Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

C. Jerry & Lynne Dernbach Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Pursuing a degree in the Visual Arts field, Mechanical Design, or Architecture. 

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards nearly $300,000 in annual scholarships to support Central Wisconsin students’ educational needs. 

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Jeffrey Badura Memorial Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Participated in interscholastic athletic competitions and extra-curricular activities.

Overview

GEAR is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to be a catalyst for growth and development of conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork. GEAR addresses the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding.

We aim to respond to applicants within 4 weeks of receiving the application. Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 12 months and submit a brief report by the end of that period.

Proposals should fall within one of the three categories defined below:

• Field equipment: supplies required to monitor, survey, and assess species and habitats including, but not limited to, technology, software, tools, clothing, PPE and transport.
• Outreach: supplies needed for public engagement through schools, awareness campaigns, and activities including, but not limited to, pamphlets, books, stickers, digital content creation and signage.
• Professional development: training needed for organizational growth and greater capacity. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, symposiums, workshops, conferences and training. Additional associated costs such as travel and housing can be included and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated advocate for education, offering two $10,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors in Warren County, MS. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with strong academic records and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship celebrates the legacy of Ms. Brown, who inspired many to pursue their educational dreams, ensuring her commitment to academic excellence continues to impact future generations.

The Belmont Excellence in Education Fund, established in 2013, provides vital support to the Belmont Community School District, enhancing educational opportunities beyond budget limitations. This endowment fund, managed by a dedicated advisory board of local citizens, funds programming such as field trips and technology improvements, ensuring quality education for current and future generations. Additionally, it supports the Belmont Scholarship Fund, aiding graduating seniors in their pursuit of higher education.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards nearly $300,000 in annual scholarships to support Central Wisconsin students’ educational needs. 

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards hundreds of scholarships annually to students primarily in Portage and Waushara counties who are pursuing higher education.

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

COLLEGE Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Financial need and community involvement.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant for writers focusing on sculpture, encouraging diverse voices in this field. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or hold an O-1 visa, and have published work within the last five years. The grant aims to support fresh perspectives on the history and aesthetics of sculpture, promoting artistic growth and innovation. Applications are limited to one submission per individual, ensuring a fair opportunity for all.

The Support Program for Translation and Publication on Japan offers financial assistance to overseas publishers for translating and publishing Japanese works. It covers part of costs incurred between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027, including translation fees and publication expenses. Eligible costs include paper, typesetting, and printing, but do not cover editing or copyright fees. The goal is to enhance global understanding of Japan through literature.

The JFNY Grant for Japanese Studies provides up to $5,000 for U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status to promote Japanese Studies. This grant supports conferences, presentations, and research that enhances understanding of Japan. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for online projects, while others must be submitted three months prior to the project start date. Preference is given to projects that secure additional funding from other sources.

The Booker T. Jones Scholarship Fund offers $5,000 to students graduating from MINACT-run Job Corps programs who plan to attend college. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or GED, accepted at a four-year historically Black college or university, and have completed technical training at a MINACT Job Corps Center. This scholarship honors the legacy of Booker T. Jones, who dedicated his life to empowering disadvantaged communities through education.

Pat Gainey Student Scholarship Award

In 2006/07, through support from the Shoen Family Foundation, the Pat Gainey Student-Athlete Scholarship Award was established to recognize "Athletic Achievement and Strength of Character" annually and provide financial support for two student-athletes with a major focus on need-based applicants.

Pat Gainey, a Dunn, NC native and proponent of women's athletics, showcased a phenomenal record in women's basketball. His overall women's basketball record at Pamlico was an incredible 93-6. He then moved to Taylorsville where he coached from 1955-1964. His women's basketball teams collectively won five Western North Carolina High School Activities Association titles and at one point, recorded 54 consecutive wins and 140 straight conference victories. His overall women's basketball mark was 358-57.

Under Pat's tutelage, the Pamlico baseball teams captured 4 Seashore Conference Championships and compiled an overall record of 67-7 including 24 straight conference wins. Pat Gainey always had a great knowledge of baseball and spent the summer months scouting professional baseball prospects. Pat scouted a combined 18 years for the New York Giants and Chicago White Sox.

Award presentation: NCHSAA Annual Awards Celebration, Piedmont Hall/Greensboro; June 2026 (date TBD)

Awards

• 2, $5000

Charlie Adams Endowed Scholarship

First awarded in 2010, this scholarship honors the late former Executive Director of the Association, Charlie Adams, who was the fifth Executive Director of the NCHSAA and served from 1984 until 2010. The female award is given in honor of his daughter, Michelle, who participated in cross country at Chapel Hill on the 1984 State Championship team. The male award is given in memory of his son, C. Scott Adams, who was the first wrestler at Chapel Hill to compete in the State Wrestling Championships.

Funding sources for this scholarship include donations from individuals and athletic organizations (private donations) and interest earnings. This scholarship is awarded to one female, senior varsity cross-country athlete and one male, senior varsity wrestler at an NCHSAA member high school. Each recipient currently receives a one-time scholarship towards continuing their education.

Award presentation: NCHSAA Annual Awards Celebration, Piedmont Hall/Greensboro; June 2026 (date TBD)

Awards

• 4, $2500

The Herzfeld Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Early Childhood Education Grant, aimed at licensed nonprofit childcare providers in Milwaukee. Grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 will support initiatives that enhance educational quality, expand capacity, improve educator retention, and foster collaboration among providers. The foundation encourages innovative proposals that strengthen financial stability and sustainability, ultimately benefiting the community's children and families.

