Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The NRF Foundation Retail Management Scholarship, in partnership with CVS Health, is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in retail leadership. Eligible candidates can receive a $10,000 scholarship and attend the NRF Foundation Student Program in NYC in January 2026. This program provides networking opportunities with top retail executives and recruiters, along with insights into career pathways in the retail industry, making it a valuable experience for aspiring leaders.

The AFNGA AusArt Scholarship, offered by the American Australian Association, supports Australian graduate students in fine arts or related fields for one year of artistic development in the US. With funding of US $30,000, recipients can cover travel, living, and tuition costs. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, emerging artists, and have a formal offer from an accredited US institution. This scholarship fosters cultural exchange and artistic growth between Australia and the US.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Donald Forrest Hahn & Wilma Fraley Hahn Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donald Forrest Hahn and Wilma (Fraley) Hahn were high school sweethearts in Hollandsburg, Ohio where they graduated in 1941. Don enrolled at Earlham College, but was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II. He was part of the 3rd Army under the command of General Patton and his unit fought at Normandy Beach on D-Day, in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the battle for the Remagen Bridge. Don received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, one with clusters and a purple heart for shrapnel wounds. Don was a member of the Honor Guard for General Patton’s funeral. Wilma obtained her nursing degree from Reid Memorial Hospital. When Don returned from the war in 1946, they married and moved to 298 No. Jackson Street in Winchester where they lived as man and wife for 70 years in that same house. Don passed away on December 24, 2016 and just 30 hours later Wilma died on December 25. Wilma worked as an emergency room nurse from 1946-1949 and then was employed by the Randolph County Hospital from 1950-1968. From 1968 until her retirement in 1986 Wilma was Randolph Central School corporation’s nurse. Don farmed, was a rural route mail carrier, a member of the Lion’s Club and served on the school board for the Randolph Central School Corporation. He was on the board when the new high school was built. Don and Wilma were members of the First United Methodist Church of Winchester for 70 years. Both Don and Wilma were awarded Sagamores of the Wabash. They had three children, Greg, Randy and LeighAnne. Both Don and Wilma valued public school education and held higher education as a priority.

Awarded to a Randolph County, Indiana High School graduate with a financial need. Preference to be given to a student(s) pursuing a degree in Agriculture or Nursing.

Powering Economic Opportunity Fund

Converting America's economic transformation into lasting earnings gains for workers — by backing the employer-side job designs and workplace practices that a durable payer will carry forward.

Across the United States, the modernization of energy systems, physical infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing is creating sustained demand for skilled workers — electricians, welders, energy technicians, construction managers, and industrial specialists — even as the broader labor market has slowed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that energy-related occupations will be among the fastest-growing through 2034, and critical trades face significant shortages as experienced workers retire. 

Geopolitical uncertainty and conflicts only accelerate these trends and the need to focus on energy security. At the same time, AI-driven disruption continues to displace entry-level knowledge roles, creating a strong and underserved candidate pool for durable trade pathways.

Investments are expanding access to skilled trades training, but a critical gap remains between funding workforce programs and achieving lasting employment outcomes. Too many workers complete training without staying in quality jobs, and too few investments address the employer practices that improve retention, advancement and long-term earnings.

As part of our multiyear partnership with Families and Workers Fund, GitLab Foundation is pleased to announce a $4M open call for the Powering Economic Opportunity Fund — flexible grants of up to $500,000 supporting organizations that partner directly with employers, unions and industry to strengthen work-based learning, improve job quality and connect workers to durable, living-wage careers. Round 2 invests in employer-side practice change — the job designs and workplace practices that help workers stay, advance, and build careers — and in the durable financing that sustains those practices after the grant ends.

The Brennan Family Foundation, established in 1990 by Edward J. Brennan, aims to support charitable, educational, and religious institutions. With a mission to inspire youth development, the foundation provides financial assistance primarily to health care and educational organizations, religious entities, and the arts. Their strategic annual review process ensures that contributions effectively serve our most valuable resource—children. The foundation continues to honor Brennan's legacy of charitable responsibility.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Grant Program aims to support community-based initiatives that assist children and youth impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It also focuses on engaging men and youth in prevention efforts. Eligible applicants can develop or expand strategies for prevention, intervention, and treatment, addressing the needs of affected individuals aged 0-24. Applications are due by September 10, 2026.

Our Impact

UNCF was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college.

Since then, we've helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship

The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship is a need-based, recurring scholarship for active-duty, retired U.S. military veterans, or their dependents who are enrolled full time and pursuing undergraduate STEM degrees at an accredited HBCU. Recipients will receive a renewable award of up to $4,250 to support them in obtaining their undergraduate degree.

This scholarship is in honor of CPO Arthur A. Cook and Capt. Delbert E. Colwell, the fathers of the Grantors who served honorably during WWII.

The Wetherby Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support underprivileged children in Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI. Funding priorities include educational programs, nature appreciation initiatives, and basic needs support. Eligible projects may involve summer camps, collaboration with local organizations, and assistance for children with disabilities. Nonprofits, governmental entities, and religious organizations may apply for grants to enhance children's well-being and promote community strength.

