Minneapolis Foundation Support for Wisconsin Water
Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Wisconsin can apply for the Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Efforts addressing water quality, stormwater, green infrastructure, or related environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities may be competitive.
The Minneapolis Foundation
Pentair Foundation Water Programs Grants in Wisconsin
Nonprofit and community organizations in Wisconsin working on water access, quality, safety, or related education can apply for Pentair Foundation support for initiatives that improve and enjoy water resources. Programs focused on clean drinking water, water resource management, swim safety, or STEM education connected to water may be competitive.
Pentair Foundation
Wisconsin DNR Grants for Forest Conservation
Private woodland owners in Wisconsin can apply for cost-share assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect and enhance their forest land, including water-related resources. This program reimburses up to 50% of costs for practices like tree planting, invasive plant control, forest stewardship planning, and soil and water protection projects.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Belonging and Equity Grants for Nonprofits from Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Full proposal due Jul 30, 2026
Focused on belonging and equity, this program invites Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota nonprofits, tribal governments, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups to seek flexible support for community-driven, inclusive culture-building work. Eligible organizations can receive US $25,000 - US $50,000 for programs, general operations, capacity building, community-led solutions, and systems-change efforts that strengthen connection and promote equity.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Boreal Waters Community Opportunity Grants in Wisconsin
Full proposal due Jul 30, 2026
Nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups advancing economic stability and opportunity in Wisconsin’s northwestern counties can seek $25,000 - $50,000 for programs, operations, or capacity building. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds efforts like affordable housing, living-wage job creation, education access, and essential support services that strengthen long-term community well-being.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Resilience Project Grants for Nonprofits from Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Full proposal due Jul 30, 2026
Nonprofits, community groups, and fiscally sponsored collaborations in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin can seek $25,000 - $50,000 from Boreal Waters Community Foundation for resilience-focused projects. Focused on strengthening long-term community stability, this funding can support programs, general operations, capacity building, and community-led solutions that may benefit groups addressing water, housing, food security, or climate-related challenges in Wisconsin.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grants for Water
Applications due Jul 31, 2026
With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with project-focused funding in areas including environment and water resource management. Eligible organizations must operate within the foundation’s listed Wisconsin and Menominee County, Michigan service counties and propose specific programs rather than general operating support.
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Water Grants
Applications due Jul 31, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service can seek funding for water-related environment and freshwater conservation projects, as well as broader community programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides project-focused support across environmental, education, health, arts, and community development priorities.
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation
Wetland Restoration Funding from Wisconsin DNR
Applications due Jul 31, 2026
Public agencies, municipalities, tribes, nonprofits, private landowners, and other registered entities in Wisconsin can seek funding to restore, establish, enhance, or preserve wetlands within eligible service areas. With a mission to protect natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports freshwater conservation and water resource management projects that serve as long-term mitigation sites under conservation easements.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Joyce Foundation Grants for Wisconsin Water
Full proposal due Aug 3, 2026
Environmental and policy-focused organizations working on freshwater and drinking water issues in Wisconsin and other Great Lakes states can seek support for climate solutions, Great Lakes protection, and equitable drinking water policy. The Joyce Foundation primarily funds invited proposals that advance clean energy, water infrastructure, and environmental justice across the Great Lakes region.
The Joyce Foundation
Impact Fund Support for Wisconsin Water Justice
Full proposal due Aug 6, 2026
Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on environmental, social, racial, or economic justice in Wisconsin can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable grants for case expenses. The Impact Fund supports environmental justice cases, which may include water-related harms like pollution, contaminated drinking water, or inadequate wastewater treatment.
The Impact Fund
Natural Resources Foundation Support for Wisconsin Conservation
Applications due Sep 1, 2026
Wisconsin environmental nonprofits, government agencies, tribal communities, and accredited schools working on conservation, education, or water-related natural resource projects can access funding through the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund; awards range from US $500 - US $5,000. Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, wildlife, or people and may emphasize community engagement, species protection, or climate resilience.
Natural Resources Foundation Of Wisconsin Inc
Wisconsin Community Programs Funding via Alliant Energy
Applications due Sep 15, 2026
Nonprofits and community organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Alliant Energy can access funding for basic needs, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety projects. Grants from Alliant Energy help Wisconsin groups improve parks and trails, support environmental conservation and education, and enhance community safety and engagement through specific local programs and initiatives.
