Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Wisconsin

The Hierholzer-Fojtik Scholarship, established in 2006 by Frances Hierholzer, supports students pursuing a career in law. It is awarded to Grand Haven Area Public Schools graduates with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship offers a streamlined application process for all eligible foundation scholarships. Frances, inspired by her grandson's success with a GHACF scholarship, aims to give back to the community that helped him achieve his educational dreams.

Cathy Geerlings Indomitable Spirit Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a current college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering whose permanent address lies within the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a currently employed worker from the greater Holland/Zeeland area, employed 20 or more hours per week, in human resources, manufacturing, skilled trades, semi-skilled trades, or other production-related areas with a greater Holland/Zeeland area company including temporary staffing agencies.

The Dorothy A. Ashcraft Charitable Trust Grant offers financial support to nonprofit organizations in Janesville, WI. This grant focuses on various program areas including animal welfare, arts and culture, education, and health research. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified to apply, while individuals are not eligible for funding. The trust aims to enhance community development and provide vital resources to local charities.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Cynthia Chapman Memorial Scholarship

Cynthia Chapman was a renowned pianist who was dedicated to the pursuit of science and education. She devoted much of her life developing educational videos for Encyclopedia Britannica. This scholarship is in honor of her exceptional accomplishments and career.

The Cynthia Chapman Memorial Scholarship is designed for students who have a background in music (such as playing an instrument, choir, band, etc.) and who are pursuing a degree in a science related field. This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors from Northern Nevada, with a preference for those from Eureka County. This is a one-time award of up to $2,000.

The Jack and Florence Sitrin Scholarship, established by Joyce Malcolm, supports graduating seniors from Utica, NY, pursuing further education in Mathematics. Administered by Utica Dollars for Scholars, this scholarship aims to empower hard-working students who demonstrate a commitment to their education and community. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties champions this initiative, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented individuals from achieving their academic and career goals.

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aids Native Communities in enhancing library services. It empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs and serve as vital resource centers. By addressing the unique priorities of each community, this initiative fosters knowledge sharing and supports the overall wellness of Tribal members, ensuring they have access to essential information and resources.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Sidney and Carol Aroesty Family Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to East High School graduating seniors planning to pursue a degree in any science discipline at a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $12,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

The Duluth Builders Exchange Legacy Fund provides scholarships to support students in pursuing careers in the construction industry. Three scholarships are available: one for four-year degree students in fields like engineering and architecture, another for two-year students in trades like carpentry and plumbing, and a third for apprentices needing tools and safety equipment. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000, promoting education and skill development in the local workforce.

The Zur Hausen Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students pursuing degrees in Engineering or Agriculture. This scholarship honors Edith and Elmar zur Hausen, who emigrated from Germany and dedicated their lives to the Wenatchee Valley. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates from Chelan or Douglas County, aiming to study at an accredited institution in the USA.

The AESEF Genelec Mike Chafee Audio Pioneering Scholarship supports exceptional women pursuing graduate studies in audio engineering. Named in honor of Michael Chafee, a significant figure in audio innovation, this scholarship aims to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 and are awarded based on academic merit and commitment to audio engineering. Payment is made directly to the student’s graduate school, facilitating a smoother educational journey.

The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation Grant supports various charitable causes primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and Southern California. Founded by James Stewart, who was dedicated to uplifting the community and promoting the arts, the foundation provides an average grant of $10,000, awarding around five grants annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The foundation emphasizes arts, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit, continuing Stewart's legacy of generosity.

The Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope, established by the family of Don and Barbara Frey, honors the legacy of Bernice Carver, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors from Columbia City, Churubusco, or Whitko High School who have a minimum 2.2 GPA and aspire to careers in nursing, teaching, or science. Emphasizing good citizenship and a quest for knowledge, the scholarship reflects Miss Carver's admirable character and commitment to education.

