Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Perry Bentley Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, awards a four-year scholarship to a high school senior selected as the winner of the annual art show at McMurry University. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education and is part of a broader initiative that provides various scholarships to deserving candidates. Eligible applicants must plan to attend McMurry University to qualify for this prestigious award.

The Leonard-Litz Foundation's LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund Grant aims to empower LGBTQ+ individuals by funding organizations that advocate for their rights and well-being. With a focus on health, wellness, and racial justice, the fund supports projects that require significant investment for impactful change. Prioritizing partnerships that serve vulnerable communities, including people of color and transgender individuals, this grant fosters equality and addresses systemic inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ people, especially in the northeast U.S.

The Packaging Innovation Program by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks innovative research proposals to develop sustainable packaging alternatives for U.S. specialty crops. With increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, this initiative aims to enhance global market access for U.S. producers. Collaborating with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the program supports three research tracks, focusing on applied R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale manufacturing projects to advance eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The Nolan County Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial assistance to eligible graduating seniors from Nolan County high schools. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000 and are sent directly to educational institutions. This initiative supports various students, including those pursuing trade certifications, ensuring broader access to higher education opportunities. Applications require a completed acceptance form before payment processing in August and January.

The Margaret Wheeler Kennedy Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Margaret Wheeler Kennedy, supports graduating high school seniors who are active members of Holy Family, Sacred Heart, St. Francis, or St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Churches in Abilene. Eligible students must rank in the top 25% of their class and have participated in religious education. Awards are sent directly to educational institutions, assisting students in pursuing their academic and career goals.

The AGA: Student Abstract Award offers a $500 travel grant to graduate students, medical students, and residents (up to postgraduate year three) presenting at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). It aims to inspire interest in gastroenterology research by recognizing outstanding abstracts, with the top scorer honored as the Student Abstract of the Year and awarded an additional $1,000. Applicants must be sponsored by an AGA member and may only submit one abstract.

The Green Lake Basic Needs Grant, funded by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, aims to support vulnerable residents by providing essential resources and promoting stability. This grant prioritizes projects that deliver community care, enhance health and wellness, address basic needs for children, and build resilience among individuals. Organizations that are tax-exempt and serve Green Lake County and the City of Ripon are eligible to apply, ensuring that community support is both effective and compassionate.

The Leo and Piney Scott Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors the legacy of Leo and Piney Scott, who dedicated their lives to education and community service. This scholarship supports students who have completed at least one year of higher education, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and prioritize African American students from the Big Country area. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, reflecting the foundation's commitment to empowering future leaders.

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award, offered by the ADA Foundation, aims to support emerging leaders in oral health. This award grants $5,000 to individuals demonstrating commitment to enhancing access to dental education and employment opportunities. Eligible applicants include dental students, early-career dentists, and those under 40. Selection criteria focus on leadership potential and contributions to the profession, emphasizing community engagement and public health advancement. Visit ADAF.org for application details.

The Teagle Foundation's Knowledge for Freedom initiative aims to empower underserved high school students through transformative experiences in the humanities. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 over 36 months support programs that foster civic responsibility and personal purpose. Colleges can also apply for planning grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to develop tailored programs. The initiative emphasizes intensive summer seminars led by faculty, with continued support for college applications and civic engagement.

The New York Health Foundation is offering sponsorship for nonprofits and community organizations to participate in conferences that support healthy communities, consumer empowerment, and veterans' health. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of innovative work being done in New York, particularly for those historically marginalized. By facilitating attendance at local, state, and national events, the Foundation seeks to empower organizations to showcase their impactful programs and connect with key stakeholders.

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

The National Cancer Institute invites applications for the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity supports both analytical and clinical validation of assays, emphasizing the importance of human samples. The program encourages multi-disciplinary collaboration and aims to enhance the performance and reproducibility of cancer assays across clinical laboratories. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time during the designated deadlines each year.

The "Repurposing Research for Chicago - Track 2" grant supports early-stage investigators conducting clinical repurposing trials for unsolved diseases. Researchers must be within 10 years of completing an advanced degree or residency, and trials can utilize telehealth. Funded institutions must be located in the Chicagoland area, with budgets up to $100,000 available. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life through efficient medical repurposing, connecting various stakeholders to expedite treatment delivery.

