Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Wisconsin

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

EdTA Membership Grant

Theatre matters.

It belongs in our classrooms and communities – now more than ever. Yet the role of the theatre educator has become increasingly complex, and financial support is often uncertain or even eliminated.

To help meet this moment, the Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to introduce the EdTA Membership Grant.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to enhance the careers of clinical scientists committed to cancer research. This NIH-supported program provides protected time for research and encourages underrepresented individuals in health-related sciences. With deadlines spanning from 2025 to 2027, the program focuses on training and developing the skills necessary to compete for significant research funding and address health disparities in cancer research.

Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association Scholarship

In 1995, the Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association established a scholarship fund to promote higher education for firefighters and their spouses or children.

Funding

• A minimum of $5,000 will be awarded annually and the number and amount of each award will be determined annually.
• Scholarship funds are paid to an approved educational institution in the name of the student.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year and are not subject to automatic renewal. 

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Educator Support ($500)

Can be used for professional development for theatre educators that would benefit their students, including coursework, EdTA’s Theatre Education Conference registration fees, and related travel expenses.

John I. Smith Charities Scholarship

Established in 1989 by John I. Smith Charities to provide educational incentives and financial assistance to individuals residing in government-subsidized housing with the goal of helping students achieve self-sufficiency and become contributing citizens of the community through educational attainment.

Funding Amount

• $800.00 per semester for up to 4 years.
• At least one scholarship will be awarded annually.
• Award amount and number of awards are determined annually based on the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Spending Policy for Endowment Funds.
• Scholarship funds will be paid per semester to the approved educational institution in the name of the student and applied only to the costs of tuition, room, and board, or required fees.

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Catherine Pratt Memorial Scholarship

Awarded current college students, who are enrolled in Nursing.

The BRAIN Initiative seeks innovative proposals for preclinical proof of concept studies on novel recording and modulation technologies aimed at diagnosing and treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This initiative supports diverse, multidisciplinary teams to enhance our understanding of the human CNS and prepare technologies for first-in-human studies. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 60 days prior to the proposal deadline.

Sterling High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Dwight David Huggins

Dwight David Huggins (Class of 1962) contributed to this scholarship with a gift from his estate in 2024. His intent was to assist deserving African American/Black students residing in Greenville County, in need of financial assistance to be able to attend institutions of higher learning while seeking to become lifelong learners and productive, self-sufficient members of our society. The preference for descendants of Sterling High School Alumni and Israel Metropolitan AME church is in recognition of him being a former member of both organizations.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08) to nurture new independent investigators. This program is pivotal in providing early-career researchers with the necessary NIH support to establish their research programs in pain management. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027, including provisions for renewals and resubmissions, ensuring ongoing support for innovative research in this critical area.

American Gastroenterological Association

The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA represents members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice, and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research, and educational programs of the organization.

AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This award provides funding for three years to early-career faculty (i.e., investigator, instructor, research associate or equivalent) working toward an independent career in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research.

Objective

The objective of the AGA Research Foundation Research Scholar Award (RSA) is to support early-career investigators working toward independent and productive research careers in digestive diseases by ensuring that a major proportion of their time is protected for mentored research (i.e., a minimum of 50 percent effort dedicated to the proposed project). This award will support junior faculty (not fellows) who have demonstrated exceptional promise and have some record of accomplishment in research pertaining to inflammatory bowel disease.

Review all of the benefits AGA Research Scholar Award recipients are entitled to on the award policies page.

Application Requirements

• Maintain AGA membership throughout the three-year duration of the award.

• Applicants must self-assign their proposal to one of the following categories:
  • Clinical: Research involving direct contact with human subjects or using clinical data to address problems related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment or outcome of human diseases (e.g., clinical epidemiology). This category also includes research related to health care delivery (e.g., health services, health IT).
  • Basic/Translational: Research with a primary goal of understanding basic biology or disease mechanisms. This category can involve animal subjects, cell culture, human biospecimens or human data as resources for laboratory- or informatics-based investigation.

• Resources allocated through this award are intended to support the career development of the applicant. The applicant must allocate a minimum of 50 percent effort to the proposed project.

