Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

What is a Community Foundation?

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Dan Pheil Scholarship Fund

Created in honor of Dan Pheil, this scholarship awards a deserving graduating high school senior residing in Washington County who plans to major in business.

The AGD Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada that provide free oral cancer screenings and education, particularly for underserved communities. Established in 1972, the AGD Foundation aims to enhance public oral health and raise awareness about oral/oropharyngeal cancer. By promoting early detection and education, the foundation seeks to improve survival rates and empower communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating a commitment to community health.

Hilcorp Future Leaders of America Scholarship

Benefiting select communities across the United States where Hilcorp operates.

The Hilcorp Future Leaders of America Scholarship Program was developed to give back to the communities in which Hilcorp Energy Company operates to develop future leadership talent as the next innovators, educators, and business leaders.

Award Amount

Multiple scholarships awarded annually. The scholarship is comprised of up to four (4) annual awards of $2,500, for a total award of up to $10,000.

The four annual (4) awards may be received over a period of up to 6 years, allowing for deferment if needed.

The National Dance Project (NDP) Travel Fund offers financial support to U.S.-based presenters, curatorial staff, and residency directors, as well as current NDP artist grantees. This fund facilitates in-person engagements to assess the feasibility of presenting NDP-funded projects. Established over 30 years ago, NDP has invested more than $38.5 million in dance initiatives, promoting the creation and touring of new works while fostering relationships within the arts community.

The Mercyhealth Minority/Veteran Scholarships offer two $2,000 awards to minority or veteran individuals in Wisconsin and Illinois pursuing a career in healthcare. This initiative aims to support those who contribute to the community while enhancing diversity in the healthcare field. Applicants must submit complete documentation to be considered. Since 1994, Mercyhealth has been committed to providing quality healthcare, making this scholarship a vital opportunity for future healthcare professionals.

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.

Dennis E. Bangart Agricultural Scholarship

This scholarship is for students in the Marshfield Community Foundation Service Area, must be a fulltime student with dairy science as the area of study. Preference to incoming college freshman and to those who participated in 4H, FFA, Junior Holstein. Student financial need is considered.

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.

Heck P.E.O. - AJ and LeGrand Scholarship

This scholarship is for a non-traditional female student, who, having been in the workforce, is attempting to better their career standing, or change careers by pursuing an academic or trade degree full or part time at a university or tech school.

The Paul - Olga Paul Scholarship honors Olga R. Paul, a dedicated English teacher at Bishop High School for over 30 years. This scholarship supports students with a Bishop mailing address who are pursuing a teaching degree, maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and attending college full-time. Financial need and academic achievement are considered in the selection process, with preference given to future educators. The scholarship amount varies.

The Pagan Scholarship honors Jack and Shirley Pagan by supporting students in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Managed by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities in the Coastal Bend region. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students from Nueces or San Patricio County, Texas, who demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a commitment to automotive, veterinary, or business fields.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is inviting innovative research applications on the causal relationships between human behaviors and oral-systemic health impacts, particularly for people with chronic conditions. This funding opportunity encourages the exploration of biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors contributing to health outcomes. Projects should aim for translation into clinical trials to manage dental and craniofacial conditions effectively. Collaboration among diverse health experts is strongly encouraged.

The Burney - Cecil E. Burney Scholarship, established in memory of Cecil E. Burney, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by supporting students who have graduated from high schools in the CBCF seven-county area. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students maintaining a GPA of 3.0, and they must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the United States.

About the Community Foundation

Our mission:

To inspire people and communities to build and distribute charitable funds for good, for Adams County, for ever.

Our vision:

To be a leading resource in promoting philanthropy among people of all means who wish to make a lasting and meaningful contribution to Adams County, and creating opportunities to develop and strengthen our communities.

Barbara B. Ernico Fund for Leadership Development

Barbara B. Ernico, the Community Foundation’s founding Executive Director, created the Fund for Leadership Development to help strengthen Adams County’s nonprofits.

Objective

Enable Adams County nonprofit executive directors and boards of directors to participate in training opportunities that increase their knowledge and effectiveness. Consideration may be given to training for strategic planning, reorganization, leadership development of staff and/or board members, and any other activities that will strengthen the nonprofit’s ability to carry out their mission.

The Bill Dorsey Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, offers scholarships to students at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA). Designed for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this fund helps cover costs related to their arts discipline. Applications are available in the Fall, supporting the foundation's mission to enhance educational opportunities for local students and nurture their artistic talents.

The VFW Student Fellowship, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America, empowers student veterans to advocate for their community on Capitol Hill. Running from October 2025 to March 2026, this program offers selected fellows the chance to collaborate on policy priorities, attend leadership training, and participate in significant conferences, ensuring their voices are heard among 500 advocates at the VFW Washington Conference. Travel expenses are fully covered.

The Carol D. Garling Scholarship, established by Carol D. Garling, provides financial assistance to students pursuing a post-secondary education who have completed at least 30 credit hours at an accredited institution. Offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, this scholarship is part of a larger initiative to support local students and promote educational advancement within the community. Applications are accepted annually from January to April 1st, encouraging both high school graduates and non-traditional students.