The Stark County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, aims to support law students pursuing a Juris Doctorate at accredited law schools. Since its inception in 1963, the Foundation has been instrumental in transforming lives through philanthropic efforts. The scholarship prioritizes applicants from the Stark County area who demonstrate financial need and intend to practice law in their home community, fostering local legal talent and serving community needs.

SECURA Insurance Companies Charitable Fund Grants support local nonprofit organizations in the Fox Valley area that provide essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Grants are awarded by SECURA’s Community Commitment Committee, which evaluates applications based on community impact. Eligible organizations include public charities and government units serving the Foundation’s service area, while ineligible projects include political affiliations and general operational costs.

Ann and Anthony La Pietra Scholarship

Recipients are chosen based on their efforts and achievements in an area that reflects the lifelong pursuits of Ann and Anthony La Pietra, longtime Marshall residents. These areas include the fine arts, community service and advocacy to support people in need, prevent discrimination, protect the environment and work toward peace and understanding. Applicants should be pursuing studies/majors related to one or more of these areas. Academic success and financial need may be considered but are not necessarily determining factors. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

The Sheriff W. Bruce Umpleby Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County residents who are high school graduates, aiming to pursue a career in law enforcement. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a post-secondary institution. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's commitment to empowering students and addressing community needs since its inception in 1963.

The Health Equity Data Access Program (HEDAP) offers funding for six seats in the CMS Virtual Research Data Center, enabling researchers to access critical CMS data for minority health research. Focused on various health topics, HEDAP aims to tackle health disparities among underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals affected by poverty. The program encourages innovative research methods and intersectional approaches, enhancing researchers' capacity to utilize CMS data effectively while providing actionable insights for stakeholders.

The Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports law students who demonstrate academic excellence and community commitment. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and have ties to the Stark County Region. This scholarship aims to empower future legal professionals dedicated to serving their communities while fostering a diverse legal landscape.

The Healthy After Cancer Award, offered by the Children's Cancer Research Fund, focuses on enhancing the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors. This funding supports research aimed at addressing the long-term effects of cancer therapy, prioritizing survivorship interventions over new treatment development. With a commitment to improving health outcomes for young survivors, this award underscores the importance of addressing unique challenges faced by this population.

About Us

Children’s Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Our main focus is to support the research of bright scientists across the country whose ideas can make the greatest impact for children fighting cancer. We also fund resources and programs that help kids and families as they navigate the difficult experience of cancer treatment and survivorship.

Since 1981, we’ve contributed over $235 million to research, support programs for children and families, and awareness and education outreach. In 2024, over 81 percent of funds raised went directly to these program services areas.

Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national nonprofit committed to finding safer, more effective therapies for kids battling cancer. Thanks to donors and partners around the country, we have contributed over $235 million to research, education and awareness, and quality-of-life programs for childhood cancer families. We believe kids deserve safer, less toxic treatments, and we’re committed to funding groundbreaking research and services that enhance healing and care.

In 2026, Children’s Cancer Research Fund will focus our research funding efforts on three main areas:

• Hard-to-Treat Cancers
• Survivorship
• Health Disparities

Accelerating Hope: Clinical Trials for Hard-to-Treat Cancers Award

This funding opportunity is limited to support for clinical trials focused on hard-to-treat cancers, prioritizing Phase 0 – Phase 2 studies. Learn more about eligibility criteria and other key details below.

The Allen Family Career Advancement Grant (AFCAG) offers financial support for credentialing, licensure, internships, degrees, or certificates for working residents in Essex, Elizabethtown, Lewis, Westport, or Willsboro, NY. Award amounts range from $250 to $3,000 annually, with renewal options available based on academic progress. This grant aims to enhance career opportunities and foster educational pathways, ensuring that eligible residents can pursue their professional goals effectively.

The Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship, established by the Adirondack Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. U.R. Plante, a dedicated physician in rural New York. This scholarship aims to support students from the Adirondack region pursuing medical education, with amounts up to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be accepted into an accredited medical school and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community post-graduation. This initiative not only fosters education but also encourages the return of healthcare professionals to underserved areas.

