Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Comprehensive Management Planning for Lakes & Watersheds Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance waterbody management through strategic planning. This grant supports projects that analyze watersheds to set goals for improving and protecting natural resources. Funding is available for creating new management plans or updating existing ones, facilitating informed decisions to address ecological challenges and promote sustainable practices in local communities.

The Mission Grant by the Dubuque Racing Association aims to enhance community well-being through support for non-profit organizations focused on population growth, retention, and tourism. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt entities, with a preference for projects that involve capacity building. The grant does not fund endowments, political causes, or personal benefits. This initiative seeks to bolster the tri-state area, specifically targeting Dubuque and surrounding counties to promote local tourism and economic development.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

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.

​Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use SiteBased Program (COSSUP) Wisco​nsin Deflection Initiative (WDI) Technology Implementation 2024(2026) 

This competitive grant provides funding to sites participating in the Wisconsin Deflection Initiative (WDI) to modernize deflection program processes through technology implementation. ​

Funds will support software, applications, and equipment to increase the efficiency of deflection screening, mobile case management of participants, and participant engagement and interaction. Technology implementation will improve program effectiveness, enhance data collection, and create operational efficiencies for deflection program staff.

Anticipated Funding Amount

$500,000 is available through this initiative. Individual awards are available for up to $50,000 for an initial project period. Project start dates and periods will vary depending on when applications are submitted and approved. Sites ready to begin immediately may receive funding as early as April 1, 2026, while applications will be accepted through August 31, 2026. Project budgets should reflect the specific project period based on anticipated start date.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin, with an annual budget of roughly $15 billion and more than 6,700 employees. DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

Wisconsin’s Site Evaluation Program: Mini-Grants

The Wisconsin Site Evaluation Program (SEP) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking applications from Tribal health departments and Tribal organizations interested in addressing environmental health hazards and their impact on housing in their communities. We are offering mini-grants of up to $30,000 each to help Tribal health departments and Tribal organizations implement new, innovative, expanded, or enhanced interventions to increase tenant and homeowner environmental health literacy. The awarded Tribal health departments and Tribal organizations will build upon existing relationships they have with communities and will use or adapt strategies to meet the unique identified needs of each community.

These grant funds are intended to be used for education, community engagement, collaboration, or other forms of outreach that increase the knowledge of tenants and homeowners to identify and protect themselves from environmental hazards. Hazards addressed under this grant must relate to one or more of the following:

• Indoor air quality
• Water quality
• Soil contamination

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

In keeping with our mission, the Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant

This grant is for tree repair, removal or replacement within urban areas following a catastrophic storm event for which the governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 323.10, Wis. Stats. A catastrophic storm means damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind or tornado. Catastrophic storm does not include insect infestation or disease, forest fire, drought or water saturation due to flooding.

For this grant program, no local share (also called match) is required. Grant recipients may request 50% advance payment of estimated project costs. Applications must be postmarked no later than 60 days from the date of emergency declaration. Projects must be completed within 365 days after the governor’s emergency declaration.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The EDA Chicago FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development through comprehensive planning and technical assistance. By supporting the development and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), EDA empowers designated organizations, including Indian Tribes, to create jobs and foster economic resilience in distressed areas. This initiative focuses on strategic investments to facilitate effective economic development practices, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity across regions.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship State Property Development Grant Program provides $500,000 annually to support friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations in enhancing state property facilities. Grants can reach up to $20,000 per project, with a focus on nature-based outdoor recreation and habitat restoration. Eligible projects must align with DNR plans and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term benefits. Successful applicants must comply with grant conditions and manage shared project costs effectively.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants provide essential funding for health care sector training, supporting projects that enhance collaboration between businesses and workforce partners. With awards ranging from $5,000 to $400,000, these grants aim to address skill shortages, ensuring workers gain necessary training for sustainable employment. This initiative focuses on the health sciences and related fields, promoting professional growth and economic advancement for participants while fostering partnerships among multiple employers.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is funding recovery housing for transition-aged adults (18-24) with opioid and stimulant use disorders. This initiative supports the establishment of recovery residences that provide essential peer support and care coordination, facilitating the transition to adulthood. The program aims to educate and develop a recovery housing model as part of an integrated continuum of care, addressing service gaps and enhancing support for young adults in Wisconsin.

Who We Are

Advancing Wisconsin to be the healthiest state in the nation

AHW provides funding and resources to researchers, organizations, and communities devoted to improving the health of the people of Wisconsin.

Call for Applications:

Community-Led Seed Grants

AHW’s Call for Applications: Community-Led Seed Grants supports community-driven efforts to design new strategies, test innovative ideas, and foster greater collaboration to build a foundation for future endeavors to address Wisconsin’s leading health challenges and produce deeper impact on health and health equity in Wisconsin’s communities. Eligible community-based organizations may request up to $50,000 for projects completed within a 12-month period, beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

To foster a collaborative approach to award selection, applicants will participate in a peer review process to assess proposals submitted to this funding opportunity by their fellow applicants. For the submitted application to be considered for funding, completion of all assigned reviews is required.

Following funding determinations, successful community-led applicant teams will be matched with an eligible MCW faculty member from a pre-formed pool developed through the Call for MCW Academic Partner for Community-Led Grants to serve as an additional resource to the funded community-led projects. 

The Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants, provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, aim to enhance soil and water quality in Wisconsin. By funding innovative, producer-led conservation practices, the program encourages farmer participation and has significantly increased funding and project numbers since its inception. With 41 projects funded, this initiative represents a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and effective nonpoint source pollution management.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The WHEDA Housing Grant Program, established by the WHEDA Foundation in 1983, supports organizations improving housing for individuals with complex needs in Wisconsin. The Foundation aims to enhance housing opportunities for vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities and experiencing homelessness. With $2,000,000 in grants, the program focuses on developing housing facilities that address crises faced by residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community development authorities.

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.

Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants

The objective of the Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) expanded grant program is to award funds that reimburse the costs of workforce development activities, as specified in the Grant Program Announcement (GPA).

Teacher Training and Recruitment Grants

This expanded WFF grant program is to recruit and prepare individuals to teach in low-income or urban school districts in Wisconsin as a profession.

Amount:

• Up to $1,000,000 is being made available for this GPA.

Grant Amount:

• Up to $250,000.

Match:

• No Match required.

The federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The HPF is derived from federal offshore oil leases, not from tax revenues. The Catalog of Federal Assistance number is 15.904. In Wisconsin, subgrants from this fund are administered by the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

The SHPO annually passes through 10% of our federal Historic Preservation Fund grant to Certified Local Governments (CLGs) through a competitive subgrant program. All proposed projects must assist Wisconsin historic resources in one of the following ways:

• Surveys of Communities or Neighborhoods
• Nominations of Historic Places to National Register
• Educational Projects about Historic Places
• Planning Documents
• Host CAMP Training

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The DHS Epilepsy Services Grant in Wisconsin supports private non-profit organizations and county departments to provide essential services for individuals with epilepsy and their families. The grant allows for a maximum allocation of $50,000 per agency per year, with a total cap of $150,000 for all grantees annually. Eligible services include direct support like counseling and training, as well as indirect services such as community education and advocacy.

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program funds promotions or events for nonprofit organizations. The JEM grant has different categories to fit an organization’s needs. Each category reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for eligible promotional expenses. 

Destination Marketing

Destination Marketing grants require collaboration among at least three municipalities or communities. There are two types of Destination Marketing grants available for nonprofit organizations:

This grant is for marketing and promotion initiatives that increase visitor spending across at least three municipalities or communities. This marketing option is designed to implement the research acquired in the Destination Marketing Development grant. The marketing initiatives should occur during the off-season when the region needs a boost in tourism business. The eligible award amount is $10,000 per municipality, with the maximum award being $39,550 for the project total.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Municipal Flood Control Grant Program, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to assist local governments in managing flood risks. It provides funding for property acquisition, floodproofing, and flood control structure construction to enhance community resilience against flooding. This proactive approach addresses climate change impacts, promotes environmental sustainability, and aims to protect lives and property. Eligible projects focus on minimizing flood-related damages while maintaining natural watercourse functions.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs