Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Studebaker National Foundation Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in automotive studies. With over $20,000 awarded for technical and trade education in auto restoration, this scholarship encourages applicants to maintain the legacy of Studebaker. Eligible candidates include those studying automotive fields or those engaged with Studebaker as hobbyists. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, and preference is given to members of Studebaker clubs or their relatives. Reapplications from previous recipients are allowed.

The Youth in Foster Care Scholarship Fund offers financial support to young adults from the New Mexico foster care system who seek to develop skills or pursue higher education. Aimed at those aging out of foster care, the fund provides opportunities for both full-time and part-time students at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, recent graduates, and GED holders, all with a commitment to enhancing their education and future career prospects.

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

The Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training, offered by the American Heart Association, supports qualified research institutions in providing meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students. This three-year award enables institutions to apply for funding for two to five students annually, promoting diversity in science and enhancing mentorship opportunities. Institutions are encouraged to develop robust recruitment plans and ensure effective support for participants, while adhering to strict budget guidelines and reporting requirements.

The Japan Foundation's Institutional Project Support - Small Grant Program provides up to $25,000 for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance Japanese Studies infrastructure. The program targets institutions facing challenges in maintaining their programs, particularly smaller or newer entities without established Japanese Studies initiatives. Eligible projects should focus on promoting Japanese Studies, with funding available for faculty salaries, travel, research materials, and conference expenses. Applications are accepted from institutions committed to advancing their Japanese Studies offerings.

The Institutional Project Support (IPS) Grant Program by the Japan Foundation aims to enhance Japanese studies in the U.S. by providing up to $150,000 annually for three years. Eligible U.S. institutions must match the grant and focus on innovative proposals that stimulate growth in Japanese studies. The program prioritizes projects that create tenured positions and address national needs, while excluding political or commercial activities. Grants cover faculty salaries, travel, and teaching materials.

The Girls Flag Grant, offered by USA Football, aims to empower youth and scholastic organizations to establish girls-only flag football programs. This inclusive initiative provides tailored support, including equipment, playbooks, and marketing resources. With a commitment to fostering growth in the sport, each grant is customized to meet the unique needs of the organization, ensuring long-term success and engagement in the game. Organizations must enroll with USA Football to apply.

The Spring Scholarships, offered by Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF), provide vital tuition support for students pursuing higher education, including college and professional development programs. MVCF fosters community collaboration to enrich the cultural landscape and ensure the sustainability of the Island. Since 1982, their commitment has been to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future of Martha’s Vineyard's diverse community.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

The ASCO Clinical Oncology & Research Experience (ASCO CORE) offers medical students immersive exposure to the field of oncology through shadowing experiences in clinical and research settings. With two distinct tracks, participants can gain insights into patient care or research practices, guided by mentors. Eligible students must be enrolled in a U.S. DO or MD program and maintain a good academic record. This program aims to inspire the next generation of oncology professionals.

USA Football’s Flag Equipment Grant supports youth organizations and schools in need of flag belts and footballs for girls flag football programs. Eligible applicants include legally designated non-profits in good standing with USA Football. The grant provides USA Football-branded equipment, with quantities determined by the application responses. Organizations are unable to select items from a catalog, as awards are issued directly from warehouse partners, ensuring accessibility for participants.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The Stanley V. and Mary G. Mahalick Scholarship is a one-year award for deserving students from Mahanoy Area High School or Marian Catholic High School. Funded by the Center for Scholarship Administration, this scholarship supports students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and good moral character. Recipients may reapply for additional funding up to four years, provided they maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university.

The CSA Grace D. Dreher Memorial Scholarship supports deserving students from Stroudsburg High School. Funded by the Grace D. Dreher Memorial Trust, it offers one-year scholarships for full-time college enrollment at accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Current recipients may reapply, but awards are not guaranteed and depend on the applicant pool each year.

The CSA Elizabeth Soeder Scholarship provides financial support to deserving students from Cape May County, NJ, facilitating their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship is available for one academic year and is open to high school seniors and current college students who demonstrate financial need and academic ability, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients can reapply for funding in subsequent years, with awards not guaranteed, ensuring a competitive selection process.