The NRF Foundation Student Ambassador Program offers NRF University Members the chance to appoint a student as their campus representative for a year. This role allows ambassadors to connect the NRF Foundation with their campus, fostering a community of retail advocates. Responsibilities include promoting NRF programs and events, enhancing student participation in the NRF Student Association, and cultivating leadership skills. Ideal candidates are motivated, resourceful, and ready to lead their peers in engagement activities.

The Cancer Research Education Grants Program (R25) aims to enhance research education in areas crucial to the NIH mission. This program supports innovative courses that develop skills in cancer research, covering topics such as prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Grant applications are encouraged to be creative and state-of-the-art, addressing the needs of patients and their families. Key deadlines for applications span from January 2024 to September 2026, ensuring ongoing support for educational initiatives.

The AK Chen Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to students from specific high schools and those majoring in STEM or education fields. Scholarships cover various educational expenses, ensuring support for students' academic journeys.

The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Scholarship supports students from six specific high schools in Southern Wisconsin who plan to attend a Lutheran institution. This scholarship considers both financial need and academic performance, with a preference for members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Monroe. Funded by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which manages over 700 charitable funds, this initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students.

The African-American Community Foundation's Deloris L. Winslow Scholarship for Community Excellence, established in 2013 by The Dayton Foundation, supports minority students from Clark and Montgomery Counties pursuing degrees in social work, political science, counseling, psychology, or addiction treatment. The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy, focusing on education, health, arts, and urgent regional needs. This scholarship reflects its commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and community service.

The Rubie McWilliam Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from Janesville Charter Schools and nearby high schools. Eligible candidates must rank in the top 10-20% of their class, exhibit good citizenship, and actively participate in school activities. Financial need may also be considered. This scholarship aims to enrich students' academic journeys and foster community engagement across nine Southern Wisconsin counties.

The Brayman-Beach Scholarship, honoring leaders Susan J. Brayman and Carroll D. Beach, supports Colorado youth pursuing a bachelor's degree. It awards two scholarships of $5,000 annually, aimed at members of Colorado credit unions who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and complete the FAFSA by March 1. This investment in education fosters the future of the credit union movement.

The Institutional Project Support (IPS) Grant Program by the Japan Foundation aims to enhance Japanese studies in the U.S. by providing up to $150,000 annually for three years. Eligible U.S. institutions must match the grant and focus on innovative proposals that stimulate growth in Japanese studies. The program prioritizes projects that create tenured positions and address national needs, while excluding political or commercial activities. Grants cover faculty salaries, travel, and teaching materials.

The Japan Foundation's Institutional Project Support - Small Grant Program provides up to $25,000 for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance Japanese Studies infrastructure. The program targets institutions facing challenges in maintaining their programs, particularly smaller or newer entities without established Japanese Studies initiatives. Eligible projects should focus on promoting Japanese Studies, with funding available for faculty salaries, travel, research materials, and conference expenses. Applications are accepted from institutions committed to advancing their Japanese Studies offerings.

The African-American Community Foundation - Charles and Pat Meadows Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, supports underrepresented students from Dayton Public, Jefferson Township, or Trotwood Public Schools. This scholarship aims to honor Charles Meadows' belief in education as a pathway to success. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, accepted to an accredited college, demonstrate financial need, and show participation in extracurricular activities. It fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Adam Broock Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, honors the memory of Adam Broock, a compassionate Oakwood High School graduate. This scholarship supports college students from Montgomery County, Ohio, who demonstrate financial need and academic success. The Dayton Foundation, founded in 1921, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through philanthropic services and strategic grantmaking, focusing on workforce development and equitable opportunities.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants from the Plastic Surgery Foundation and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons aim to promote innovative research in maxillofacial surgery. With funding of up to $15,000 for one-year pilot projects, this initiative supports the preliminary phases of research, fostering the development of surgeon scientists and enhancing scientific knowledge in the field. Eligible applicants include MDs, DOs, or PhDs holding full-time positions in U.S. or Canadian institutions.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants by the AAPPS and PSF aim to promote innovative research in pediatric plastic surgery and hand surgery. With funding up to $15,000 for one-year pilot projects, these grants support the development of surgeon scientists and encourage applications that will enhance the scientific understanding and improve care for children with deformities requiring reconstructive surgery. This initiative fosters collaboration among various subspecialty organizations dedicated to advancing surgical research.