The Eliminating Disparities in Childhood Cancers Award, offered by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, supports innovative research aimed at reducing health disparities in childhood cancer. This initiative prioritizes proposals that identify modifiable risk factors and mechanisms of disparities, emphasizing the importance of improving access to care and treatment outcomes. With over $235 million invested since 1981, CCRF is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families affected by cancer.

About

Our Strong Community Framework — the first-ever philanthropic vision for the Adirondack region — guides our approach to investing in promising opportunities across our five "whole community" focus areas. In partnership with generous donors and capable nonprofits, we bring all the tools of a community foundation to bear to meet today's pressing needs and build charitable resources for the needs of tomorrow. 

Scholarships

What could be more important for the future of the Adirondack region than to educate our children? As one of five key interest areas for what we fund, creating educational pathways helps to ensure all students in the Adirondacks have meaningful opportunities to pursue post-secondary education, career training, and pathways to gainful employment and fulfilling lives. Scholarships can play a pivotal role in helping students better themselves, no matter their life stage or path.

Scholarship funds at Adirondack Community Foundation have been created to benefit specific educational institutions or fields of study. The most common way we distribute scholarships is in partnership with schools across our region that manage scholarship committees that select recipients based on guidelines set forth by fundholders. We also have some scholarship funds to which students can apply directly for support. All scholarship funds use a competitive application process to make decisions.

Sean P. McCullough Memorial Scholarship

The Sean P. McCullough Memorial Scholarship Fund was named after Sean McCullough, a Plattsburgh High School senior who died tragically on May 14, 2005. Learn more about Sean here or watch the video above.

The scholarship supports outstanding graduating seniors from any New York State Section VII high school that plans to continue their education at the college level. Students must be a member of the school track team, embody school spirit, demonstrate academic strength, dedication, competitive spirit, and good leadership skills.

There is no student application for this scholarship. Students must be nominated by their track coach.

Scholarship amounts are up to $1,750.

Geographic Focus

New York State Section VII schools

Dr. Barry T. Katzen Master Clinician Award

Honors an interventional radiologist who exemplifies dedication to clinical practice, patient care, diligence in their work and continuous improvement within the field and who has also made a demonstrable impact at their institution or practice as a result.

About

The Dr. Barry T. Katzen Master Clinician Award seeks to honor an interventional radiologist who exemplifies dedication to clinical practice, patient care, diligence in their work and continuous improvement within the field as well as who has made a demonstrable impact at their institution or practice as a result. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the reputation and practice of interventional radiology through their hard work, commitment and, most importantly, clinical practice. The award is being given in the name of Barry T. Katzen, MD, FSIR, who pioneered clinical practice for IR in 1976 and became a vocal advocate, champion and example for colleagues of the importance of IR being a clinical discipline for advancement of the specialty.

The recipient will receive:

• Complimentary annual meeting registration
• Recognition during the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting

The Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Fund provides crucial financial assistance to underinsured patients suffering from this rare blood cancer. Through the HealthWell Foundation, the fund helps cover prescription copays, insurance premiums, and treatment-related costs, ensuring access to necessary medical care. With over $1.2 billion in grants awarded, the program has supported more than 1.1 million patients since its inception in 2004. Its mission is to alleviate financial barriers to essential healthcare, allowing patients to focus on their treatment and recovery.

The Accelerating Impact for Hard-to-Treat Cancers Award, offered by the Children's Cancer Research Fund, focuses on pre-clinical research to enhance treatment outcomes for pediatric cancers that are difficult to treat. The award supports innovative studies, including pilot projects and the development of new technologies. As a nonprofit, CCRF has invested over $235 million in initiatives since 1981, aiming to improve therapies and support for children battling cancer, thereby fostering safer and more effective treatment options.