Best History Grants in Wisconsin

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Ralph K. Morris Foundation offers Cooperative Leadership Sponsorships to support training and professional development for emerging leaders, especially from rural areas. The program adapts to changing needs by providing financial assistance for cooperative education events and scholarships. Priority is given to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, encouraging a collaborative approach to leadership development in communities. This initiative aims to foster the future of cooperatives through accessible education and training opportunities.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Otto Bremer Trust Strategic Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. These grants aim to support organizations that demonstrate a significant impact and align with the Trust's mission of investing in communities. The streamlined grantmaking process ensures that eligible organizations can efficiently navigate funding opportunities, fostering a lasting commitment to community development and stewardship of Otto Bremer's legacy.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Grant supports community-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity and self-sufficiency within the St. Croix Valley. The foundation prioritizes asset-based programs led by the communities they serve, particularly those benefiting children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and located in designated counties. The foundation does not fund individual scholarships or loans, lobbying, or fiscal agents, aiming for collaborative funding efforts.

The Herzfeld Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Early Childhood Education Grant, aimed at licensed nonprofit childcare providers in Milwaukee. Grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 will support initiatives that enhance educational quality, expand capacity, improve educator retention, and foster collaboration among providers. The foundation encourages innovative proposals that strengthen financial stability and sustainability, ultimately benefiting the community's children and families.

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 Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation (VLCF) has played a pivotal role in cancer research and education since its inception in 1971, raising over $21 million to support innovative treatments and compassionate care. This private foundation invites applications from recognized healthcare institutions, focusing on funding scientific and medical fellowships. VLCF is dedicated to preventing cancer and improving patient care, ensuring that the spirit of excellence continues in the fight against this disease.

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 Clyde F. Schlueter Foundation, established in 1977, focuses on enhancing the character and service of youth in Wausau through grants. It supports projects that foster growth in physical, social, and intellectual areas, as well as civic improvements. The foundation has awarded over $1 million to various organizations, continuing its mission through a donor advised fund managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, which reviews applications biannually.

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 Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The NRA Foundation: Wisconsin Grants provide funding for charitable purposes aligned with the NRA Foundation's mission, including promoting firearms safety, educating youth about firearms, and supporting competitive shooting sports. Eligible applicants must be IRS 501(c)(3) recognized entities or government bodies, and must submit necessary documentation. Ineligible organizations include labor groups and private businesses. This initiative aims to foster educational and safety programs while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, part of the One Million Trees Initiative, is a recognized program aimed at enhancing community and environmental health. Collaborating with Trees Forever, this initiative supports communities in Iowa and Wisconsin to plant trees, fostering energy efficiency and stewardship. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for purchasing local landscape-sized trees. The program helps ensure a greener future by engaging citizens in tree planting efforts, thereby improving local ecosystems and community vitality.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The WAB Creative Communities Grants, offered by the Wisconsin Arts Board, aim to foster arts education and community development across the state. These grants support projects in Arts Education, Folk or Traditional Arts, and Local Arts, promoting collaboration and innovation. Eligible projects must be distinct from ongoing programs and involve community participation. This funding sustains Wisconsin's cultural vitality, enhancing educational and economic growth within local communities.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

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.

The Herzfeld Foundation: Arts Education Grant aims to strengthen organizations dedicated to arts education for youth up to age 18 in Milwaukee. It supports innovative projects that enhance capacity and sustainability, encouraging collaboration among organizations. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, prioritizing proposals that improve fiscal stability and access to arts education for underserved communities. The Foundation honors Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's legacy by investing in cultural life and educational opportunities in the Greater Milwaukee area.

The Herzfeld Foundation's Small Arts Organization Project Grant aims to enhance the sustainability of small and medium-sized arts organizations in Wisconsin, especially in the Greater Milwaukee area. This grant supports projects that provide meaningful arts experiences to underserved communities, with a focus on capacity-building and innovative audience engagement. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, prioritizing collaborative proposals that promote public access to the arts and strengthen organizational stability.

The Local History Grants for Collections Care and Access provide funding up to $700 for historical societies in Wisconsin to enhance their collections management and preservation efforts. Eligible organizations must be affiliated with the Wisconsin Historical Society and meet specific tax-exempt criteria. This mini-grant program encourages projects focused on archival supplies, digitization equipment, and conservation supplies, ensuring that historical collections are preserved for future generations.