The National Centers for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) provide critical resources for biomedical imaging and bioengineering research. This funding opportunity supports the development of innovative technologies tailored to the needs of basic, translational, and clinical researchers. NCBIB facilitates technology access, training, and dissemination, enhancing collaboration and advancing the field. Applications are encouraged to foster advancements that address complex biomedical challenges.

The Performing Arts Global Exchange Grant (PAGE) fosters international performing arts in the U.S., promoting cultural understanding through diverse programming. It offers support to nonprofit presenters who engage artists from a curated roster, focusing on underrepresented regions like Morocco and South Africa. Grants require public performances and community interaction, emphasizing outreach to underserved areas. PAGE is supported by Mid Atlantic Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, aiming to enhance accessibility to global artistic expressions.

The STEM Higher Education Grant Program, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM graduate education. The program focuses on transforming educational pathways, empowering universities, and supporting innovative initiatives that cultivate a diverse faculty body. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive environments, the Foundation seeks to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in STEM fields, ultimately strengthening the scientific enterprise.

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) by the National Park Service aims to enhance outdoor recreation and support compatible land uses near military installations. This program, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, provides up to 50% of project costs, encouraging collaboration with the Department of War. Projects must involve land acquisition and align with national priorities to ensure public outdoor access in perpetuity, directly benefiting both military and civilian communities.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Roy S. Bates Scholarship

Roy S. Bates (1916-2004)

Roy Bates was born August 28, 1916, in a farmhouse in Chester Township, Wayne County, Ohio. A breach baby, Roy’s arms and legs were broken during delivery; miraculously, the baby survived and the only permanent impairment was a crooked right arm that couldn’t be raised above the shoulder. Roy was a bright, precocious child who entered Chester High School at age 13 where he played on the varsity basketball and baseball teams and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1933.

Bates attended the College of Wooster where he was an outstanding intramural basketball and baseball player. After graduating from Wooster in 1937, Roy accepted a position teaching social studies at Chester High School. He was appointed Chester’s basketball coach in 1938, and he became the baseball coach in 1942. When Chester became a part of Northwestern High School in 1951, Bates was appointed basketball and baseball coach at the new school. When his coaching career ended in 1967, his varsity coaching record stood at 475-52 in baseball and 441-84 in basketball. Bates was the first coach in Ohio history to win state championships in both baseball (1959) and basketball (1965, and he was the first coach to be elected to both the Ohio Coaches Baseball and Basketball Halls of Fame.

A world traveler, Bates led eight senior class trips, 12 basketball team trips and about 40 National Education Association trips to every continent except Antarctica. From 1948 to 2001, Bates conducted more than 14,500 sports shows on Wooster Radio. He also officiated basketball, baseball, and softball games for more than 30 years.

After Bates retired from Northwestern in 1977, he assisted with college basketball programs at Indiana University, Cornell University, the University of Colorado, and the College of Wooster. Through his personal investments, he established the Roy S. Bates Scholarship Fund at Wayne County Community Foundation to help student athletes pursue their dreams of higher education.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Wayne County 4-H/FFA Doyle Findley Scholarship

Term: One Year

Amount: Varies

Number Awards: Varies

The Dupuytren’s Disease Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from Dupuytren's Disease. This fund provides assistance for prescription drug copays and insurance premiums related to treatment. With an average grant utilization of $1,650 over a 12-month period, the fund ensures that essential medications and therapies are affordable. HealthWell Foundation, a private non-profit, has helped over 1.1 million patients since 2004, demonstrating its commitment to healthcare access.

The Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome Fund, operated by the HealthWell Foundation, provides vital financial assistance to underinsured patients facing high medical costs associated with these conditions. The fund covers co-payments, insurance premiums, and necessary treatments, ensuring that patients receive the care they need without financial burden. With an average grant utilization of $3,000 over twelve months, this fund aims to alleviate the challenges of treatment accessibility, supporting both physical and mental health for those affected.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Rosemary Shockney Memorial Scholarship

Open to all Randolph County schools. Educational scholarship for students who are accepted into and attend accredited two- or four-year public or private institutions of higher education. 

The Blepharitis Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from blepharitis, an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. This program assists with prescription drug copays and insurance premiums, covering up to $3,500 annually for treatments. With a mission to ensure no patient is deprived of necessary healthcare due to financial constraints, the HealthWell Foundation has provided over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients since its inception.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Winchester Chapter #60 Order of Eastern Star (EOS) & Charles Burke Memorial

Awarded to a Randolph County student with a 3.0 G.P.A., and is a relative of a deceased chapter member.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fund, managed by HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial barriers for underinsured patients battling ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The fund provides financial assistance for prescription copays, insurance premiums, and related healthcare expenses, ensuring patients can access vital treatments. With an average grant utilization of $3,000 over twelve months, the fund exemplifies HealthWell's commitment to ensuring no patient is denied necessary healthcare due to cost. Since 2004, HealthWell has awarded over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients.