Best Health and Medical Grants in Wisconsin

Wisconsin health and medical nonprofits in communities where A. O. Smith has facilities can seek support for healthcare access, delivery, and related human services projects. A O Smith Foundation also funds education, arts and culture, and civic initiatives, so organizations with broader community programs that include health components may be eligible.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek Hearst Foundation support for arts and science programming, including in Wisconsin. William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides Wisconsin health and human service organizations with culture-focused program, capital, and limited general or endowment funding that engages youth, nurtures artistic talent, or advances STEAM education at scale.

Individuals and families in Western Wisconsin facing emergency basic health or human service needs can receive up to US $500 to cover housing, utilities, medical expenses, or transportation. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, United Way St Croix Valley provides short-term crisis support through the John Coughlin Hope Fund in Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Wisconsin health and medical nonprofits can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations with tax-exempt status whose projects are carried out within the U.S. and have substantial impact on their target populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations providing health care, basic needs, education, or civic services can access funding from Valero Energy Foundation in Jefferson County communities. Grants support basic needs, community health resources and facilities, educational initiatives, and civic or environmental projects in areas where Valero has major operations, through an invitation-only process.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Purpose

The purpose of this request for applications is to seek local partner organizations that want to develop the infrastructure and build organizational capacity to become a provider of in-home asthma education services as part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (WI-DHS) Asthma-Safe Homes Program.

This program is available through a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) health services initiative (HSI) funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). The Asthma-Safe Homes Program’s target service area for capacity building during 2026–2027 is Brown and Milwaukee counties. 

Background

Through the HSI, WI-DHS has funding available to improve asthma outcomes and reduce disparities in asthma control for children ages 2-18 years old and pregnant individuals who are diagnosed with asthma and enrolled in Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid or CHIP). 

Asthma disproportionately affects communities of color, with Black and Native American populations having 1.5-2 times the current prevalence as the White population (13% and 15%, respectively, versus 9%). These same populations also experience disparities in asthma control, with only 30% of non-White populations reporting well-controlled asthma compared to 64% of the White population.

High rates of uncontrolled asthma result in even more disparate poor health care outcomes among communities of color. In Wisconsin, health care utilization for emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations among the Black population are 8 and 5 times higher, respectively, than among the White population; Native Americans have rates over twice that of the White population. Annual household income is another factor that contributes to asthma disparities, with the lowest income group (earning less than $15,000) having over twice the asthma prevalence of those in the highest income group (greater than $75,000).

Social determinants of health such as poor-quality housing, poverty, and other historical and structural factors are known contributors to the disparity in asthma outcomes. This HSI funding opportunity aims to reduce disparities in asthma control and improve asthma outcomes in Wisconsin by promoting access to guideline-based medical management of asthma and healthy living environments.

Grant funds will reimburse organizations for the following:

• Staff time to participate in capacity building activities at billable rate equal to staff salary and fringe
• Mileage reimbursement for travel related expenses
• Supplies and materials
• Training stipend up to $500 per staff member
• 10% indirect administrative cost
• Client services including:
  • Minimum of two and maximum of six home visits for asthma self-management education and 2-week and 3-month post-intervention follow-ups provided by asthma educator, averaging $1,500 per client that completes the program (includes mileage reimbursement at the federal mileage rate)
  • Purchase and distribution of durables to reduce asthma triggers up to $1,000 per household, including asthma-friendly cleaning kits, HEPA vacuums, air purifiers, and other supplies

Animal welfare 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can seek project funding to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife through the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust. Grants support adoption, behavior training, fostering, humane and wildlife education, medical and wellness care, spay/neuter, equipment, and other innovative animal care initiatives.

Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin: Innovating Healthcare Through Partnership Grants

This five-year grant funding opportunity is intended to catalyze innovative healthcare service models through partnerships across communities, systems, and sectors in rural Wisconsin. Through these grants, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) aims to address those points in a care continuum where community members are most likely to experience barriers to health-related services or fall out of care, and to directly address fragmented systems of care. Applicants may apply to multiple Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding opportunities for which their organizations are eligible.Application Phases

Applications for funding will be released in two distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Planning grant.
  • Applicants will submit a letter of application for an initial six-month planning or pilot grant.
  • The planning period will provide an opportunity for awardees to receive technical assistance for application development, build a strong foundation for program implementation, and develop strong partnership models.
  • We recognize that programs may be at different stages of development, from initial idea generation to ready-to-go projects and partnerships.
  • We welcome a range of planning period activities.
• Phase 2: Full award.
  • Planning grant awardees will be eligible to submit an application for a full award covering the remaining four-year grant period.
  • The full application will be released in February 2027.
  •  Only recipients of an approved letter of application will be eligible to apply for the full award.
  • Full award applications should reflect and build on the work done during the planning period and provide more in-depth program designs.

