Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries offering adult literacy, GED preparation, or English language acquisition services in Wisconsin can apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Adult Literacy Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible organizations must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in a state where it operates and listed in the National Literacy Directory.

K-12 public schools in Wisconsin with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can seek recovery funding to rebuild collections and equipment. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation help eligible schools within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center restore literacy and library services after qualifying events.

Nonprofit organizations, K–12 schools, colleges, universities, and public libraries offering family literacy services in Wisconsin can receive up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and parent–child together time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports programs within 15 miles of its stores in operating states, including eligible Wisconsin communities.

Focused on literacy and workforce skills, this program invites Wisconsin 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets to apply for support for education, youth development, and job-readiness initiatives. RBC Foundation USA funds nonprofits in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence and community involvement, including many areas across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and libraries in Wisconsin can seek funding to create or expand summer reading programs for Pre-K–12 students, including new, below-grade-level, and students with learning disabilities. With a mission to advance literacy, Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides up to US $3,000 for programs within 15 miles of a Dollar General store.

Schools, public libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting K–12 students struggling with reading can use these grants for youth literacy programs in Wisconsin and other eligible states. Focused on literacy, Dollar General Literacy Foundation invites organizations within 20 miles of a Dollar General store to implement or expand programs, and purchase books, materials, or technology, with awards up to US $5,000.

The Book Buddies Program, initiated by The Molina Foundation, aims to combat the lack of access to books in low-income communities. By distributing new, free books to eligible schools and agencies, the program fosters literacy and learning among children. With over 4 million books distributed, it helps create word-rich environments essential for educational success. This initiative supports families in building home libraries and enhances learning spaces, ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The Mobile Learning Fund provides grants to adult literacy programs in the U.S. and Canada, enabling access to digital learning solutions. These grants support various online learning tools, such as New Readers Press, Learning Upgrade, and EnGen, aimed at enhancing literacy, math, and digital skills. Eligible programs must implement the solutions within 30 days and ensure active learner engagement. This initiative empowers educators to expand their reach and improve student outcomes through innovative digital resources.

Focused on youth literacy, Reading Is Fundamental invites Wisconsin educational institutions, libraries, and youth-serving nonprofits to apply for matching grants that provide its Read for Success program. Eligible U.S. partners serving children from birth through grade 12 receive classroom read‑aloud sets, student take‑home books, and family engagement resources to build a culture of reading.

Educational institutions and youth-serving organizations in Wisconsin can receive matching book awards to run literacy and book-ownership programs for children from birth through grade 12. Focused on youth literacy, Reading Is Fundamental invites schools, libraries, and community groups to purchase diverse books through its online bookstore and distribute them for children to choose and keep.

State-level NEA affiliates planning K–12 literacy and diverse reading initiatives in Wisconsin can apply for the Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant, with awards up to US $7,500. Focused on year-round reading and access to diverse books, National Education Association Staff Organization supports events, book distributions, author visits, and related activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing literacy and related quality-of-life issues in Wisconsin communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, general operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-based nonprofits advance literacy alongside workforce development, economic stability, health services, and disaster relief for underserved populations.

Nonprofit organizations focused on K–12 literacy, mentoring, and tutoring in Wisconsin can seek support for education programs that advance economic mobility. Grants from TruStage Foundation help Wisconsin literacy organizations and housing-focused nonprofits address racial and socioeconomic disparities, with priority given to Madison/Dane County and the Cedar Valley area in Iowa, plus broader support across all 50 states.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and public libraries with established, successful literacy programs can access funding through the Steve and Loree Potash Family Foundation to expand reading and literacy initiatives. Grants up to US $10,000 support U.S.-based projects where reading is the primary activity, including adult literacy, ESOL, and Braille-related services.

Adult and teen literacy education programs in Wisconsin can apply for ProLiteracy’s National Book Fund, awarding US $500 - US $2,000 in in-kind New Readers Press materials for direct instruction. Nonprofit providers of basic literacy, ESOL, high school equivalency, math, or family literacy, especially free-to-student programs, may be strong candidates.

Wisconsin literacy and education nonprofits, plus other U.S. 501(c)(3) charities and eligible public or Puerto Rico charitable organizations, can seek Amgen Foundation support for humanitarian, social, education, and community programs. Organizations with literacy initiatives that provide nationwide U.S. impact or serve Amgen’s listed communities may be eligible for these non-healthcare donations and sponsorships.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct literacy services to students can apply for ProLiteracy’s Literacy Opportunity Fund, which offers up to US $6,000 for general operating support. Wisconsin literacy organizations may use funds for salaries, technology, supplies, space rental, or specific projects, with applications reviewed quarterly.

Nonprofit organizations supporting youth empowerment, literacy, education, wellness, and basic needs may be eligible for funding that can benefit literacy efforts in Wisconsin. The Dale Jr Foundation supports U.S. charities working with underprivileged children through programs in reading, technology access, child health, hunger relief, and social-emotional development, but cannot fund individuals or families.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Public libraries and youth-serving nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Pizza Hut Foundation’s Slice of Literacy Community Grant, awarding up to US $10,000 for literacy-based programs. Eligible applicants must be within 15 miles of a Pizza Hut and run time-bound initiatives serving communities in the U.S., Guam, or D.C.

Nonprofit organizations working on literacy and related issues in Wisconsin and beyond can seek $2,000 - $20,000 to launch or expand impactful programs. With a mission to empower donors for lasting impact, Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies supports projects addressing literacy, women’s issues, arts and culture, income inequality, and Judaism, especially those reaching underserved individuals.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship

For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person. 

Literary Arts Fund

Grants Overview

The Literary Arts Fund will award at least $50 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field over the next five years, concluding in 2031.

With a short timeline, the fund’s grantmaking has a strategic focus on the areas of the literary arts ecosystem where it determined it could have the greatest impact— that is: supporting independent U.S.-based literary arts nonprofits whose primary mission is directly serving adult writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid works in making their artistic work and sharing it with readers outside of school and academic settings. Please review the fund’s full eligibility requirements to learn more.

Innovation project grants provide funding to literary arts nonprofits for projects that may be collaborative and that aim to address critical challenges in one or more literary arts nonprofit organizations, presses, or publications that, if improved, would directly benefit creative writers’ artistic work and ability to share it with readers and audiences. These grants are disbursed to nonprofits in a single payment and intended for use during the project period.

The Justamere Foundation focuses on removing barriers to self-sufficiency by supporting innovative community programs. They prioritize four key areas: trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, and arts education. By providing grants and non-traditional scholarships, the foundation aims to empower individuals and create lasting change. Their mission is to connect underserved communities with essential resources, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.