Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey (18 years old) of Hinckley, New York. Connor aspired to be a rural physician and attended premedical school at Siena College. His dream was to practice medicine in an underserved area in order to help residents receive adequate health care.

Connor had an extraordinary way about himself for someone his age. He was God-inspired, loved everyone as he loved himself, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a mysterious ability to consistently make lemonade out of lemons. Everyone loved him when they met him. He was truly an inspiration to friends, family and clergy members alike, who now all suffer an enormous heart-wrenching void due to a careless and reckless drunk driver that took his life on August 11, 2018.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

The Boulé Foundation Scholarship

The Boule' Foundation in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund, will provide annual merit-based scholarships to entering college freshmen students (Fall 2026) attending four-year, accredited non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities of their choice.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

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.

Joey Trzebiatowski Memorial Scholarship

Qualifications: Graduating senior from Central Wisconsin, or UWSP or UW-Madison student planning to study business.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program

The Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (also know as the Chafee Grant) provides funding to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Cornwall Conservation Trust Scholarship

Academic Focus: Ecology, environmental studies, forestry, FFA, and/or biology

Preference: Cornwall residents

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Earle R. Julian Scholarship

For past graduates of St. Anthony School, in Winsted, who plan to pursue a career in accounting.

The Dr. Mark K. Setter Leadership in Periodontology and Dental Implantology Award honors the legacy of Dr. Mark Setter, a distinguished figure in periodontology. Established by the AAP Foundation, this annual $10,000 award recognizes a full-time periodontal resident who exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities in promoting periodontology and dental implantology. The recipient is selected based on their impact on peers and the community, underscoring the importance of mentorship and the advancement of the field.

The Charles W. Finley Visiting Scholar Education Grants, established by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, honor Dr. Finley's legacy by providing $2,000 grants to accredited U.S. periodontal programs. These funds support honoraria, travel, and seminars featuring prominent speakers in periodontology, requiring matching funds from the institutions. The grant also mandates a formal presentation to the entire dental school, fostering educational opportunities for students and faculty alike.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Friends of John Ponte Memorial Scholarship

For graduating seniors from Lewis S. Mills High School and Torrington High School who exemplify, through their participation in athletics, the qualities and interests of the late John Ponte, including leadership skills and exemplary character.

 High school participation in athletics.

The Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence, funded by the American Academy of Periodontology, offers a $10,000 scholarship to outstanding third-year students enrolled in accredited U.S. periodontal graduate programs. Selection is based on academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership, and community involvement. Finalists must present their application research at the AAP Annual Meeting. This prestigious award aims to encourage excellence in periodontics through support and recognition of dedicated students.

The AAP Teaching Fellowships, funded by a $1 million commitment from the American Academy of Periodontology, aim to support early-career periodontal educators by providing $25,000 in debt relief. These fellowships are available to qualified faculty within their first three years of full-time teaching at U.S. periodontal training institutions. Each Teaching Fellow receives $5,000 annually for five years, contingent upon continued teaching. Interviews for finalists will occur during the AAP Annual Meeting at their own expense.

The Dr. Colin Richman and Family Perio.-Ortho. Interface Award fosters innovative research at the intersection of orthodontics and periodontology, addressing critical issues such as alveolar bone deficiencies and airway management. Annually, $20,000-$40,000 will be awarded to support clinical or basic science research aimed at enhancing patient outcomes through collaborative treatments. This grant aims to complement existing institutional support rather than replace it, ensuring that groundbreaking research in this field continues to thrive.

The Patty & Paul Levi Research Award, administered by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers a $5,000 grant to support research in periodontics. This award is specifically for predoctoral dental students who have a mentor from a periodontal faculty. Applications may be submitted after graduation if the research was conducted during their predoctoral studies, but immediate family of board members are ineligible.

The Robert S. Schoor Research Award Program, supported by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers a $2,000 annual award for resident-written manuscripts in periodontology. It encourages significant research topics related to clinical practice, honoring Robert S. Schoor, DDS, a leader in periodontal education. Full-time residents in accredited US periodontal programs are eligible to apply, with co-applications accepted under certain conditions. Manuscripts should be suitable for submission to the Journal of Periodontology.

The Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award, funded by the American Academy of Periodontology, honors outstanding research in periodontal regeneration. With a $10,000 scholarship, it is open to second- and third-year residents or recent graduates in accredited periodontal programs who have contributed original research. Applicants must be AAP members and U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aiming to advance clinical therapies in periodontics. This award commemorates Dr. Jo Rummelhart's legacy and the impact of her work in the field.

The $20,000 Nevins Teaching and Clinical Research Fellowship, offered by the American Academy of Periodontology, aims to support emerging periodontal educators facing educational debt. This fellowship is awarded over two years, providing $10,000 annually to assist with income alongside full-time academic teaching roles. Eligible candidates include board-certified periodontal educators with one to five years of teaching experience in U.S. programs, selected through a competitive application and interview process.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Marion WM. Edwards Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who are planning to continue in Italian studies, planning to teach or planning to study literature or journalism.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) anticipates soliciting applications for a National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families.The Center aims to improve the effectiveness of federal and state policies that promote the dignity of work, economic self-sufficiency, and build stable, married families while reducing their reliance on public assistance. The Center will support rigorous, policy-relevant research and build stronger connections between researchers and policymakers in human services programs.The Center will carry out three core activities:

Fellowship Program: Support in-residence fellows placed within ACF and other HHS offices to provide policy-relevant research expertise on work, earnings, family stability, and human services programs.

Extramural Research Grants: Administer a competitive grant program to fund timely, actionable research aligned with ACF priorities, including promoting the dignity of work, economic self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on public assistance, family formation and stability through marriage, child well-being, and program effectiveness.

Dissemination and Communication: Host in-person and virtual events and produce policy-focused materials to ensure research findings are accessible and actionable for federal, state, tribal, and local policymakers. ACF anticipates making one cooperative agreement award for a five-year project period. The recipient must be able to show, and ACF must be able to monitor, that funds appropriated were spent on activities that can be directly attributed to those required and allowed by each funding source.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Coach Dion Brown Memorial Scholarship

Be a graduating senior of Gwinn Area Community Schools pursuing higher education, and who demonstrates school and/or community leadership through involvement in extracurricular activities (not limited to athletic).

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

About ACSM

ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified fitness professionals.

ACSM Fellowship

CSM Fellow members have demonstrated high standards of professional development and shown a commitment to the goals and long‑range activities of the college.

The purpose of fellowship is to recognize commendable service to ACSM; to encourage continued service to the College in a leadership role with ongoing dedication; also, to recognize distinguished achievement in sports medicine and related disciplines.

The Bristol Bay Foundation offers a Higher Education Scholarship Program supporting both full-time and part-time students pursuing 4-year or advanced degrees. Eligible applicants must be shareholders of the BBNC or their descendants, have a high school diploma or GED, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Scholarships are based on academic performance and life experiences, with applications due in April for the next academic year.

The Career-Focused Vocational Education (CFVE) Scholarship Program supports Bristol Bay Native Corporation shareholders and their descendants in pursuing vocational training for careers such as piloting, maritime, and cosmetology. This initiative emphasizes cultural heritage and aims to enhance long-term employment opportunities in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. Eligible applicants must have a high school diploma and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 while enrolled in an approved program.

The Grassroots Grants Program (GGP) aims to enhance participation in golf among underrepresented communities, including racial minorities, women, and veterans. Launched in May 2021, it has awarded $1.8 million to 155 organizations, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport. The program supports tax-exempt organizations focused on self-sustainability and offers funding for golf instruction, equipment, and access to facilities. Priority is given to those not receiving substantial backing from major golf organizations.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

William B. Larson Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships for graduating seniors of Ishpeming, Negaunee, and Westwood High Schools. The Fund aims to award three scholarships of equal amount annually to eligible applicants based on the following criteria: Students must be graduating seniors pursuing higher education in the field of business administration, they must demonstrate financial need, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

The Mark Ulrickson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships to graduating seniors in Marquette County who are enrolled at a college or university, and who demonstrate financial need. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Philip A. Spade and Ruth M. Spade Scholarship

Provides scholarships which benefit students educated in the Gwinn Public School System from elementary school through graduation, with particular emphasis on attendance at George D. Gilbert Elementary School. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Section and District Named Scholarships

Many AWS Sections offer scholarships funded by local members, companies, and donors. These scholarships are designated for students within each section and range from $1,000 to $3,000+.