Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program funds promotions or events for nonprofit organizations. The JEM grant has different categories to fit an organization’s needs. Each category reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for eligible promotional expenses. 

Destination Marketing

Destination Marketing grants require collaboration among at least three municipalities or communities. There are two types of Destination Marketing grants available for nonprofit organizations:

 This grant supports research and development expenses that investigate how to increase visitor spending across at least three municipalities or communities. The research will help you discover what makes your destination unique and attractive to visitors in order to define a brand and focus a marketing strategy. It can also help you acquire data to measure the impact of the visitor on the local economy. The eligible award amount is $10,000 per municipality, with the maximum award being $39,550, and must not exceed 50% of the overall budget. 

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Midwest Region Student Travel Award

Each year, CSA travel funding in an amount up to $750 is available for a Midwest Region Student Member to present at the National Symposium of The Costume Society of America. Awards may be distributed among multiple student members.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program funds promotions or events for nonprofit organizations. The JEM grant has different categories to fit an organization’s needs. Each category reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for eligible promotional expenses. 

Destination Marketing

Destination Marketing grants require collaboration among at least three municipalities or communities. There are two types of Destination Marketing grants available for nonprofit organizations:

This grant is for marketing and promotion initiatives that increase visitor spending across at least three municipalities or communities. This marketing option is designed to implement the research acquired in the Destination Marketing Development grant. The marketing initiatives should occur during the off-season when the region needs a boost in tourism business. The eligible award amount is $10,000 per municipality, with the maximum award being $39,550 for the project total.

The George K. Tallman Trust Grant supports charitable, public, religious, humane, scientific, literary, and educational purposes. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations meeting the 501(c)(3) criteria. The grant favors projects in education, religious services, human and social services, and arts and culture. Note that individuals cannot submit applications. For further information, please search for the grant using the foundation finder provided by JPMorgan.

The Joyce Foundation's Journalism Grants support independent, nonpartisan reporting to address critical issues in the Great Lakes region. By investing in high-quality journalism, the Foundation aims to promote informed decision-making and strengthen community cohesion. Eligible applicants include nonprofit journalism organizations and projects that enhance local news and support early career journalists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The application process requires advance planning, with funding decisions made quarterly.

The federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The HPF is derived from federal offshore oil leases, not from tax revenues. The Catalog of Federal Assistance number is 15.904. In Wisconsin, subgrants from this fund are administered by the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

The SHPO annually passes through 10% of our federal Historic Preservation Fund grant to Certified Local Governments (CLGs) through a competitive subgrant program. All proposed projects must assist Wisconsin historic resources in one of the following ways:

• Surveys of Communities or Neighborhoods
• Nominations of Historic Places to National Register
• Educational Projects about Historic Places
• Planning Documents
• Host CAMP Training

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund supports the creation and maintenance of quiet trails in Wisconsin, including walking, hiking, and skiing paths. Grants range from $500 to $1,000, prioritizing public access and inclusivity. Eligible applicants include public charities, government units, and accredited educational institutions. Projects must enhance trail accessibility and promote quiet outdoor experiences, while ineligible organizations include individuals and private foundations.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

The Gil Gabanski Student Scholarship, provided by the MGWA Foundation, offers multiple $2,000 awards for undergraduate and graduate students studying at accredited institutions in Minnesota and nearby areas. This scholarship aims to ease educational expenses and foster interest in groundwater-related careers, including hydrogeology and groundwater geology. It also promotes mentorship opportunities for early-career students, honoring Gil Gabanski's legacy in the geosciences community.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is offering funding through the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) for Region 3. This initiative aims to assist small and disadvantaged businesses in transportation. The funding opportunity is part of a cooperative agreement for one award covering a 12-month base year, with the potential for two additional option years based on performance. This support is crucial for enhancing small business capabilities in the transportation sector.

The Open Fund Grant supports innovative visual artist projects that are experimental and community-oriented. Administered by The Poor Farm and The Open, it offers funding of $5,000 to $10,000 for initiatives based in Milwaukee County. Eligible projects must be artist-organized, publicly accessible, and primarily focused on the visual arts. The grant prioritizes collaboration and aims to enhance public engagement through unique artistic expressions, fostering creativity within diverse communities.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Joseph L. Runde Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports deserving female seniors from various high schools, including Hazel Green and Belmont, who aspire to pursue degrees in healthcare sciences. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship exemplifies the foundation's commitment to enhancing education and fostering personal philanthropy in the Southern Wisconsin community.

The WAB Woodland Indian Arts Grant, managed by the Wisconsin Arts Board, aims to support Native American arts in Wisconsin. This initiative provides funding to Native-led organizations that benefit local communities through artistic activities. Grants focus on professional development, documentation of cultural knowledge, and promoting Native artists. Eligible applicants include tribal governments and organizations with a proven track record in arts-related work. The program emphasizes long-term support for both traditional and contemporary art forms.

The Recreational Boating Facilities Grants, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aim to enhance public access to waterways through funding for local governments and qualified entities. Projects may include constructing boat ramps, improving docks, and installing navigational aids. With an emphasis on sustainable waterway management, the program encourages larger grant requests to be submitted early due to processing timelines. This initiative supports outdoor recreation and the conservation of Wisconsin's natural resources.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Wisconsin aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. Funding is flexible, prioritizing smaller requests, and can be used for various purposes, including business training, infrastructure development, and community economic growth. The program targets projects in rural areas, enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and fostering economic development.

The Joseph Thomas Wyss Hockey Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from select high schools who are active participants in hockey. Eligible students must plan to attend an accredited college or university and have been involved in the Monroe Avalanche Hockey or Monroe Youth Hockey programs. This scholarship aims to promote educational opportunities for dedicated athletes in the region.

The Lars Christianson Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to support students from Beloit Memorial High School, Beloit Turner High School, Janesville Craig High School, Janesville Parker High School, Milton High School, and Parkview High School. Eligible applicants must plan to attend UW-Whitewater at Rock County and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship reflects the foundation's mission of matching personal philanthropy with community needs.

The North Crawford Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to provide educational opportunities for graduates of North Crawford High School. Students planning to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school with a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible to apply. This scholarship not only supports academic pursuits but also enhances the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin, aligning with the foundation's mission of matching personal philanthropy with community needs.

The Albrecht Memorial Scholarship, provided by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students with disabilities from five local high schools in Rock County to pursue post-secondary education at UW-Whitewater. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 and provide proof of disability. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and matching personal philanthropy with community needs, ensuring a lasting impact in Southern Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

This is a federal program administered in most states. Municipal governments and incorporated organizations are eligible to receive reimbursement for the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses.

Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs. Funds from this program may be used in conjunction with funds from other state grant programs that also fund trail projects.

The RTP legislation prohibits using RTP funds for condemnation of any kind of interest in property. An RTP project may be located on land condemned with funds from other sources. However, to be consistent with the RTP legislation, it is not permissible to use the value of condemned land toward the match requirement for an RTP project.