• Applicants are required to have a sponsor and mentor for the award; one individual may serve in the capacity of both positions. A sponsor (typically a division chief or department chair) is an individual who takes responsibility for the quality assessment of the proposed research project, the quality of the research environment within which the project will be undertaken, and the experience and expertise of the principal investigator and other key researchers involved. A mentor will supervise the principal investigator’s research activities ensuring timelines and deliverables and will work with the applicant to create a research career development plan.

• The intent of this award is to foster the scientific independence of junior investigators. Applicants whose research activities become incorporated into a grant application from a senior mentor will need to delineate clearly the scientific and experimental distinctions between their respective programs. This requirement applies both to pending applications submitted prior to review of this award and to applications submitted during the term of the RSA. It must also be clearly stated how the work submitted by the applicant is that of the applicant and not that of the senior mentor(s).

• A complete research facilities and resources form must be submitted.

• Biographical sketches for the applicant, mentor and other key personnel must be submitted.

• Applicants resubmitting a revised application from a prior cycle must include a resubmission report describing responses to reviewer feedback and other major changes since the most recent past submission.

• Upon notification of receipt of this award, the recipient must provide institutional approval from the appropriate committee(s) for use of human subjects or animals. If approval is not necessary, then the recipient must provide documentation from the appropriate regulatory committee.

• Recipients must submit scientific and financial progress reports to AGA annually and final reports 60 days after the end date of the award period. Report templates and instructions are provided to awardees at the time of acceptance. Second and third year funding are contingent upon the submission and accuracy of this documentation.

• All publications, presentations, abstracts, and patent applications arising from work funded by this program must acknowledge support of the AGA–Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

• Additional pre-award policies are available on the Research Award Policies page.

Award Overlap

• At the time of application submission, applicants may not hold, or have held, an NIH K01, K08, K23, K99, R00, R01, R21, R29, Veterans Affairs Career Development Award or any award with similar objectives from non-federal sources (e.g., the American Liver Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation).

• Applicants who have held a K12 or KL2 in the past are eligible to apply. Applicants with an active K12 or KL2 may apply in the final year of their active K12 or KL2 so long as the award will end before the Research Scholar Award term begins.

• If a applicant is granted the award and notified of a comparable award from another agency prior to the first payment of this award, then the recipient must select one of the two awards (i.e., the recipient may not retain both awards).

• If the recipient is notified that a comparable award has been granted after the first payment of this award, then the recipient may retain up to 50 percent of the remainder of his or her AGA award. AGA must be notified by the recipient via email within two weeks of receiving notification of additional funding.

The nccPA Health Foundation: Kathy J. Pedersen Grant aims to promote equitable health care by providing up to $5,000 for innovative projects that address health disparities. This grant honors Kathy J. Pedersen's legacy and encourages applicants to develop actionable strategies that foster cultural humility, advocate for underserved populations, and improve public health. Grantees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and social accountability in their proposed initiatives.

The nccPA Health Foundation: Equitable Care - Be the Change Grant supports PAs and PA students in implementing projects that improve health access and promote equity in their communities. With a focus on addressing health disparities, applicants can receive up to $2,500 to fund innovative initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, enabling ongoing support for transformative health solutions aimed at fostering equitable care for underserved populations.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - PAs STEP Up Grant aims to empower PAs and PA students to create initiatives that enhance diversity and foster inclusive practices within the PA profession. With funding up to $2,500, this grant encourages projects that raise awareness of the PA profession among underrepresented groups, ultimately striving to reduce health disparities and promote equity. Applications are accepted year-round, providing ongoing support for impactful community-driven efforts.

The HEAL Initiative aims to develop non-addictive therapeutics for pain management through small molecules and biologics. This funding opportunity supports preclinical optimization, facilitating the transition of promising candidates to clinical trials. Important proposal deadlines span from January 2024 to January 2027, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior. The program emphasizes collaboration with NIH staff to ensure thorough project planning and monitoring, aiming to revolutionize pain treatment while ensuring safety and efficacy.

Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

About Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education.

