Best Job Creation Grants in Wisconsin

State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol).

WisDOT supports all forms of transportation. The department is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Wisconsin's network of state highways and Interstate highway system. The department shares the costs of building and operating county and local transportation systems - from highways to public transit and other modes. WisDOT plans, promotes and financially supports statewide air, rail and water transportation.

Transportation Economic Assistance

The Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program provides matching state grants to governing bodies for road, rail, harbor and airport projects that help attract employers to Wisconsin, or encourage business and industry to remain and expand in the state. The goal of the TEA program is to attract and retain businesses in Wisconsin and thus create and increase the number of jobs. The business cannot be speculative and local communities must assure that the number of jobs anticipated from the proposed project will materialize within three years from the date of the project agreement and remain for another four years.

Each state fiscal year, the TEA program has $3.4 million available for transportation improvement projects that are essential for an economic development project. The transportation project must have the local government's endorsement, benefit the public, and begin within three years of grant award. The program is designed to implement an improvement more quickly than normal state programming processes allow. The 50% local match can come from any combination of local, federal, or private funds or in-kind services.

Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources - Wisconsin Department of Administration

At the Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR), we offer programs that help people with energy costs, housing needs, and community support.

What are CDBG funds?

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds promote affordable housing, suitable living conditions, and economic opportunity primarily to benefit individuals with low to moderate income (LMI).

CDBG - Public Facilities Economic Development Program (PFED)

CDBG-PFED grant funds are awarded to local governments for public infrastructure projects that support business expansion or retention for low- and moderate-income individuals.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• new or improved water systems to support the construction of a new business
• new or improved sewer service to support the expansion of a business' production facility
• street improvements to support a business' new delivery and distribution center

Local Wisconsin units of government seeking to help disaster-affected businesses retain or create jobs for low- and moderate-income workers can apply for up to US $500,000 in CDBG-EAP business assistance. Focused on job creation, the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration funds repairs, equipment, working capital, and other uninsured recovery costs.

Health care and health sciences employers and partners in Wisconsin can obtain funding to deliver customized worker training and expand job opportunities. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development help Wisconsin job creation efforts by reimbursing short- and medium-term, employer-led training that prepares unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers for full-time roles, advancement, and higher wages, with awards from US $5,000 - US $400,000.

Tax-exempt nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs in Wisconsin can receive funding to support workforce-oriented education, especially in fields like forestry and aircraft maintenance. Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust provides these grants to strengthen job-ready training in northwestern Wisconsin and neighboring northeastern Minnesota communities.

Arbor Brothers provides Wisconsin job creation and poverty-alleviation nonprofits with multi-year, unrestricted funding and intensive capacity-building support. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations (or fiscally sponsored groups) with budgets between $200,000 and $5,000,000 can apply for US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year to expand education, workforce preparation, and job training pathways out of poverty.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic human needs, job creation, and economic development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to advance economic mobility. Eligible organizations must operate in Bank of America’s designated markets and align with priorities such as income creation, employment services, small business resiliency, and community development for low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on employment services and job creation in Wisconsin can seek funding for operations, programs, or projects. Focused on healthcare, housing, education, human services, civic initiatives, and environmental education, the Fred C And Katherine B Andersen Foundation prioritizes services in St. Croix Valley communities but may consider other areas addressing these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on job creation, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing in Wisconsin can access funding and leadership training through the Neighborhood Builders Program. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help build nonprofit capacity, advance economic mobility, and strengthen long-term community impact for organizations based in eligible local markets.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations supporting economic and community development, workforce training, and job creation in Wisconsin can seek program-specific funding through Huntington National Bank’s Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program. With a mission to strengthen community self-sufficiency, Huntington provides invited 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(1) organizations within its footprint with support for LMI-focused revitalization, community services, and affordable housing initiatives.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to advance economic mobility. Organizations creating jobs or workforce pathways for low- and moderate-income residents, including vulnerable populations, may be eligible if they operate within the foundation’s designated markets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, economic and workforce development, or financial empowerment in Wisconsin can apply for approximately US $15,000 to expand community impact programs. Grants from Old National Bank help job creation and related initiatives that serve underrepresented and low- to moderate-income residents in eligible Wisconsin counties within the bank’s footprint.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

R. Kubly Family Foundation

The goal of the R. Kubly Family Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Monroe, Wisconsin by empowering educated and leadership-focused individuals who live and work in the Monroe area.

Grants

The R. Kubly Family Foundation will consider Grants in the following areas:

• Projects that increase the number of highly educated people to live in Monroe.
• Projects that have a direct correlation of improving the quality of life in Monroe and directly attract those with advanced degrees to move to Monroe and work in Monroe.
• Projects that contact local students who have moved away from Monroe for education or careers, to “bring them back” to Monroe.

