Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Community Arts Grants, funded by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, aim to enhance local arts programming and promote community engagement through diverse artistic activities. Grant proposals should be open to the public and can include performances, exhibitions, and educational workshops. Eligible organizations include non-profits and government agencies serving specific counties. The program does not support individual artists or fundraising events, ensuring accessibility and community benefit.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

Allocations to Improve Health Services in Rural Wisconsin

The Rural Health Transformation Program will award an estimated $209 million over five years in technology grants. Grants will be rolled out in two rounds to different types of healthcare organizations. Through these grants, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) seeks to bolster the state’s capacity to provide high-quality care to rural residents via technological innovations. Applicants may apply to multiple Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding opportunities for which their organizations are eligible. 

Purpose

These funds are intended to invest in technology that:

• Removes barriers to care for rural residents.
• Maximizes provider productivity.
• Ensures improved patient or community health outcomes.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The NRA Foundation: Wisconsin Grants provide funding for charitable purposes aligned with the NRA Foundation's mission, including promoting firearms safety, educating youth about firearms, and supporting competitive shooting sports. Eligible applicants must be IRS 501(c)(3) recognized entities or government bodies, and must submit necessary documentation. Ineligible organizations include labor groups and private businesses. This initiative aims to foster educational and safety programs while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

The Wisconsin Partnership Program Faculty Grants: Opportunity Grant Program supports innovative research and education projects addressing critical health challenges in Wisconsin. This program offers one-time funding of up to $200,000 over two years for projects with potential to transform fields or apply novel ideas. Applicants must demonstrate a clear path for additional funding and a commitment to health equity, while engaging diverse perspectives. A three-stage review process ensures thorough evaluation of proposals.

The Ralph K. Morris Foundation offers Cooperative Leadership Sponsorships to support training and professional development for emerging leaders, especially from rural areas. The program adapts to changing needs by providing financial assistance for cooperative education events and scholarships. Priority is given to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, encouraging a collaborative approach to leadership development in communities. This initiative aims to foster the future of cooperatives through accessible education and training opportunities.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Vibrant Spaces Grant in Wisconsin aims to enhance community well-being by funding public space improvements. Local governments can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. Key eligibility criteria include a 1:1 match requirement and community engagement. Projects should create vibrant gathering spaces, increase foot traffic, and support local businesses. The initiative fosters connections and encourages diverse activities, making it a vital resource for revitalizing underutilized areas and promoting economic growth.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

The Sidney & Ruth Julson Scholarship, established in 2023, honors the legacy of the Julsons, former owners of Four Lakes Aviation. This scholarship provides a $2,000 annual award to Wisconsin residents pursuing education and careers in aviation or aerospace. Eligible students must be enrolled in specific flight school programs at Madison Area Technical College, or in Buffalo or Sheridan, WY. This initiative supports the future of aviation by investing in the education of aspiring pilots and aviation professionals.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Scholarships, including the Robert Payzer Memorial/EAA Chapter 640 Scholarship, aim to support Wisconsin residents pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. With over $300,000 in scholarships awarded annually, this program encourages applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrate passion and community involvement. The Robert Payzer Memorial Scholarship, established in 2013, honors a dedicated EAA chapter member, providing $1,000 to deserving students in the field.

The Carl Guell Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002, supports Wisconsin residents pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. This scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a dedicated student, reflecting the mission of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame to enhance community quality of life through education. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate passion for the field, and be active in their communities. Over $300,000 in scholarships supports students from preschool to post-graduate levels.

The Community Capacity Grant Program, established by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, aims to support Wisconsin-based organizations dedicated to advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. With grants of up to $20,000, this initiative encourages innovative projects that enhance organizational capacity without covering core operating expenses. By fostering partnerships and mentorship, the program seeks to empower smaller nonprofits to effectively achieve their missions and improve community health outcomes.

The Stebnitz Builders, Inc. Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from Walworth County high schools pursuing trade-related fields. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, submit a project photo, and provide two letters of recommendation. Preference is given to those with work or community service experience, particularly in carpentry. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters community engagement among local youth.

The Community Impact Grant Level One: Engage aims to enhance health equity in Wisconsin by supporting community partnerships that address social determinants of health. Open to Wisconsin-based organizations with less than $1 million in annual expenses, grants of up to $250,000 are available for three years. The program fosters collaboration among community leaders and aims to evaluate the impact of initiatives addressing health inequities, ensuring sustainable improvements in health outcomes for diverse populations.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Community Impact Grant Level One: Engage supports community-academic partnerships aimed at addressing social determinants of health and advancing health equity in Wisconsin. Open to small to medium organizations, grants offer up to $250,000 over three years, promoting initiatives that tackle health inequities through authentic community leadership. Collaboration with academic partners, while encouraged, is not mandatory. The program emphasizes sustainability, evaluation, and a commitment to creating systemic change for affected populations.