Best Local Government Grants in Wisconsin

Local government entities and other Wisconsin nonprofits supporting youth education, family food and housing security, cultural or scientific institutions, or civic projects may be eligible for grants that strengthen community programs. Grants from the Jerome J. and Dorothy H. Holz Family Foundation prioritize Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, including civic support in Hales Corners and related civic engagement and education efforts.

Community organizing groups in Wisconsin focused on social justice and civic engagement can apply for Needmor Fund for Social Justice’s Core Grants, which provide multi-year general operating support. Eligible organizations organize primarily low- and moderate-income people, maintain a dues-paying membership base, and pursue multi-issue campaigns that build community power and democratic participation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can seek project or program funding for community services, civic engagement, health, environment, animal welfare, and related needs. Grants from Green Bay Packers Foundation help Wisconsin local government partners and community-focused groups address annually rotating priorities such as homelessness, education, athletics, and health and wellness, with awards from US $3,000 - US $8,000.

Local governments and other organizations in Wisconsin can seek funding for public humanities programs such as exhibitions, performances, community discussions, and workshops. Wisconsin Humanities Council awards US $20,001 - US $10,000 Major Grants three times per year to projects where the humanities are central, encouraging civic engagement, education, and reflective community experiences, especially in underserved areas.

Government entities and tax-exempt nonprofits in Wisconsin working on climate and energy systems change can seek operating or project support for advocacy, organizing, and policy work. The McKnight Foundation funds efforts like clean energy transitions, decarbonizing transportation and buildings, climate-smart working lands, and civic engagement that advances equitable, climate-resilient communities; proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.

Local government agencies and other organizations in Wisconsin that engage AmeriCorps members in community service or capacity-building projects can apply for Serve Wisconsin’s AmeriCorps State Competitive Program Grant. Grants support evidence-based interventions in civic engagement, education, environmental stewardship, public safety, and other human needs by funding a portion of program costs and member living allowances.

Wisconsin local governments, schools, and nonprofits can access funding for community health, wellness, poverty reduction, and neighborhood improvement initiatives. Through its Thriving Community Impact Fund Core Contribution Grants, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation offers US $2,500 - US $49,999 for programs aligned with its Community Health Improvement Plan within its 21-county Western Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa service region.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) organizations in Wisconsin can seek program-specific support for community revitalization, affordable housing, and services for low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to build healthy, vibrant communities, Huntington National Bank provides funding within its footprint for initiatives like workforce development, financial empowerment, food security, and digital inclusion; invitation to apply is required.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can apply for the James M Cox Foundation’s funding to support capital projects or special initiatives in conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health. Applicants must be in a Cox service area; those outside metropolitan Atlanta need a local Cox management endorsement letter.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

Wisconsin civic engagement and education organizations can access funding through M J Murdock Charitable Trust’s Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to purchase new long-lived equipment or technology, with awards typically more than US $50,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, certain government and tribal entities, and nonprofits working in areas like community services, education, health, environment, and research, primarily serving the Pacific Northwest.

Local government and public-serving entities in Wisconsin with eligible 501(c)(3) or governmental partners can seek more than US $50,000 for capital construction, renovation, or property purchase projects that expand nonprofit capacity. Focused on artistic and cultural expression, civic engagement and community services, education, health, environmental stewardship, and scientific research, M J Murdock Charitable Trust prioritizes diversified funding and projects in the Pacific Northwest but may support broader U.S. impact.

Grassroots organizing groups in the U.S. can seek rapid-response funding for urgent nonviolent activism, including civic engagement and social justice actions. A.J. Muste Memorial Institute supports immediate needs and timely political opportunities with grants up to US $5,000; Wisconsin-based efforts involving local governments or community advocacy may be eligible.

Graduating high school seniors interested in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation can apply for Coral Gables Community Foundation’s Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship; awards US $500 - US $2,500 for up to four years of college tuition. Students must show financial need and plan full-time enrollment at an accredited four-year institution.

Wisconsin local governments and partner entities working in rural civic engagement can access funding through Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ Trust for Civic Life Civic Experiment Grants. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, local or tribal governments, community colleges, foundations, cooperatives, and similar entities in rural U.S. regions can receive up to US $25,000 for non-partisan, community-led programs that spark civic participation and long-term civic infrastructure.

Youth-led civic engagement and leadership teams in Wisconsin can apply for the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship to run community-based projects. Focused on civic engagement and youth development, Institute for Citizens & Scholars offers up to US $4,500 in stipends and project support for informal or formally affiliated teams of 14–24-year-olds across the U.S.

Youth-led groups and young people ages 5–25 in Wisconsin can receive US $250 - US $500 to design and run community service, advocacy, or civic engagement projects with their peers. With a mission to empower youth changemakers, Youth Service America provides support for projects during Youth Service Month and Global Youth Service Day that build social awareness, relationships, and local impact.

Local government and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working on civic engagement, voter education, and election participation can seek support for year-round, on-the-ground organizing. Park Foundation funds state-based and national groups that mobilize voters, protect voting rights and election integrity, and counter efforts to suppress participation in the democratic process across the U.S.

Nonprofit public charities working on national civic engagement, democracy, or gun violence prevention initiatives in the U.S., including Wisconsin, may be eligible for this program supporting multi-state projects. Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund backs efforts to protect voting rights, reduce money in politics, and strengthen policy and education to prevent gun violence.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin working on civic engagement, financial literacy, housing insecurity, community development, or technology education can seek funding for scalable, high-impact programs. Affirm Cares supports U.S.-based initiatives that promote vibrant communities, technology access, and economic inclusion; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund supports local events and initiatives that promote health and well-being in the community. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the event date. The fund prioritizes non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies that align with the Health System’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Event sponsorships, local memberships, and partnerships are encouraged to enhance community engagement and address social needs, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation provides grants over $5,000 for meaningful projects in North Central Wisconsin that enhance arts, education, health, economic, and social development. Applications are accepted six times a year, with deadlines on the last Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. The foundation encourages innovative initiatives that engage diverse communities, improve well-being, and support productive citizenship, while promoting appreciation for the area’s natural resources.

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving American exceptionalism through a commitment to individual liberty, free markets, and civic responsibility. It prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that promote informed citizenship and strong communities. With ongoing acceptance of Letters of Inquiry, the Foundation seeks to empower initiatives that align with its principles of limited government and the rule of law, fostering a rich community culture.

Foundation of the Federal Bar Association

The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association provides the best way for practitioners to give back to the Federal legal community. Chartered by Congress in 1954, the Foundation serves people in communities across the United States through its generous grants, scholarships, and programming.

Our Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to:

• Promote and support legal research and education;
• Advance the science of jurisprudence;
• Facilitate the administration of justice;
• Foster improvements in the practice of Federal law

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants support community service projects and civics programs which comply with the Foundation’s mission to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law.

Civics Education Grant

The Civics Grant Program is designed to support projects and initiatives that promote a wider public understanding of democratic principles, the judicial system and the rule of law. Through targeted funding, the program empowers FBA chapters, sections, divisions, national standing committees (FBA entity), and other organizations to develop and support projects in their communities that foster public understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, particularly among younger Americans.

Applicants may only receive one (1) Foundation grant per year.

The Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, under the Teaching with Primary Sources program, aims to empower organizations in the U.S. and its territories to create innovative projects that leverage digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress. This initiative, named after Reps. Lewis and Houghton, promotes education in civics, democracy, and history, fostering critical thinking and literacy among students. Grants will be awarded based on the proposal's alignment with these educational goals, enhancing community engagement.