Through this funding opportunity, DHS aims to address these challenges by leveraging the resources and innovation within Wisconsin’s rural communities. This funding will ensure that healthcare services and resources can be delivered in the most efficient, accessible, and high-quality manner possible.

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) ensures safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible utility services and equitable access to telecommunications and broadband services.

The PSC is currently responsible for regulating more than 1,100 Wisconsin public utilities, which provide electric, natural gas, combined water and sewer utilities and certain aspects of local telephone service to households and businesses throughout the state.

Telemedicine Equipment Grant

The Medical Telecommunications Equipment Program (known as Telemedicine Equipment Grant) is a 2-year grant program under the Universal Service Fund that enables non-profit medical clinics or public health agencies – including Tribal Health-related agencies – to apply for funding to purchase medical telecommunications equipment (Wis. Admin. Code § PSC 160.115). 

Funds are awarded to eligible applicants for the purchase of medical telecommunications equipment that 1) will promote technologically advanced medical services; 2) directly or indirectly enhance access to medical care in rural or underserved areas of the state (as identified by 42 USC § 254e(a)(1)1); and 3) serve underserved populations or persons with disabilities. Wis. Stat. § 196.218(4u), Wis. Admin. Code §§ PSC 160.115(1)-(2).

Nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin supporting people affected by depression can seek grants for mental health education, suicide prevention, stigma-reduction campaigns, and training for frontline service providers. The Charles E Kubly Foundation prioritizes time-limited projects with measurable outcomes, especially those impacting Wisconsin communities, and requires applicants to discuss proposals with the Executive Director or submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying.

With a mission to support broad charitable purposes, Burmester Charitable Trust provides Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for health and medical research alongside other program areas. Nonprofit health and medical providers, research institutions, and related organizations in Wisconsin may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s charitable and geographic priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing healthcare, mental or chemical health, hospital services, or related human services in Wisconsin’s St. Croix Valley region can apply for the Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation Grant. Funding may support general operations, programs, projects, and some capital needs that improve community quality of life.

Wisconsin libraries, health organizations, and other NNLM member institutions can seek funding to expand access to reliable health and medical information, especially for underrepresented communities. Focused on health information outreach, the National Library of Medicine supports projects like training, technology access, and health literacy programs using NLM and NNLM resources, with awards of US $25,000.

Nonprofit organizations serving Wisconsin residents can seek $1,000 - $5,000 to strengthen community health, education, and family well-being through Herb Kohl Charities’ Homegrown Grants. With a mission to help make communities stronger, Herb Kohl Charities provides Wisconsin health and medical, youth, and family programs with flexible support to invest in people and basic needs.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving poor and neglected children with health or social services can access funding through the Roger W. and Mary C. Lyons Memorial Trust. Grants support programs in children’s health, mental health, disabilities, and child welfare, offering a potential fit for organizations seeking health and medical funding in Wisconsin.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Wisconsin EMS agencies running health-focused leave behind programs can access funding for fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Eligible providers must be EMS services participating in the DHS Naloxone Direct Program and seeking to distribute test strips to community members as part of overdose prevention efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Wisconsin working on environmental, human services, or related programs can apply for the Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted grants, typically US $5,000 - US $10,000. Funding can support general operating or project costs, and health and medical initiatives may be eligible when they fit these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship in Wisconsin can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community-impact projects. With a mission to celebrate community changemakers, the foundation provides substantial grants that may benefit health and wellness initiatives serving young people.

The Routine Immunization Through Community Engagement (RICE) 4.0 Grant, funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, aims to strengthen vaccination efforts in Wisconsin. This program supports community organizations in building a network of vaccinators, enhancing vaccine equity, and funding culturally relevant research. With a maximum award of $40,000, it seeks to empower communities to overcome barriers and promote confidence in vaccines, ultimately reducing health disparities for both pediatric and adult populations.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Wisconsin can fund construction, renovation, and equipment for essential community facilities, including health and medical centers. With a mission to strengthen rural infrastructure, USDA Rural Development provides graduated grant support based on community size and median household income for projects in towns under 20,000 residents.

Nonprofit or community-based programs in Wisconsin improving health through physician-led education, outreach, or innovative public health pilots may be eligible for funding to advance health and medical initiatives. Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation supports evidence-based projects that address health disparities, mental and behavioral health access, disease prevention, health literacy, and related community health priorities.