The AHA Career Development Award supports early-career healthcare professionals to explore innovative research questions and pilot studies. With a budget of $77,000 per year, this award aims to enhance research skills, provide mentorship, and prepare awardees for successful scientific careers. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and commit at least 10% effort to the award. The program emphasizes mentorship from experienced investigators, ensuring a structured path towards independence in research.

The Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship empowers experienced school food professionals to lead sustainable and equitable food reform over a 13-month program. Participants enhance their leadership skills, gain in-depth knowledge of the U.S. food system, and advocate for healthy school food policies. The fellowship includes live virtual sessions, coursework, and hands-on projects, culminating in a capstone project. With a focus on collaboration and networking, selected fellows will drive impactful change in their school districts.

The Data-Driven Reporting Project (DDRP) supports local news journalists and freelancers in the US and Canada, focusing on document-based investigative projects for underrepresented communities. It provides financial awards up to $35,000, covering 80% of project costs, along with specialized training on Google Journalist Studio tools. Recipients are encouraged to share their core source documents post-publication to benefit the journalism community. Applications are open to small to midsize newsrooms and freelance journalists with proven track records.

Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarship

The Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarship was created in honor of Jerry McGee for his 24+ years of service as executive director of the North Carolina Athletic Directors' Association (NCADA). This award is unique in that it honors student-athletes who have distinguished themselves by overcoming adversity and returning to excel beyond expectations in their respective scholastic athletic sport(s).

Recipients of the Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarship will be eligible to apply for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholarship (NIAAA) provided each meets the criteria set forth by the NIAAA. NIAAA scholarship applications are due by May 1 to the NIAAA.

Awards

• 2, $3000

Wilburn Clary Medal

The Clary Medal, made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, recognizes outstanding high school student-athletes annually in memory of Wilburn C. Clary.

Consideration given to the following criteria:

• Applicant must demonstrate excellence in athletic participation through awards, honors, and special recognitions.
• Applicant must demonstrate success in other, non-sport, extra-curricular activities.
• Applicant must demonstrate active involvement within their community through volunteer service programs, scouts, or other similar activities.
• Applicant must demonstrate a desire to excel in all areas of life - athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty and integrity.

Awards

• 2, $3000

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

SAFE FCU Scholarship Fund

Your journey to success starts here.

SAFE is proud to offer eleven deserving high school seniors a $2,500 college scholarship to start their journey to higher education. 

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Sharonview CARES Paul Paliyenko Scholarship Fund

We're proud to support the academic goals of our young members and family members of our Sharonview team. Each year, we partner with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to honor deserving students with scholarship money to help with the costs of their higher education needs.

Any applicant that does not receive a scholarship award from Sharonview is automatically entered in the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation's scholarship pool.

Paul Paliyenko, who served on Sharonview’s Board of Directors for more than 25 years, felt it was the Credit Union’s first duty to serve its members. He insisted that it was the responsibility of the Credit Union to create not only the best returns for its members, but to establish a trusting relationship with them. Paliyenko’s drive to care for the member is why we honor his memory with the Sharonview Cares Scholarship.

The Kress Conservation Fellowships, offered by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, support post-graduate training for emerging conservators in various specialty areas like paintings and textiles. The fellowships provide competitive grants to museums for supervised internships, running 9 to 12 months. Eligible applicants must have completed a master's degree in conservation. Preference is given to institutions without recent Kress Fellows, ensuring diverse opportunities across North America and beyond.

The Professional & Technical Training Scholarships, offered by 10,000 Degrees, aim to support Marin County students facing financial challenges. These scholarships are designed for individuals enrolled in vocational programs that lead to a license or certificate. Eligibility includes being a Marin resident, attending an accredited institution, and having a GED or high school diploma. Preference is given to residents of Southern Marin, ensuring that local students receive the assistance they need to pursue their career goals.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

HopeSouth FCU Scholarship Fund

Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 and are available based on achievements and/or financial need.

When you apply for a HopeSouth Scholarship, you’re also entered into consideration for multiple opportunities. We have partnered with Carolinas Foundation Scholarship Program — giving you even more opportunities to fund your education.

The Salt Lick Incubator offers project grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for emerging musicians in contemporary genres. These grants support activities such as recording, music videos, and marketing strategies. Recipients receive mentorship to enhance their careers and participate in analytics tracking to refine their strategies. With a focus on song-driven music, the incubator also hosts retreats and performances, fostering collaboration and growth for artists at various stages of their careers.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Skyla Credit Union Herman Hoose Scholarship

The Skyla Foundation is dedicated to partnering with and supporting the local community through annual scholarship awards to high school seniors in pursuit of continuing education.

Each May, Skyla awards $5,000 Herman Hoose Scholarships to deserving students who are graduating from high school in the current school year and enrolls in an institution of higher education for the fall of that same year.

Skyla is partnering with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation on the 2025-2026 Herman Hoose Scholarship cycle. The application window is from now through February 1, 2026.

The Black Voices Nomination aims to elevate Black leaders advocating for racial justice by providing financial awards of $20,000 or $50,000. This initiative connects established and emerging Black leaders and supports their efforts to combat systemic inequalities exacerbated by police brutality and the pandemic. Awardees receive not only funding but also additional resources and support to strengthen their impact in building an equitable and anti-racist society.