Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Frank D. Stella Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), supports outstanding undergraduate students of Italian descent pursuing business-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can also be from a parent or grandparent. This initiative encourages the preservation of Italian culture and heritage while fostering academic excellence among Italian American students.

The Furci Family Scholarship Fund, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American undergraduate students enrolled in at least 10 credits of Italian language or studies. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can be through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship aims to promote the rich Italian heritage and culture among future generations.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Community’s Memorial Scholarship

Memorial scholarships are one of the top categories of funds created at Marion Community Foundation, but not all donors who wish to memorialize a loved one in this distinctive and perpetual way start their own fund. The Community’s Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to memorialize a number of individuals collectively. All of the persons memorialized are recognized during Marion Community Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program.

The Mary H. Hollaway Trust provided seed money for this special purpose. Mary was well known in Marion, due to her long career with Fahey Bank. Upon her passing, she had arranged for several funds to be created from her estate, this scholarship among them. Other organizations she chose to support include the Marion Area Humane Society, Marion Palace Theatre, and the Marion Family YMCA.

The Community’s Memorial Scholarship is available to graduates and seniors from any Marion County high school who rank in the upper 50 percent of their class.

The Joseph and Margaret Rhodes Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, is aimed at outstanding Italian American undergraduate students. Eligible candidates must complete 6 or more credits in Italian studies, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrate active community service. Applicants must also hold an active NIAF membership, which can include familial memberships. This scholarship supports the preservation of Italian heritage and culture through education.

The LaMantia Family Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), aims to support outstanding Italian American students pursuing studies in computer science or STEM fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship promotes the importance of Italian heritage while encouraging academic excellence in the next generation of leaders.

The NBRC Gareth B. Gish Memorial Postgraduate Education Recognition Award, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, honors the legacy of Gareth B. Gish, a pioneer in respiratory care. This award supports respiratory therapists pursuing advanced degrees, providing up to $5,000 in funding, along with recognition, airfare, lodging, and Congress registration. Established in 1999, it seeks to nurture future leaders in the field, continuing Mr. Gish's commitment to education and excellence in respiratory care.

The Charles D. McArthur Memorial Scholarship recognizes outstanding third and fourth-year students in accredited respiratory therapy programs. Funded by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, this award honors Charlie McArthur's legacy as a dedicated educator in respiratory care. Recipients may receive up to $1,000, including a certificate, travel, and registration for AARC Congress. Preference is given to Native American students or those from Minnesota, fostering diversity in the field of respiratory therapy.

The NBRC William W. Burgin, Jr., MD and Robert M. Lawrence, MD Education Recognition Award, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, provides up to $7,500 to third or fourth-year students in accredited respiratory therapy programs. This prestigious award includes a recognition certificate, travel expenses, and registration for the AARC Congress, supporting future leaders in respiratory care. Eligible students must demonstrate academic excellence and obtain letters of recommendation to showcase their potential.

The College Life Protected: Professional Development Grant, established by GradGuard, supports professional development opportunities for individuals in higher education. Eligible applicants can seek funding for initiatives such as conference fees and training institutes that directly enhance student success and professional growth. The grant prioritizes projects that build skills and networks, ultimately improving the educational experience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of higher education as a public good and encourages ongoing professional development within the community.

The Jimmy A. Young Memorial Education Recognition Award, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, honors contributions to respiratory care education. Up to $1,000 is available for students enrolled in accredited respiratory care programs, provided they meet GPA requirements and submit necessary recommendations. This award includes a certificate, airfare, lodging, and registration for the AARC Congress, aiming to support deserving candidates in their educational pursuits.

The Morton B. Duggan, Jr. Memorial Education Recognition Award, provided by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, honors a student enrolled in an accredited respiratory care program. This award, which can reach up to $1,000, includes a certificate of recognition, travel expenses, and registration for AARC Congress. Eligible applicants must verify their enrollment and GPA, and provide letters of recommendation. Preference is given to candidates from Georgia and South Carolina.

The Marjorie Wrezic Scholarship, established by the Hamilton Education Foundation in 2013, honors Ralph Wrezic and supports graduating Hamilton High School seniors. With multiple awards of $10,000 for four-year degrees and $5,000 for technical programs, this scholarship aims to assist students with a 3.25 GPA or higher and financial need. The foundation, founded in 1991, has provided over $2.5 million to enhance educational opportunities within the Hamilton School District.

The DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award promotes innovative research ideas for rare cancers, encouraging applicants to provide preliminary data and exploratory aims. This funding opportunity, offered by the US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command, seeks projects with the potential for high-impact findings that can significantly benefit the patient community. It aims to foster new avenues of investigation and support discovery-driven research in the field of rare cancers.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program aims to enhance recreational opportunities in underserved communities through significant funding. Offering matching grants up to 50%, with awards ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000, this program encourages applicants to connect with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection early in the application process for guidance. This initiative supports large-scale projects that improve access to recreational facilities.

The ASNT Foundation's Faculty Grant aims to enhance nondestructive testing (NDT) education at US universities and colleges. By providing $10,000 in funding, this grant supports faculty in revising or developing NDT curricula. Recipients who are not ASNT members receive a complimentary one-year membership. The initiative focuses on improving educational quality in the NDT field, ensuring students receive top-notch instruction, thus paving the way for successful careers in nondestructive testing.

The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship is a prestigious 10-week summer program designed for science, engineering, and mathematics students to work at media organizations across the U.S. This fellowship enhances public understanding of science by equipping fellows with skills to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Participants will receive an $8000 stipend and gain invaluable experience in journalism, fostering collaboration between scientists and media professionals to create engaging science stories for the public.

The Grow Wild Grant Program, offered by the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, aims to establish a wilderness stewardship group for every Wilderness area in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This initiative supports start-up groups and existing organizations seeking to expand their impact. Funded by The David Berolzheimer Foundation, it honors Elaine Dermody, a dedicated wilderness champion. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and those with qualified fiscal sponsors.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Helen Montgomery Musician Fund

The purpose of this fund is to support local minority artists that need assistance in order to pursue musical endeavors/expand their talent through programs associated with schools, church and nonprofit entities with a focus on music.

The DustinLenker Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, offers $2000 scholarships to graduates from Dauphin County Technical School or The Millersburg School District. This scholarship prioritizes students entering Visual Arts or Construction fields, particularly those with ties to Lenkerville Elementary. The program recognizes academic excellence and career aspirations, supporting youth in the Building Industry as they prepare for future workforce opportunities.

The USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) Scholarship, established by the Commissioning Committee in 2020, supports crew members and their dependents pursuing undergraduate degrees or technical training. Administered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, it awards up to $12,000 annually, renewable for up to ten semesters. This initiative honors the commitment of the USS ST. LOUIS crew while fostering educational advancement and community engagement.

The Jordan Fund, established by John & Kelly Olerud in 2003, is dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. This grant-making organization assists children with substantial disabilities up to age twenty-one, covering costs for respite, therapy, and essential equipment not provided by insurance. By funding 501(c)(3) organizations, the Jordan Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.

The Seymoure, Fred and Mildred (Young) Memorial Scholarship Fund offers a $500 scholarship to a Central Noble High School senior or graduate, or a resident of the Albion area pursuing a BS or MS in education. Established by the Noble County Community Foundation, this fund aims to support future educators in making a positive impact in their communities. Since 1991, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Noble County.

Trinity Grants: Capacity - Mission Real Estate Development empowers Episcopal Church parishes and Anglican Communion organizations to enhance community impact through innovative church property development. With a focus on sustainability, the initiative addresses pressing community needs by generating revenue streams, providing affordable housing, and improving education in underserved neighborhoods. Grants support real estate feasibility studies, pre-development expenses, and construction of income-generating projects, fostering strategic advisory and training for faith leaders.

The International Fellowship, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, supports healthcare professionals from abroad to enhance their expertise in respiratory care. Participants will engage in site visits across the U.S., observing practices in hospitals and educational institutions, while attending the AARC Congress. This fellowship covers travel expenses, lodging, and food allowances, promoting global collaboration and knowledge exchange in respiratory health.

Foundation

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”

The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:

• Scholarship
• Education
• Leadership
• Research

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.

The Smallwood Young Investigator Fellowship, established in memory of Craig Smallwood, PhD, RRT, supports emerging researchers in pediatric respiratory therapy. It provides funding up to $5,000 to help candidates gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and essential resources to launch their research projects. Ideal applicants are members of the American Association for Respiratory Care, either at the thesis phase of their education or recently graduated. This initiative aims to foster growth in the field of respiratory health.

The Jerome M. Sullivan Research Fund, established by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, aims to promote original research in respiratory care. Grants, typically up to $10,000, are available for projects involving respiratory therapists or technicians. The fund supports both applied clinical and basic research in respiratory care and cardiopulmonary medicine, fostering advancements in the field. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance respiratory health through research and education.