The Dr. Gary King Sharp Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Priority is given to those connected with Hospice services or in the foster care system, and to first-generation college students. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to empower students in their educational pursuits and enhance community life.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Martha Rodriguez Scholarship Fund

Martha Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 2025 by Lisa Ackerman, close friend and then Director of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Raised in Gary, Indiana and a true New Yorker, Martha died as the result of traumatic head injuries from a tragic accident just outside her NYC apartment. Martha Rodriguez gave in life, working as a nurse helping patients navigate the trauma of breast cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In her death, she was lauded by the President of LiveOnNY, an organization that coordinates and oversees organ donations, for her last selfless act of giving. Martha donated organs that gave life and hope and helped three people lead better lives. Her zest for life was contagious, and her dedication, compassion, and expertise left an indelible mark on the lives of countless MSKCC patients and caregivers. She was a friend and mentor to many. She loved being a nurse at MSKCC and worked for more than 28 years as a nurse practitioner and for the last 15 years of her life dealing with breast cancer patients. This scholarship is awarded to nurses studying in master's or doctoral programs who are dedicated to oncology care, or women’s health, or are Latinx nurses.

The Resident Research Preceptorship, funded by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, offers a $15,000 award for a three-month, full-time research experience. This initiative aims to inspire medical residents to explore careers in rheumatology research, enhancing the future workforce. By fostering mentorship and hands-on learning, the program supports the development of skilled rheumatology professionals, ultimately improving patient care for those with rheumatic diseases.

The Princess Grace Awards support early career artists in theater, dance, and film with unrestricted cash grants of $15,000. Open to U.S.-based artists, the awards recognize both creative generators and performance-based creatives. Nominations are required from non-profit organizations or previous award winners, ensuring a robust evaluation of artistic merit. With a focus on nurturing talent, the Princess Grace Foundation honors the legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco by fostering the next generation of artists.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

LinkScholars Program Scholarship ($2,000) 

This renewable scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, or Sumter counties in South Carolina.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Rogers and Meredith Scholarship (College) ($4,000) 

This renewable scholarship is available to students who have been residents of Epworth Children’s Home, Thornwell Home for Children or students who’ve been in custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. 

The James Knott Memorial Scholarship, established by the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Association, supports graduating high school seniors residing in manufactured homes. Awards of up to $1,000 are given annually to students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who attend a nonprofit or public educational institution full-time. Applicants must provide proof of residency, a written statement of financial need, and a reference from a teacher or counselor. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals.

Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship

The Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor the memory of Joan Keeney and her dedication to continuing education. In 1992, at the age of fifty-nine, she attended Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado and completed a life-long dream of earning a Master’s in Counseling. Upon graduation, she volunteered as a grief and bereavement counselor at The First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Colorado. Her life passion was helping others heal and return to love.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide non-traditional, female students interested in nursing and mental health careers access to funds to help further their education and/or certification. In 2026, two one-time scholarship awards of $5,000 each will be offered.

The Amazing Grace Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors Grace Fulcher, a brain tumor survivor. This scholarship supports students diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, who reside in the U.S. and are pursuing higher education. With a $1000 award, the scholarship aims to empower survivors to achieve their educational goals, inspired by Grace's resilience and academic success despite her challenges.

The David R. Woodling Memorial Scholarship, established by The Stocker Foundation in 2007, supports students pursuing certificates or degrees in metals technology, focusing on machine tool technology and welding. Open to legal residents of New Mexico, eligible applicants include high school seniors and nontraditional students. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, books, and required materials, ensuring that recipients can achieve their educational and career goals in this vital field.

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

The Rod's Tire and Service Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, offers $2,500 to assist graduating Marion County high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training. The foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing community welfare through charitable giving and emphasizes support for students majoring in agricultural fields. This scholarship aims to empower local youth and strengthen the community by investing in their educational futures.

The Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program, established in 1993 by C.E. (Woody) Woodcock and Dixie, offers merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for Albuquerque metro area high school seniors excelling in science and math. With a strong belief in the importance of education, the program aims to support students with a minimum GPA of 3.8 who demonstrate exceptional promise and commitment to these fields. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years.

LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship

The LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship Fund was established in honor of LSW Architects' founding leaders and their ability to imagine and build in creative space. 

Number and Size of Awards:

The number and size of awards may vary and are determined by the selection committee. Minimum award amount is $2,500.

Number of Awards: 4

Total Amount Awarded: $10,000

About UNCF

Who We Are

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

2026-2027 Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

Daughters of Charity Inc., in partnership with UNCF, created the Associates Scholars Empowerment Program to assist students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

Students who do not meet the renewal criteria will be placed on probation and given a one semester grace period, while funded, to come into compliance.

The Lakken’s Legacy Survivor Scholarship, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, awards $1,000 to brain tumor survivors pursuing education beyond high school. This initiative honors Lakken, who faced challenges during her cancer journey yet remained passionate about education. The scholarship aims to support individuals diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their studies in various educational institutions. It's a commitment to empower survivors and foster their dreams.

The JA Community Foundation focuses on funding solutions that address the needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. They prioritize programs that enhance senior health, promote history, arts, culture, and support youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations and can apply from all 50 states. However, organizations with open grants cannot submit new applications until their current grants are closed.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Weitz Company Scholarship Fund

Can go to college or vocational school with a major or emphasis in one of the following fields of study:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Interior Design
• Other Construction-related fields (e.g., construction project management, mechanical/electrical engineering and trades).