Karen C. and A. Wells Ridenour Nursing Scholarship Fund

This scholarship supports a Washington County resident of any age, race, or gender that’s accepted to an accredited four-year nursing program with the intention of completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The Artist's Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund supports mid-career visual artists in New England, providing unrestricted fellowships to those who demonstrate financial need. Established in 1996, it aims to enhance artists' creative abilities through grants for supplies, rent, and travel. Eligible artists must reside in the region for at least two years and have a minimum of ten years of active practice. A.R.T. is building an endowment to ensure its support continues indefinitely.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Gladys & Everett Granger Memorial ScholarshipThe Granger Scholarship is a faith-based award and is given annually to college students from the Marion area. Special consideration is given to applicants who are members of Trinity Baptist Church, St. Mary Catholic Church, or employees of an assisted living facility located in Marion County. The Granger Fund was created in 2012 by the couple’s children, B.J. Granger, Margaret Vogel and Judith Granger. 

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Scholarship Program, established by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation in partnership with UNCF, supports students attending UNCF member institutions, HBCUs, or other accredited four-year colleges. This renewable merit-based scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for residents of specific counties in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, particularly focusing on those majoring in education or STEM fields.

The Henry Luce Foundation’s Religion and Theology: Responsive Grants program seeks to enhance understanding of religion in society by supporting innovative projects that challenge traditional narratives and foster diverse voices. With a focus on racial justice and public discourse, the program encourages organizations to explore the intersections of religion, culture, and social movements. This initiative aims to cultivate inclusive knowledge communities and promote scholarship that contributes to a more equitable future.

Hero Fund America Fund Seeks Applications for its First Responders Grant Round

Hero Fund America (HFA) Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, is seeking applications for its First Responders Grant Round for programs, projects, and other needs that will support education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies.

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs, NY. Inspired by the selfless and heroic efforts of first responders during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Roberts initiated the Provincetown First Responders Appreciation Month, honoring 45 Boston EMS paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and their families. The success of that project inspired the 2016 creation of Hero Fund America.

Since 2016, the fund has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $123,000 to meet the needs of first responders across the nation.

“Grants awarded through the Hero Fund America Fund have helped departments improve their abilities to better serve and protect the civilian population,” said Roberts. “Hero Fund America remains firmly committed to raising both funding and awareness in support of the First Responder community.”

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

Society of Hospital Medicine Equipment Grant

The SHM Global and Rural Health Foundation brings our mission directly to patients in rural and underserved regions of the United States and abroad by offering small travel and equipment grants to hospital-based clinicians and practice administrators involved in this work. The Foundation also aims to amplify the stories of inequitable patient care and celebrate hospital medicine professionals enhancing outcomes.

Equipment grants will be awarded to recipients working in a not-for-profit hospital setting. A letter from hospital or health system leadership, confirming institutional support for the purchase, is required. The equipment purchase date must be in the future (i.e., after the application submission). Award amounts will vary based on need.

The Tribal Agriculture Fellowship supports career and technical education students in agriculture, focusing on Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals. This last-dollar fellowship aims to fill financial gaps, allowing students to prioritize their education while participating in developmental activities. Eligible students must maintain academic progress and engage in community support initiatives. The fellowship provides resources for tuition, housing, and professional development over up to four years, promoting agricultural knowledge in tribal communities.

The Texas Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing an Associate's Degree or vocational training. Open to Texas residents demonstrating financial need, this renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and supplies. Priority is given to Federal Job Corps graduates and honorably discharged veterans. Established in 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the San Antonio community by funding education and enhancing quality of life.

Orizon Real Estate Ducks Unlimited Scholarship

This scholarship goes to a Whitley County senior pursuing and education in conservation or the environment.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Harris ScholarshipThe Harris Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by the LaRue United Methodist Church to honor the generosity of the late Everett and Elvida Harris and to support students active with the church.In addition to being a current and active member of the LaRue Methodist Church, recipients of the Harris Scholarship will be a high school senior, graduate, or candidate for graduation from any high school in Marion County with a GPA of 2.0 or greater.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Talbot Paramedic Foundation/Sylvia Gannon Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Talbot County, and/or to members of a local Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, who are planning to pursue careers as Emergency Medical Technicians.