Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Wisconsin agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can access funding to implement conservation practices on working lands. Wisconsin land stewards can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation support for general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen conservation, education, and human services, it primarily assists not-for-profits in the greater Chicago area, which may include Wisconsin-based organizations serving that region.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin Public Service Foundation’s service area can apply for project funding supporting arts and culture, education, environment, community development, and health and human services. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides grants for specific programs rather than general operating support, which may still help ease overall budget pressures.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing social services, health, education, environmental, or arts programs in Wisconsin can seek flexible support that may cover a range of community needs. The Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund focuses on under-resourced populations, including low-income, homeless, elderly, disabled, and marginalized communities in metropolitan Chicago and across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which awards US $3,000 for impactful water-industry research. This academic scholarship may benefit students whose work supports nonprofit or public-sector water and public health initiatives.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek flexible support that may help sustain core programs. With a mission to create equitable, lasting change, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service can seek funding for specific programs or projects in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, or health and human services. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation supports capital projects, start-up programs, and other initiatives rather than general operating support.

Nonprofit and community organizations providing basic needs, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, or community safety projects in Wisconsin communities Alliant Energy serves can apply for Community Grants. Alliant Energy supports specific programs such as housing and hunger relief, job readiness and youth development, conservation and parks, and first responder equipment; applications are accepted year-round and reviewed three times annually.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support community safety, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and community vitality projects. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides local grants for programs primarily serving communities on its rail network, including capacity-building and DEI-focused initiatives that benefit broad and diverse populations.

Nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin serving women and children through self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, education, or health programs can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding can support efforts like homelessness services, food security, employment readiness, microfinance, child welfare, anti-trafficking, and related community-strengthening projects.

Private woodland owners in Wisconsin can receive cost-share assistance for forest stewardship planning, tree planting, invasive species control, and other forest improvement practices through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Landowner Grant Program. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help land stewards enhance forest health, protect soil and water, and improve wildlife habitat on their properties.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in Wisconsin and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with grants up to US $375,000 for small-scale projects. Funding supports faculty-led research that engages primarily undergraduate students and strengthens the institution’s biomedical research environment, which may help relieve pressure on restricted operating budgets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding and leadership development through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Grants from Bank Of America Charitable Foundation help Wisconsin nonprofits build capacity while participating in a two-year leadership program for their CEO and an emerging leader.

Wisconsin accredited charities running community, humanitarian, education, environmental, or contemporary arts programs can seek philanthropic support for high-quality projects. La Roche prioritizes initiatives that promote sustainable development, allow use of its expertise and logistics, engage employees, and involve local authorities and partners, with local affiliate offices funding organizations operating within the same country.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- and middle-income countries can apply for mentored career development support to conduct independent clinical trials and related research. Focused on global health and biomedical fields, the Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health offers approximately US $140,000 and may benefit Wisconsin nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development can access funding through Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards. Nominated by Altra Federal Credit Union members, organizations in eligible Wisconsin counties may receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 in unrestricted support for their community-focused programs.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Interdisciplinary faculty teams led by an eligible UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health principal investigator can apply for University of Wisconsin Madison’s Collaborative Health Sciences Program, with awards up to US $600,000 over three years. Projects must advance innovative research or education to improve health, health care, or health equity in Wisconsin communities.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Wisconsin working on climate and clean energy systems change can seek operating or project support for policy, advocacy, and community engagement efforts. The McKnight Foundation provides funding to advance equitable decarbonization in energy, transportation, buildings, working lands, and democratic participation across the Midwest, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Wisconsin communities within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific support for community services, affordable housing, and economic development initiatives. With a mission to build self-sufficiency and advance social and economic equality, Huntington National Bank provides funding for efforts like food security, workforce training, and community revitalization benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including those with Wisconsin affiliations, can seek multi-year support for mentored health research careers; awards are approximately US $140,000. The National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports projects across diverse health disciplines aligned with applicants’ national priorities.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

The Surface Water Grants: Management Plan Implementation Projects, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, support initiatives aimed at enhancing and protecting surface water resources. With a focus on approved management plans, these grants facilitate projects that improve aquatic ecosystems. Applications are due by September 15 for pre-proposals and November 15 for full proposals. Each waterbody can submit one application, ensuring targeted, impactful management efforts for Wisconsin's vital water resources.

The Schoen Family Charitable Trust Grant, established by John and Joan Schoen in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Midwestern communities. With a board comprised of the founders' family members, the trust emphasizes charitable giving, allocating over 98% of funds to various causes. Their mission focuses on education, health, wellness, and family support, aiming to empower individuals and improve lives through targeted assistance and community engagement.