Best Health Care Grants in Wisconsin

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Notice of Intent/Discharge Cost-Share Grants

Eligibility & Purpose:

The DNR and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offer cost-share funding grants to governmental units working with owners and operators of livestock operations to meet pollution control requirements imposed by the DNR.

Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) program

Since 2010, the U.S. EPA has awarded the DNR and its partners $5.3 million in brownfield assessment grant funding. The RR Program uses the funding to aid local governments and others in investigating brownfield properties throughout the state.

The Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) program provides funding to address specific brownfields sites where potential or known contamination is acting as an impediment to economic redevelopment. The DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program administers funds through WAM contractor services awards and community managed subgrants.

Contractor services awards

Contractor services awards may include Phase I [exit DNR] and Phase II [exit DNR] environmental site assessments, site investigations and remedial action planning at selected properties. Properties in this program are generally less than 10 acres and have petroleum or hazardous substance contamination.

For contractor services awards, the DNR will assign one of its contractors to perform assessment activities. The contractors were selected through a competitive procurement process completed in 2022 and are currently Bay West, GEI, Ramboll and TRC.

Community-managed services awards

WAM community-managed awards are subgrants to local government or tribal entities. The subgrantee selects a qualified environmental professional and oversees the work. Applicants must ensure a signed site access agreement is in place authorizing the subgrantee and its contractors access to the property to perform the assessment activities.

FFY 2027 FoodShare Outreach Partner Solicitation

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) relies on its partnerships with state and local agencies, advocates, employers, and community- and faith-based organizations to help conduct outreach to low-income people who are not currently enrolled in FoodShare but may be eligible for the program. Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Program, administrative costs for FoodShare outreach may be eligible for reimbursement at a rate of 25% of the expenditures. Partners are encouraged to submit outreach project proposals to DHS each year for reimbursement consideration under the SNAP Outreach Program.

EMS Leave Behind Program: Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strip Kits

The Division of Care and Treatment Services is providing fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits kits to Wisconsin EMS agencies operating leave behind programs.

Program overview

Drug checking technologies like fentanyl and xylazine test strip kits are an evidence-based method to prevent drug overdose deaths by educating people about the substances they are using.

Leave behind programs allow EMS professionals to share (“leave behind”) overdose prevention tools and resources with patients and/or their social networks (family, friends, roommates, etc.) at the scene of care or after a hospital transport. Leave behind programs also offer opportunities to provide connections to local treatment providers and overdose prevention organizations. This model presents an opportunity to provide the supplies and support people who use substances need to prevent and reduce health and safety complications.

EMS agencies interested in distributing fentanyl and/or xylazine test strip kits to community members as part of a leave behind program are invited to complete the application form linked in the "solicitation links" section to be considered for this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program.

Applicants accepted into this DHS EMS Leave Behind Program will receive test strip kits at no cost.

The Community-Led Momentum Grants, funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, offer up to $250,000 for community-driven health initiatives in Wisconsin. These grants aim to support innovative strategies and programs that enhance the health workforce and promote health equity. Successful projects will engage collaborative teams to address community health needs over a 24-month period, starting July 1, 2026. This funding opportunity encourages partnerships for impactful health solutions.

The AROW Global Corporation Engineering Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, awards two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in engineering. This initiative aims to support the educational aspirations of students in central Wisconsin, particularly family members of AROW employees or qualified individuals. Each year, the foundation distributes over $300,000 in scholarships to enhance the educational landscape in the region.

The Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award supports Wisconsin's private school principals and administrators by recognizing their leadership. Each year, up to four private school principals can receive a $6,000 grant, alongside a matching grant for their school. This award aims to help administrators achieve their professional goals and enhance their schools. Eligible nominees must be committed to their roles for the upcoming school year, and prior recipients may reapply if nominated.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The MRC/SOT Young Investigator Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate research proposals at the MRC/SOT Spring meeting. Eligible students submit proposals alongside a reference letter. Awardees present their research at the Annual Meeting and receive funding to support their educational endeavors in toxicology, including travel to conferences and research-related expenses. This initiative promotes educational growth and scientific advancement in the field of toxicology.

The Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award aims to honor and support exemplary school administrators in Wisconsin. Award recipients, including up to 17 principals annually, receive $6,000 grants for personal and school development. Eligible nominees are Pre-K through Grade 12 principals who are nominated by various stakeholders. The program fosters leadership excellence, enhancing educational experiences in Wisconsin's public and private schools.

The Schoen Family Charitable Trust Grant, established by John and Joan Schoen in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Midwestern communities. With a board comprised of the founders' family members, the trust emphasizes charitable giving, allocating over 98% of funds to various causes. Their mission focuses on education, health, wellness, and family support, aiming to empower individuals and improve lives through targeted assistance and community engagement.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program

This is a federal program administered in all states that encourages the creation and interpretation of high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received by the DNR for this program are split between DNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. LWCF grants provide local units of governments, tribes, and school districts opportunities to receive grants for outdoor recreation activities. Payment of grant funds is on a reimbursement basis.

Public access is fundamental to this grant program. Reasonable public access is required for any property purchased or developed with grant funds. The DNR can help determine what constitutes appropriate and reasonable public access for grant-funded properties. 

MRC/SOT Victor A. Drill Award

This award recognizes the top student abstract at the MRC/SOT Spring meeting. The student must present a poster at the Midwest Regional Chapter meeting. Please include your poster (if available) as part of your application submission.

Winners will receive funds to be used for continuing education in toxicology (e.g., travel to national or regional meeting and/or purchase of textbook(s), participation in workshops).

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Off-highway Motorcycle (OHM) Trail Grants

Revenue collected from off-highway motorcycle (OHM) registrations is available for development, rehabilitation and maintenance of OHM trails in Wisconsin.

Ranking priorities

Trail funds are distributed according to the following ranked purposes (NR 65.11 [exit DNR]). Priority will be given to funding projects in which OHMs are the only designated motorized equipment.

• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle trails.
• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle facilities.
• Major rehabilitation of existing OHM trails and facilities.
• Development of new OHM trails and facilities on publicly owned land.
• Development of trails and facilities on privately-owned land using a lease or easement.
• Acquisition of land for OHM trails and facilities.
• Signage of off-highway motorcycle routes which provide access to OHM trails.
• Other eligible OHM projects.

Eligible items and funding levels include:

• Maintenance of OHM-only Trail: Funded at $53/mile with a $1K surplus for use on rehab that is more than basic maintenance. Requires minimum of 2x maintenance passes per year (includes brushing, spot maintenance related to the treadway and environmental concerns, sign maintenance and the like)
• Maintenance of Motorized Recreation Parks: For OHM only trails within the park, funded at $53/mile with no $1k surplus.
• Maintenance of Shared-use OHM Trails: No set rate, applicants can request an amount based on their evaluation of need. If the trail is shared with ATVs/UTVs, it is presumed that the use by those machines will far exceed that of OHM, but additional expenses may be incurred for signage, etc. Amount of maintenance award will not exceed $50/mile.
• Development of OHM trails and areas reimburseable up to 100 percent of eligible costs;
• Traditional grooming of OHM trails is not a routine component of trail maintenance. In the event there are section of trail that eventually need to be graded, this action will be considered as a separate trail rehabilitation request for each specific section. Grading can only be done by proper and authorized equipment.
• Major rehabilitation of bridge structures reimbursable up to 100% of eligible costs;

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The Ordinance Development Projects grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, supports the creation of local regulations aimed at benefiting surface water. Eligible activities include ordinance text development, legal work, compliance training, and outreach efforts. Applicants must submit a pre-application by September 15 and a full proposal by November 15, along with a letter of support from the implementing government unit, promoting sustainable management of Wisconsin's natural resources.

The Qualified Treatment Trainee Grants Program, in collaboration with UW-Milwaukee, aims to enhance the behavioral health workforce by supporting agencies hiring post-graduate trainees in social work, marriage and family therapy, and counseling. This initiative will expand placements for qualified treatment trainees (QTTs) who seek licensure as clinical social workers, professional counselors, or marriage and family therapists. By investing in QTTs and clinical supervisors, the program seeks to strengthen the capacity and quality of behavioral health services in Wisconsin.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Recycling Consolidation Grant to Responsible Units

The Recycling Consolidation Grant is available in addition to the Basic Recycling Grant. This grant program was created in the state 2011-13 Budget to offer supplemental assistance for Responsible Units (e.g. cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes or solid waste management system) that meet the eligibility criteria in s. 287.24, Wis. Stats. The sum of the awards may not exceed the total net eligible costs of recycling expenses.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Basic Recycling Grant to Responsible Units

Recycling grant awards are made to responsible units (cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes or solid waste management systems) for residential recycling and yard waste program costs that are reasonable and necessary for planning and operating an effective recycling program. 

