Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Earle R. Julian Scholarship

For past graduates of St. Anthony School, in Winsted, who plan to pursue a career in accounting.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Cornwall Conservation Trust Scholarship

Academic Focus: Ecology, environmental studies, forestry, FFA, and/or biology

Preference: Cornwall residents

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program

The Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (also know as the Chafee Grant) provides funding to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training.

The KMEF Scholarship Fund, established in 1973 by the Kettle Moraine Education Foundation, aims to support graduates pursuing higher education. Funded by community contributions, it offers multiple scholarships based on varying criteria. Applications open in mid-December and close in mid-March, with reviews conducted by selection committees. Scholarships range from $500 to $3,000, helping students access educational opportunities and eliminate barriers to success.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

Special Giving Program

Throughout her life, Ann B. Zekauskas supported numerous nonprofits and charitable endeavors. She especially had a fondness for organizations that worked to rescue and rehome abandoned animals — and her house was always home to a dog, a cat, and, for a very long time, a set of parakeets. 

In honoring Ann’s complete legacy, each year our trustees contribute to select causes which are of special personal importance to them and fall beyond our three main areas of giving. These include supporting educational institutions; local community groups and projects; athletics programs; animal rescues; and more.

The KMEF Impact Grant offers up to $5,000 for Kettle Moraine educators to enhance student achievement and growth. This grant supports innovative projects that contribute to the academic success of students, allowing educators to create impactful learning experiences. Priority will be given to projects that have not received funding in the past, ensuring fresh ideas and initiatives are encouraged. Funds can be utilized in the 2024-25 or 2025-26 school years, promoting ongoing educational improvement.

The Global Support Fund offers up to $6,000 for First-Year/Direct admits at Northeastern University, enabling them to participate in various approved global experiences. Eligible students must complete the GSF Request Form after acceptance into a program, ensuring they meet deadlines. The funding can cover program fees, airfare, housing, meals, and required course materials, but cannot be used for tuition or personal travel. This initiative encourages exploration and cultural immersion for students.

The Martinson Global Grants provide funding for students admitted to the John Martinson Honors Program at Northeastern University. These grants support participation in approved global experiences, including study abroad and alternative spring break programs. Internal admits can apply for funding to cover various expenses such as program fees, airfare, and housing. It's essential to submit the MGG Request Form and apply before the term's deadline. Note that tuition and personal travel costs are not covered.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Joseph F. and Helen C. McGovern Scholarship Fund

To provide support to students majoring in the field of education or social work.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Joan Mitchell Fellowship supports 15 US-based artists in painting and sculpture with $60,000 over five years. It offers crucial financial resources, skills development, and community building. The fellowship also includes workshops, consultations, and opportunities for residencies, particularly for those in their fourth year or beyond. The program emphasizes diversity, encouraging nominations from underrepresented artists to foster a rich cultural discourse in the arts.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

John P. Mahoney and James F. Mahoney Memorial Scholarship Fund, Bank of America, Trustee      

To support residents of Northampton.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Tailored for Troops Grant Program, initiated by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, provides essential business attire to veterans seeking employment. This initiative addresses the unique challenges veterans face in the job market, including unemployment and the need for proper attire. By partnering with organizations that offer employment services, the program ensures that veterans receive necessary support in their transition to civilian careers, ultimately aiding in reducing homelessness among veterans.

The BRAID Fellowship, initiated by Interfaith America, addresses rising prejudice in higher education by fostering a national network of undergraduate student leaders. This program empowers students to promote respect and cooperation across diverse backgrounds. Each fellow receives a $1,000 project award and a $2,000 stipend, along with opportunities for specialized training and community engagement. Through this initiative, Interfaith America commits to cultivating a diverse cohort that represents a wide range of religious and ideological perspectives.

The AΩA Fellows in Leadership Program, established by the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, aims to cultivate leadership skills among mid-career medical professionals. Recipients receive $30,000 to develop a year-long project focused on enhancing their leadership capabilities. This initiative emphasizes servant leadership and innovative thinking, addressing the increasing complexities in healthcare. The program seeks to empower leaders who can effectively navigate the evolving landscape of medicine while promoting the core values of the AΩA society.

U.S. Venture Sponsorships, supported by the Us Venture Schmidt Family Foundation, aim to enhance community engagement by addressing the root causes of poverty through collaboration and social innovation. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000, ensuring that eligible public charities, especially those with 501(c)(3) status, can benefit. Each organization can receive one sponsorship grant annually, reflecting U.S. Venture's commitment to giving back and fostering meaningful partnerships.

The Morris Animal Foundation invites proposals for the Feline Health Fellowship Training Award, aimed at advancing the health and welfare of domesticated cats. This program supports new investigators by providing salary funds in a mentoring environment. Proposals should focus on hypothesis-driven research with high scientific merit, targeting community and pet cats (Felis catus). The maximum award duration is 24 months, with budgets not exceeding $145,000. Join us in making impactful contributions to feline health.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Hellespont Society Scholarship Fund

Supporting high school graduates who attend a two- or four-year college and are persons of Greek descent, with preference given to descendants of past Hellespont Society members.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the co

The Morris Animal Foundation offers the Annual Feline Proposals: Feline Health Established Investigator Award to support research aimed at improving the health and welfare of domesticated cats. Established in 1948, the foundation funds innovative, hypothesis-driven studies that demonstrate high scientific merit. This grant encourages collaboration between academia and industry and has a maximum project duration of 36 months, with average awards around $100,000. Eligible proposals should focus solely on domesticated cats, excluding other feline species.

