse and resilient workforce for the future.

This NOFO invites applications for innovative research aimed at developing and implementing interventions to prevent and treat substance use disorders (SUDs) and overdose. It encourages studies that can rapidly advance candidate solutions towards regulatory approval or clinical use, while also addressing co-morbid SUDs. The initiative supports a wide range of research including basic, clinical, translational, and implementation strategies to tackle drug misuse and related health issues, such as HIV/AIDS.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund - Bridge Grants aim to support students facing financial obstacles in completing their computing degrees. This initiative fosters diversity in the semiconductor industry by encouraging women engineers and providing them with career-building opportunities. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, DACA recipients, and F1 visa holders pursuing engineering majors. The fund not only alleviates financial stress but also opens doors to internships and full-time positions at Applied Materials, thus enhancing educational progress and career advancement.

The Healthy American Forests Initiative, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance forest health and resilience through targeted funding. This initiative anticipates awarding 10-15 grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million, supporting projects up to 2 years in duration. A 20% non-federal match is required, and interested applicants are encouraged to collaborate with NFWF and Native Americans in Philanthropy for potential match funding.

The William Brewster Memorial Award, awarded by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes exemplary contributions to ornithological science through a significant body of work on Western Hemisphere birds published in the last decade. This prestigious award honors the legacy of William Brewster, a founding member of the American Ornithologists' Union, and includes a medal and honorarium funded by the William Brewster Memorial Fund. Nominations are open to all, fostering diversity in ornithology.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students in the semiconductor industry, particularly supporting women engineers. This initiative provides essential financial assistance through various grant types, including emergency mini-grants and larger Last Mile grants, aimed at helping students overcome financial barriers in their pursuit of degrees. By fostering diverse and resilient teams, the fund contributes to innovation and growth in technology and engineering fields.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.