The Teaching Credential Scholarship, administered by 10,000 Degrees, offers two opportunities for aspiring educators. The Marin Retired Teachers Association Scholarship supports Marin County high school graduates pursuing fifth-year teaching credentials or master's degrees in education. Meanwhile, the Building Better Teachers Scholarship aids early care and education teachers in advancing their studies towards a bachelor's or master's degree. Both scholarships encourage applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are aimed at fostering the next generation of educators.

The Professional & Technical Training Scholarships-Mission San Rafael Scholarship, offered by 10,000 Degrees, aims to support Marin County students with financial need pursuing vocational programs that lead to a license or certificate. Eligible applicants include Marin residents or San Rafael Unified School District graduates, attending accredited training institutions. This initiative provides not only financial aid but also essential resources to ensure students' success in their educational journeys.

This funding opportunity aims to support innovative research projects targeting previously undruggable classes of proteins associated with challenging human diseases. By encouraging early-stage exploratory projects, it seeks to foster the development of novel methods and agents that can selectively modulate these hard-to-target proteins, ultimately advancing therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes.

The Rotary Club of Milwaukee Scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to high school seniors in Milwaukee pursuing higher education. This program, which has been active for over 110 years, aims to invest in the next generation of community leaders. Recipients not only receive financial aid but also engage in educational programming and are paired with mentors for guidance throughout their college journey, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship Program invites young individuals aged 14-24 to engage in community projects, bridging divides and tackling pressing issues nationwide. In 2025, 500 changemakers will form 100 teams, enhancing their civic skills through collaboration and discussions. Participants will receive stipends and reimbursement funding, while committing to regular meetings and project work. This initiative aims to empower diverse youth populations, providing equitable access to civic education and leadership opportunities as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse offers annual grants to support innovative projects that empower women and girls. Since 1998, over $1 million has been awarded, focusing on education, transportation, and housing to foster economic independence. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 entities and public agencies serving designated counties. Grants range from $1,500 to $15,000. Priority is given to programs that address critical needs and promote inclusivity across all races, ethnicities, and religions.

The Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse offers a Mini Grant program for organizations seeking funding for projects that primarily benefit women and girls. With a funding range of $1,500 to $15,000, this initiative supports inclusive and impactful programs that address critical needs in education, transportation, and housing. Prioritizing equity, the fund aims to empower women and girls in La Crosse and surrounding counties, fostering pathways to economic independence and self-sufficiency.

The AGA: Student Abstract Award offers a $500 travel grant to graduate students, medical students, and residents (up to postgraduate year three) presenting at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). It aims to inspire interest in gastroenterology research by recognizing outstanding abstracts, with the top scorer honored as the Student Abstract of the Year and awarded an additional $1,000. Applicants must be sponsored by an AGA member and may only submit one abstract.

The Russell Sage Foundation is launching the Causal Research on the Criminal Justice System Grant to support early-career scholars in conducting causal research related to the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and probation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of researchers and enhance collaboration through a capstone conference. Eligible applicants must be tenure-track assistant professors in the U.S. The next deadline is expected in April 2026, with a budget limit of $100,000 for one-year projects.

The DefIANt Scholars Program, initiated by the Erie Community Foundation, provides scholarships aimed at students with disabilities. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 deserving students to support their pursuit of post-secondary education. This initiative emphasizes breaking down barriers and misconceptions within educational environments, with a preference for applicants from Erie County, fostering inclusivity and opportunity within the disabled community.

The Dr. Michael J. Relihan Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, awards deserving graduating seniors from Erie County high schools who have been accepted into accredited post-secondary institutions. In 2023, over $800,000 was distributed in scholarships to support more than 500 students in their pursuit of higher education and vocational training, empowering the next generation to achieve their academic and career goals.

The Carol & Joseph Tafelski Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie High School students pursuing degrees in healthcare or medical research. With a total of over $800,000 in scholarships given in 2023, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be accepted into an accredited four-year college or university. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.