The Polaris Trails Grants Program, launched in January 2006, supports off-road and snow clubs across the U.S. and Canada. This pioneering initiative funds projects that promote safe riding, trail preservation, and environmental protection. Organizations can receive up to $10,000 for trail development, safety initiatives, and maintaining land access. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(7) organizations, while funds are not available for politically or religiously affiliated programs.

The Morris Animal Foundation offers the Annual Feline Health Pilot Study Award to support innovative research that enhances the health and welfare of domesticated cats. This funding is aimed at proof-of-concept studies, advancing animal health research through collaborative projects. With a maximum funding of $20,000 for a 12-month duration, the foundation seeks proposals that have a significant impact on both scientific and community stakeholders, ensuring a healthier future for feline populations.

The Prisoner Reintegration Program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, aims to assist individuals transitioning from incarceration in Milwaukee County. This initiative addresses critical behavioral, social, and economic challenges faced by participants, including mental health issues, substance use, and unemployment. Funding will support qualified staff who provide personalized assistance, ensuring collaboration with correctional facilities for effective reentry. The program promotes community adjustment and reduces recidivism through comprehensive support and resource connections.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Gladys R. and Charles E. Yost Memorial Fund

The Gladys R. and Charles E. Yost Memorial Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide educational assistance to incoming freshman at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, or University of Pittsburgh.

Award Type: Renewable award.

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

Research Initiatives

The AGC Education and Research Foundation directly responded to needs identified by AGC members and our partners at the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) and American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). The Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Fund and the Klinger Case Study Fund provide construction faculty nationwide with the resources necessary to support tomorrow's constructors in the classroom.

James L. Allhands Student Essay Competition

The James L. Allhands Essay was established by the late James L. Allhands, one of the founding members of AGC and a prolific writer of construction related works. The award recognizes a student essay on a specific topic that is deemed to be beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry.

The competition is open to any senior–level student in a four or five–year ABET or ACCE–accredited university construction management or construction–related engineering program.

Both the recipient and sponsor are invited as guests of the Foundation to the AGC Annual Convention. The topic for the 2027 Allhands Essay Competition is: "Promoting Effective Collaboration during Preconstruction ".

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

Research Initiatives

The AGC Education and Research Foundation directly responded to needs identified by AGC members and our partners at the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) and American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). The Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Fund and the Klinger Case Study Fund provide construction faculty nationwide with the resources necessary to support tomorrow's constructors in the classroom.

Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Program

Industry residencies are created through partnerships between an educational institution, an AGC contractor, and the AGC Education and Research Foundation. In total, 65 industry residents have been sponsored by the foundation since 2011.

Each educator spends several weeks on site with a construction company with the intent of gaining field experience to bring back to their students. All educators are supported equally by the AGC Education and Research Foundation, their host AGC member company, and their institution. 

On the application, the faculty member must: identify the specific skills and knowledge to be gained during the residency; identify an AGC construction firm or affiliated organization that has agreed to provide the requested professional work experience and financial support; and obtain support from the faculty member's institution. The selected faculty member(s) will document the residency experience in a post-residency report describing the experiences, learning outcomes and the value the residency will bring to his/her classroom.

Participating in this program is an investment in the future of the construction industry, providing valuable current professional experience that can be shared in the classroom. Professional residencies also benefit the host company by providing quality help on projects and if desired, feedback on management processes. 

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

AGC Graduate Scholarships

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers undergraduate and graduate level scholarships to students enrolled in ABET, ACCE and some ATMAE-accredited construction management or construction related engineering programs. Over $11 million in scholarships have been awarded to more than 4,500 students attending colleges and universities across the country.

Through endowments made by AGC members and supporters, as well as AGC Chapters, the Foundation is able to give 150 or more undergraduate and graduate scholarships each year to deserving students. Graduate students receive $3,750 per academic year (renewable up to 2 years).

Who We Are & What We Do

On November 26, 1997, a small group of citizens with an abundance of enthusiasm embarked on a mission to secure the quality of life in our region now and forever. By yearend, they had a modest $1,050. Through commitment and vision, the Quincy Area Community Foundation expanded and grew to become the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri.

Serving 12 counties on both sides of the Mississippi River, we operate as a bridge between our donors’ charitable visions and the nonprofit organizations that bring those visions to life. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Community Foundation scholarships are offered annually for high school and college students throughout our region. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements.

John Petty Trade School Scholarship Fund

Grants Awarded

• Spring.
• $1,000 awarded, renewable for one additional year.

The Point Foundation Access Scholarship is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and ally students who come from backgrounds historically facing limited opportunities. This scholarship provides essential financial assistance and access to leadership development, empowering recipients to achieve their educational goals. Eligible candidates include those enrolled in accredited U.S. postsecondary institutions, ensuring they can utilize funds effectively during their academic journey. By fostering inclusivity, the Point Foundation aims to cultivate future leaders in various fields.