Grantmaking Focus Areas

• Community Leadership: Create, educate and support community leaders and doers that are passionate and make things    happen in and for the community and act to create a better, stronger community in the future.
• Talent Recruitment: Bring leaders and doers to and back to the community to become part of the future for Monroe and Green County.
• Economic Development: Foster lasting economic development that creates jobs and brings in incremental benefit to the community (rather than shifting revenue from one current employer to another).
• Education: Support the base of our community through all-ages education initiatives that create leaders, doers, and well-informed citizens who support the community.
• Community Development: Encourage, facilitate and enable citizens to be actively engaged in making Monroe and Green County a better place to work and live; Support the major cornerstones that create a vibrant, dynamic and exciting community that people want to live in and be a part of.

See more details in the grant guidelines.

Lutheran churches and Lutheran-affiliated organizations in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties can seek funding for education, youth development, community outreach, and economic development initiatives that also share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Grants from Siebert Lutheran Foundation help Wisconsin ministries support job creation, entrepreneurship, adult learning, and pathways to self-sufficiency in disadvantaged communities.

Wisconsin tribal governments and Alaska Native villages focused on community and economic development can access funding through US HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing to create housing, improve living environments, and expand job and business opportunities. Awards of US $500,000 - US $2,000,000 support projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income tribal residents, including imminent public health or safety needs.

Nonprofits and agencies running senior volunteer programs to boost job readiness, support older adults, and strengthen families in Wisconsin can apply for Volunteer Mississippi’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity; awards up to US $75,000 for coordinated volunteer initiatives. Projects that enhance workforce preparation, reduce homelessness, or advance behavioral health may be especially competitive.

City governments working on municipal workforce and job creation initiatives in Wisconsin can apply for Georgia Municipal Association’s Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, an intensive planning and support opportunity. Focused on workforce preparation and public-sector job readiness, it offers coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning to help cities strengthen recruitment, training, and retention strategies.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - Project Support initiative offers funding for projects that enhance early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development in the Milwaukee area. With grants of up to $50,000 per year for three years, the foundation prioritizes applications that promote racial equity and support community-led initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies, with a focus on creating equitable opportunities for all residents.

Wisconsin nonprofit institutions focused on rural economic and job growth can access funding through USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish and operate rural cooperative development centers. These centers provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned rural businesses, with awards up to US $1,000,000 supporting job creation and value-added enterprises.

501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies in Wisconsin can apply for Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Cycle 2 Capital Support grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for capital projects. Eligible nonprofits in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties working on workforce development, job creation, and economic mobility may benefit, including training and upskilling facilities.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support grant focuses on enhancing early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development. It aims to promote equitable access to quality education and mental health resources, addressing systemic disparities in the Milwaukee area. Organizations seeking funding for innovative projects are encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 per year for three years, emphasizing racial equity and community impact.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award, offered by the ADA Foundation, aims to support emerging leaders in oral health. This award grants $5,000 to individuals demonstrating commitment to enhancing access to dental education and employment opportunities. Eligible applicants include dental students, early-career dentists, and those under 40. Selection criteria focus on leadership potential and contributions to the profession, emphasizing community engagement and public health advancement. Visit ADAF.org for application details.

Mission

The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is a faith based charitable organization located in Bangor, Maine. Founded in 2007, our mission is to provide resources for many initiatives including, but not limited to, missions, education scholarships, ministries, medical research, and employment creation. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is primarily funded by the family. However, contributions from like minded individuals and organizations is appreciated. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine has a balanced strategy of making funds available for immediate needs, while also investing to build a perpetual earning endowment ensuring the Foundation's successful future.

Missions:

We support needs of missionary organizations including sponsorships for young people who wish to attend youth group sponsored mission trips. We ordinarily make one time contributions but on occasion have made up to a three year commitment. 

Education/Scholarships:

The Foundation makes scholarships available to Colleges, Universities, and other Schools for student enrollment and expenses. We also consider new construction, existing renovation, equipment, and support material contributions.

Independent Churches and Ministries:

We accept a wide variety of requests, including, but not limited to: materials, equipment, new construction, renovations, programs, and services. 

Medical Research:

We support medical research opportunities close to our hearts and organizations that our family and friends have experienced. 

Job Creation:

We Support organizations that fund entrepreneurs in impoverished areas to start small businesses providing services and employment to the community.

Requests are considered by the trustees the first week of each month. Foundation payments are made by paper check in US dollars and are reported to the appropriate tax agencies. While we certainly wish that we could contribute to all the applications that meet our funding criteria, there are times when when available funding is limited and we are not able to contribute to some very worthy causes. If we are not in a position to help in the timeline requested, we will keep the information on file for possible consideration in the future.