Eligible costs include those eligible recycling items associated ONLY with residential single family and 2–4-unit households.

If you are eligible to apply for this Basic Recycling Grant you may also qualify for the Recycling Consolidation Grant.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Boat Access Program

These grants may be used to construct boat access projects. Eligible components include boat ramp construction and renovation, along with related amenities such as parking lots, accessible paths, lighting and restroom facilities. Funding for this program comes from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and a portion of the federal gas tax.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) - Fishing Piers

These grants may be used to construct fishing piers that are primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible projects are fishing pier construction and renovations. Facilities that provide access to and amenities for fishing piers may also be eligible. Matching contributions for these grants must be from non-federal sources.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Underserved Drinking Water System

The federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) provided funds to assist public water systems in small, underserved and disadvantaged communities in resolving violations and action level exceedances of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The Wisconsin DNR received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set up the Underserved Drinking Water System Grant Program in Wisconsin. The DNR will issue approximately $1.3 million in grants to OTM and nonprofit NN public water systems serving small and underserved communities in Wisconsin.

What are OTMs?

Other-Than-Municipal Community (OTM) public water systems are not owned by a government or municipality and serve groups of 25 or more year-round residents. OTMs can include mobile home parks, apartment buildings and condominium associations that are not on city or municipal water.

What are nonprofit NNs?

Non-Transient Non-Community (NN) public water systems are nonresidential and regularly serve groups of at least 25 of the same people over six months of the year. NNs can include schools and daycare centers that are not on city or municipal water. A nonprofit NN is a government entity or an organization that is described under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue code, which does not lobby. NNs must be nonprofit in order to qualify.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Urban Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control (UWDAC) Grants

Urban Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control (UWDAC) grants help urban areas develop wildlife plans, implement specific damage abatement and/or control measures for white-tailed deer and/or Canada geese. They are available to any town, city or village in an urban area.

The following criteria will be used to rank applications for grant awards:

• the extent that the application addresses prevention and abatement of nuisance wildlife problems or wildlife damage to human safety, health, property;
• the extent that the application includes long-term solutions to wildlife problems such as habitat modification or adopting a "no wildlife feeding" ordinance;
• the cost-effectiveness of the plan or project;
• the severity of the wildlife damage or nuisance problem addressed by the application; and
• the likelihood of preventing the specified damage or nuisance.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program

The Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program (WFLGP) WFLGP program [PDF] is a cost-share program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is designed to assist woodland owners in protecting and enhancing their woodlands. This program reimburses woodland owners up to 50% of the cost of eligible practices.

Financial Assistance for:

• Tree planting
• Invasive plant control
• Forest Stewardship Plan development
• Forest improvement practices
• Crop tree release

Priority 1 Practices

• Stewardship plan development
• Tree planting/regeneration
• Forest health and improvement
• Soil and water protection and improvement

Priority 2 Practices

• Wetland and riparian protection
• Wildlife habitat enhancement
• Endangered or threatened resources, rare natural community, historic, cultural and archaeological protection, restoration, enhancement and maintenance

The MRC/SOT Early Career Toxicologist Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes an outstanding Midwest toxicologist with up to 10 years of experience. This prestigious award honors candidates actively contributing to the field or recently retired, showcasing their unique research achievements and teaching proficiency. Winners receive an engraved plaque and an honorarium, celebrating their commitment to advancing toxicology and enhancing human, animal, and environmental health.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Land Acquisition & Conservation Easements

(See page 34 of attatched PDF)

Grants under this subprogram provide funding for permanent protection of land associated with lakes and rivers. Grants may be used for the acquisition of property or some property rights (also called easements) to protect lakes, rivers, and their ecosystems in perpetuity. Land acquisition projects are reviewed and processed by local environmental grant specialists. 

Grants may cover 75% of eligible project costs.