Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Carl Guell Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002, supports Wisconsin residents pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. This scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a dedicated student, reflecting the mission of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame to enhance community quality of life through education. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate passion for the field, and be active in their communities. Over $300,000 in scholarships supports students from preschool to post-graduate levels.

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Scholarships, including the Robert Payzer Memorial/EAA Chapter 640 Scholarship, aim to support Wisconsin residents pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. With over $300,000 in scholarships awarded annually, this program encourages applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrate passion and community involvement. The Robert Payzer Memorial Scholarship, established in 2013, honors a dedicated EAA chapter member, providing $1,000 to deserving students in the field.

The Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award supports Wisconsin's private school principals and administrators by recognizing their leadership. Each year, up to four private school principals can receive a $6,000 grant, alongside a matching grant for their school. This award aims to help administrators achieve their professional goals and enhance their schools. Eligible nominees must be committed to their roles for the upcoming school year, and prior recipients may reapply if nominated.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

Ignite WisconsinThis program is designed to increase entrepreneurial density and strengthen startup ecosystems across Wisconsin. Dense, well-connected ecosystems—where entrepreneurs, institutions and support organizations collaborate seamlessly and productively—are proven to catalyze innovation, reduce barriers to entry, and accelerate learning. These ecosystems also elevate regional and sector-based reputations, attracting talent, capital, and additional entrepreneurial activity.The program supports the development of collaborative, founder-centric ecosystems that enable scalable, high-growth startups. It prioritizes strategic investment, coordination, and capacity-building to ensure startups have access to the networks, capital, and technical assistance required to thrive. This program requires a consortium-based model to align with a broad range of partners including higher education, industry, and support organizations. The consortium-based model fosters shared vision, coordinated efforts, expanded capacity, and collective impact.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Program honors exceptional teachers in Wisconsin, providing support for professional development. Each of the 100 selected teachers receives a $6,000 grant, with matching funds for their schools. Nominations can come from various community members, and eligibility includes all PK-12 classroom teachers planning to continue teaching. This initiative aims to recognize and enhance teaching excellence, fostering innovation in education across the state.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Quentin and Ermagard Kuenzli Family Scholarship honors the legacy of accountant Quentin Kuenzli, who served in WWII. Established by his wife, Ermagard, it offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in accounting. Three renewable scholarships are available for four-year schools, totaling $13,000, alongside a $2,000 scholarship for two-year technical schools. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA and student status to retain eligibility. This scholarship empowers future generations in the field of accounting.

The Growing the Body of Christ Grants, offered by the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, aim to enhance the Lutheran community by funding capital requests over $50,000, specifically in the Fall cycle. These grants support ministries that strengthen congregations, develop leaders, and innovate in church practices. Eligible organizations include Lutheran churches in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, promoting effective, collaborative outreach and educational initiatives for youth and families.

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

Delta Dental Service Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• GPA of 3.0 or above with a commitment of giving back to the community and demonstrate financial need.

The Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Program supports Wisconsin's public school teachers by recognizing their excellence and innovation. Each year, 100 teachers and their respective schools receive $6,000 grants to help realize their professional goals. Nominees, who can be suggested by various community members, must continue teaching for at least 50% of the next school year. The program also serves as a pathway for recipients to be considered for the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year award.

The Joyce Awards

The Joyce Awards provide direct, catalytic support to Great Lakes-based artists and culture bearers whose visionary creative practices meaningfully impact and advance racial equity in their communities.

Informed by conversations with artists, arts leaders, and past awardees across the region, the new Joyce Awards program includes unrestricted awards of $100,000, paired with a $40,000 grant to a Great Lakes organization selected by the artist to help realize, expand, or deepen the impact of their work in the region.

Administered by United States Artists, the program now welcomes both peer and self-nominations and has expanded eligibility state-wide in six states. Artists and culture bearers based in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will be eligible in 2026, followed by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in 2027. Following a nomination, application, and panel review process, four Awards will be awarded in each year. 

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award aims to honor and support exemplary school administrators in Wisconsin. Award recipients, including up to 17 principals annually, receive $6,000 grants for personal and school development. Eligible nominees are Pre-K through Grade 12 principals who are nominated by various stakeholders. The program fosters leadership excellence, enhancing educational experiences in Wisconsin's public and private schools.

The Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students facing financial hardship. It provides funding for any public college in Wisconsin or Minnesota, including technical, community, and universities, as well as Century College and Metropolitan State University. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals by alleviating financial barriers and fostering academic success in the St. Croix Valley region.

The John Redfearn Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from local high schools pursuing careers in agriculture. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate involvement in school and community activities. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and encourage personal philanthropy that meets community needs. It serves students from various Southern Wisconsin counties, fostering a commitment to agricultural education and community engagement.

The Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship (JMTS) is a renewable scholarship aimed at high school students from multicultural backgrounds pursuing a career in education. Sponsored by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, this program requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and commit to applying for employment within the School District of Janesville after receiving their Educator Certification. It promotes diversity in teaching and supports students in their educational aspirations.

The Stebnitz Builders, Inc. Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from Walworth County high schools pursuing trade-related fields. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, submit a project photo, and provide two letters of recommendation. Preference is given to those with work or community service experience, particularly in carpentry. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters community engagement among local youth.

The Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship (JMTS) supports non-traditional students pursuing careers in education. Offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, this renewable scholarship aims to foster diversity in teaching by assisting African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American students. Applicants must maintain a 2.75 GPA and commit to applying for employment within the School District of Janesville upon earning their Educator Certification. This initiative strengthens educational opportunities for underrepresented communities.

The John C. Deetz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports high school seniors from specific schools pursuing higher education in agriculture. This scholarship emphasizes financial need without imposing it as a strict requirement. It aims to foster students' academic and career aspirations in sustainable farming practices and agricultural research, enhancing the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin.

​Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program - WI

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeships are designed to strengthen and encourage the continuity of Wisconsin's diverse cultural traditions by supporting exemplary traditional artists and culture bearers in passing their skills and knowledge on to committed and talented apprentices.

Any form of traditional art - from basketry to old time music, from beadwork to ethnic dance and singing, from instrument building to traditional foodways - as carried on by members of Wisconsin's various cultural groups, is eligible. These cultural groups are communities that emerge from shared ethnicity, language, religion, occupation, recreational pursuit, or geographic region. Priority will be given to instruction in art forms that are in danger of being lost or that help to preserve an endangered language. Both the instructing artist and apprentice should be committed to preserving and advancing the art form in their shared community.

Grant Amounts

Maximum awards are $3,500 to the instructing artist or a fiscal receiver*. Successful applicants may use the apprenticeship award to help cover the costs of the instructing artist’s fee, the supplies and materials needed during the apprenticeship, and in some cases, travel expenses.​

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Anne V. Adler Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is for students from the Marshfield area, attending the School of Nursing UW Eau Claire/UWSP at Marshfield OR Mid-State Technical College planning to enter the field of nursing. Preference to student who shows academic merit, motivation, and character. This scholarship can be renewed once.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program supports Wisconsin nonprofit organizations in launching new events that stimulate local tourism and economic growth. Eligible projects must be innovative, generate increased visitor traffic, and have a funding strategy for future sustainability. Grants can cover up to 75% of promotional costs in the first year, with a maximum award of $39,550. This program is a vital resource for communities aiming to enhance their economic impact through strategic marketing initiatives.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program supports Wisconsin nonprofit organizations by funding promotional activities that boost tourism. Grants cover eligible expenses for sales promotions that entice visitors through significant incentives over a limited timeframe. Applications must demonstrate potential economic impact and include participating businesses. The maximum award is $39,550, with reimbursements based on project costs. This initiative aims to enhance local economies while promoting Wisconsin as a premier travel destination.

The WEDC Capacity Building Grants aim to enhance local development efforts in Wisconsin by supporting nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. These grants facilitate the creation and expansion of cooperative initiatives, ensuring that communities have the resources needed to thrive. By addressing economic development challenges, the program fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, allowing for innovative solutions that benefit all Wisconsin residents. This flexible funding approach enables rapid responses to emerging needs and promotes sustainable growth.