Best Grants for the Arts in Wisconsin

The Judd S. Alexander Foundation, established in 1973, has distributed over $55 million in grants to enhance quality of life and economic growth in Wausau, Wisconsin. It supports diverse projects in economic development, arts, education, and community services, engaging local leaders and residents. The Foundation encourages non-profit applications that directly benefit Marathon County and is committed to championing significant development initiatives while promoting public-private partnerships for sustainable community improvement.

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

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 Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin offers the Major Projects grant to support impactful community projects in Portage and Waushara counties. Annually, one project is funded with grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. Eligible organizations include nonprofit agencies and government entities that are tax-exempt, aiming to benefit the general public. Projects in the areas of Arts, Education, Environment, Helping People, and Wellness are encouraged, while operating expenses and political lobbying are ineligible.

The Cudahy Fund offers general community grants focusing on social services, health, education, environment, and arts for under-resourced populations in Metropolitan Chicago and Wisconsin. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The fund aims to support initiatives that enhance community well-being, providing safety nets for marginalized groups and promoting access to quality education and cultural experiences. This fund does not support individual grants or projects outside its geographic focus.

The GMAR Youth Foundation Grant, managed by the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®, aims to enhance the welfare of children and young people up to 25 years old. Established in 1951, this foundation focuses on supporting educational, social, and artistic initiatives in the Metro Milwaukee Area. Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate a significant impact on local youth development. Grants are awarded for one-year periods.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant supports local communities through charitable contributions, focusing on areas such as arts, education, and human services. Funded by shareholders, not utility customers, the foundation awards nearly $1.4 million annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance community quality of life. Eligible projects must align with specific funding areas and be located within the service area. The foundation encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement and development.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation offers Local Community Grants to support initiatives that enhance community development, health, arts, education, and the environment. Nonprofit organizations in the service areas are eligible for funding. The foundation emphasizes partnerships that promote educational opportunities and community improvement. With a history of providing financial support since 1964, the foundation encourages projects that engage local residents and foster collaboration among diverse groups. Preference is given to specific programs or projects that align with their mission.

The Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life in the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. Funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, these grants focus on the arts, education, health and human services, and resource preservation. They aim to provide long-term, tangible benefits to the community, encouraging nonprofits to propose impactful solutions to pressing needs.

The Wispact Foundation Grant, established in 2021, aims to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Wisconsin. Managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, it provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing critical areas such as housing, assistive devices, and inclusive education. The foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance living conditions and accessibility, while excluding capital campaigns and retroactive funding. This initiative fosters community impact and supports organizations dedicated to disability services.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

The Jewelers Mutual Impact Fund Grant aims to empower youth, advance technology, and foster community progression within the jewelry industry. Established in 1913 by jewelers, the fund supports nonprofit organizations that inspire the next generation through arts education, enhance the industry with technological innovations, and drive positive community development. Focused primarily on areas where employees reside, it also considers broader giving opportunities, ensuring a lasting impact on lives and communities.

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.

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

The Forest County Potawatomi Foundation aims to combat poverty and promote community development through grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. With a commitment to responsible citizenship, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and environmental services, focusing on areas with significant economic challenges. Since its inception in 1999, it has allocated over $30 million to various charitable causes, fostering self-sufficiency and improving the quality of life for families in Forest County and the Greater Milwaukee area.

The Pachel Foundation, established in 2007 by Fern Pachel and the Biga family, supports charitable and arts organizations in Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The foundation's interest income, derived from wise investments since the 1950s, funds nonprofits that enrich local communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations, submitting their 501(c)(3) letters with grant requests. Note that from August 1, 2025, applications will only be accepted from previously funded organizations.

The LCCF Mini Grants program, offered by the La Crosse Community Foundation, provides funding between $1,000 and $15,000 to nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With a total allocation of $100,000 for the year, the program seeks to support result-oriented projects that address community needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities or have a fiscal sponsor and serve the local community, promoting engagement and social capital.

Heart of Canal Street, established in 1994 by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, focuses on enhancing the lives of children in southeastern Wisconsin. The initiative collaborates with local charities to provide essential services, promote safety, and foster an appreciation for the arts. In 2024, the program will award over $500,000 to 30 deserving children's charities, ensuring a brighter future for youth in the community.

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is a women's organization dedicated to awarding transformative grants that significantly enhance the community. It encourages nonprofits to innovate and address pressing needs in the Greater Milwaukee area by presenting creative proposals. Grants focus on various areas, including arts, education, health, and environmental revitalization. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including being a recognized 501(c)(3) and demonstrating measurable outcomes. This initiative aims to drive impactful change and foster collaboration among nonprofits.

The Burmester Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in Wisconsin, with a focus on various program areas including animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, and education. Funded by a private foundation, it specifically supports nonprofits recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Individual applications are not accepted, ensuring that grants are directed towards established charitable entities.

The Frank L. Weyenberg Charitable Trust provides grants to organizations engaged in charitable, educational, scientific, literary, and religious activities. Established by Frank L. Weyenberg, a successful businessman from Wisconsin, the trust focuses on supporting causes primarily in Milwaukee and Palm Beach. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, while grants are not available for political purposes or discriminatory practices. The trust continues Mr. Weyenberg's legacy of generosity, benefiting communities for years to come.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation, established in 1986, supports Wisconsin charities that promote family values, athletics, and welfare. Eligible organizations can apply for grants addressing specific focus areas, including animal welfare and education, during the 2026-2029 cycle. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities with a valid IRS Tax ID, ensuring they meet community needs effectively. The Foundation prioritizes impactful projects that align with its mission of enhancing community well-being and preventing cruelty to animals.

The Herzfeld Foundation's Arts Awareness Grant aims to enhance awareness of visual and performing arts in metro Milwaukee. Grants, up to $100,000, support strategies that expand or innovate coverage of the arts through various media. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sustaining journalistic endeavors that address challenges faced by artists. The foundation prioritizes collaborative efforts and innovative reporting, continuing Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's legacy of enriching the cultural landscape of the greater Milwaukee area.