Best Library Grants in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation support programs that address work, home, and play, with priority for organizations led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, or economic empowerment in Wisconsin and worldwide can seek up to US $100,000 to address critical social challenges. With a mission to strengthen communities, Cisco Systems Foundation provides funding for innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved populations, including initiatives that may support library-based digital skills or access efforts.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in Wisconsin on health, education, or community programs can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation support. Funding may assist food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved residents, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle initiatives, which can include library-based programs that meet these priorities.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in Wisconsin working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible projects must serve children or youth in urban low-income communities within the U.S.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, community development, or services for low- and moderate-income residents can access funding through PNC Foundation for programs in communities where PNC operates. Library organizations providing educational programming, arts and culture, or community services that fit these priorities may be eligible.

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.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits running charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for work carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and well-managed; libraries and related institutions may be competitive if their services broadly benefit their communities and advance these fields.

Wisconsin library and literacy organizations in Alliant Energy service communities can seek support for library services, bookmobiles, literacy programs, STEM education, and related community initiatives. Grants from Alliant Energy help fund specific projects in areas like adult and youth education, after-school reading, financial literacy, and community engagement, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed three times annually.

Wisconsin library organizations and other eligible nonprofits or public entities can access funding for small community-improvement projects that enhance livability for residents as they age. Through AARP Foundation’s Small Dollar, Big Impact Grants, applicants across Wisconsin may receive up to US $1,000 for short-term, low-cost initiatives using the AARP Livable Communities Resource library as a planning tool.

Wisconsin library and literacy-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and aligned for-profit organizations, can seek funding to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness with more than US $50,000 to share powerful, mission-driven stories.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Wisconsin can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to develop essential community facilities. Support can cover constructing, purchasing, or improving facilities and equipment such as libraries, community centers, public safety buildings, and related infrastructure in communities under 20,000 residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, family, youth, poverty relief, or related community services in the Southern U.S. can apply for program support from the Robinson Foundation. Focused on compassionate, faith-informed assistance, the foundation invites established organizations to propose single-year projects that deliver tangible, measurable results, which may include library or literacy initiatives serving Southern communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Wisconsin communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment initiatives. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides support to projects that align with its mission and positively impact the long-term well-being and sustainability of these local communities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Public libraries and 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofits in Wisconsin can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental, human services, or related community initiatives via the Lawrence Foundation. Focused on broad community and environmental work, this private family foundation accepts both project and general operating requests from eligible organizations.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Behavioral health providers and eligible agencies in Wisconsin can receive up to US $50,000 to expand tele-behavioral health services and reduce technology and location barriers for underserved populations. Wisconsin Department of Health Services funds technology, broadband, support, and space remodeling, including partnerships with non-traditional sites such as schools, public libraries, community centers, and shelters.

Wisconsin library services and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental work. U.S. organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support during the annual October 1 to March 1 grant cycle.

Students in Wisconsin studying horticulture or related fields can receive tuition support through this scholarship, with one US $1,000 non-renewable award for fall semester expenses. Grants from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region may benefit those pursuing academic paths that connect to library services, public gardens, or community green spaces.

Libraries, health organizations, and other Network member institutions in Wisconsin and six neighboring states can seek funding to expand access to biomedical and health information, especially for underrepresented communities. With a mission to improve health literacy, National Library of Medicine provides support for outreach, training, and technology that connect users with trusted health information resources; awards are US $25,000.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Libraries and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, governments, and tribal entities in Wisconsin counties served by Boreal Waters can seek support for global education, peace, justice, and environmental sustainability projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Global Awareness Fund may back collections, media, programs, or events that build international understanding and cultural awareness in local communities.