Alliant Energy
Surface Water Project Grants for Wisconsin Organizations
Pre proposal due Sep 16, 2026
Qualified lake and river groups, surface water management organizations, conservation nonprofits, and school districts in Wisconsin can seek funding for surface water education, planning, and management projects, including invasive species control. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers up to US $50,000 for outreach, assessments, surveys, planning, and on-the-ground water resource improvements.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Infrastructure Grants for Rural Entities via USDA
Applications due Sep 30, 2026
Eligible rural state or local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program to fund water and waste infrastructure projects. Grants support acquisition, construction, or improvement of drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and storm water systems, plus related legal, engineering, land, and start-up costs.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Wisconsin Water and Humanitarian Funding via Antioch Foundation
Full proposal due Oct 15, 2026
Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations planning water, sanitation, or humanitarian projects can access funding through Antioch Foundation, with awards up to US $40,000. Grants prioritize pilot programs, start-up costs, and building projects in areas such as clean drinking water, disaster relief, health, education, and supportive housing, with no strict geographic restriction across the U.S.
Antioch Foundation
Trees Forever Support for Wisconsin Tree Planting
Applications due Nov 15, 2026
Local governments and public entities in Wisconsin can seek funding to plant landscape-sized trees on public property through Trees Forever’s Alliant Energy Community Tree Planting Program, with grants up to Up to US $5,000. Projects that enhance community greening and may benefit local water quality in Alliant Energy service areas are eligible.
Trees Forever
Wisconsin DNR Support for Park Friends
Applications due Nov 15, 2026
Friends Groups that are 501(c)(3) or (4) nonprofits supporting Wisconsin state parks, southern state forests, state trails, or recreation areas can receive up to US $30,000 for operations and maintenance projects. Grants from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources may benefit groups whose work includes water-related recreation, access, or interpretive programming.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Outdoor Recreation Funding from Wisconsin DNR
Applications due Nov 15, 2026
Friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations in Wisconsin can receive up to US $20,000 to improve nature-based outdoor recreation facilities and restore habitat on state properties. With a mission to preserve natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides 501(c)(3)/(4) groups with matching grants for capital improvements, durable equipment, and qualifying restoration projects that enhance public enjoyment of land and water resources.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Rhinelander Community Foundation Community Grants in Wisconsin
Applications due Feb 28, 2027
Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, governments, and similar groups in the Rhinelander area can receive project grants to enhance community quality of life, from arts and culture to recreation and services. Rhinelander Community Foundation provides Wisconsin community organizations with up to US $5,000, which may support initiatives that indirectly benefit local water and natural resources.
Rhinelander Community Foundation
Boreal Waters Community Foundation Grants for Biodiversity
Pre proposal due Mar 8, 2027
Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations doing biodiversity and freshwater conservation work in northern Wisconsin and northeast Minnesota can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s small grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects. Funding supports habitat restoration, vulnerable species, climate adaptation planning, community-based research, and environmental education that may benefit water-focused initiatives in Wisconsin.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Transformational Systems Change Grants from Boreal Waters
Pre proposal due Mar 8, 2027
Nonprofits, governments, tribal entities, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in northwest Wisconsin can seek up to US $300,000 to launch or expand transformational projects addressing opportunity, resilience, and belonging. With a mission to strengthen communities, Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports community-led collaborations, systems change, and long-term, equity-centered initiatives that may benefit water-related and other regional efforts.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Boreal Waters Support for Wisconsin Freshwater Conservation
Letter of inquiry due Mar 9, 2027
Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations working on biodiversity and freshwater conservation in Wisconsin’s Bayfield, Douglas, and Ashland Counties can seek multi-year funding to preserve and restore habitats, support vulnerable species, and address climate impacts. Focused on long-term, equity-centered ecosystem health, Boreal Waters Community Foundation offers up to US $150,000 for collaborative, community-led projects.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Boreal Waters Support for Wisconsin Resilience
Letter of inquiry due Mar 9, 2027
Nonprofits, government entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Wisconsin’s northwestern counties can seek up to US $300,000 for transformational resilience projects that address root causes and build long-term community capacity. Focus areas include resilience, opportunity, and belonging, which may encompass community-driven work on housing, food security, workforce readiness, or climate adaptation.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
NRCS Grants for Wisconsin Water Conservation
Applications due Mar 13, 2027
Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service help Wisconsin conservation partners and agricultural producers implement soil, water, and habitat conservation projects at regional or watershed scales. Eligible lead partners include tribes, nonprofits, governments, and others collaborating with producers on agricultural or private forest lands, which may benefit freshwater conservation and water resource management priorities.
USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin
Collections Care Funding from Wisconsin Historical Society
Letter of inquiry due May 1, 2027
Affiliated 501(c)(3) historical societies in Wisconsin can receive up to US $700 for collections care and management projects, including archival supplies, storage, digitization equipment, and training. Wisconsin Historical Society mini-grants require a 1:1 match and may benefit organizations whose local history collections support water-related or environmental programming.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Social Justice Funding via Boreal Waters
Applications due Sep 14, 2027
Boreal Waters Community Foundation provides Wisconsin charitable organizations with support for social justice, human rights, and related community initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored projects serving the foundation’s regional service area, with grants up to US $4,000 for efforts such as anti-discrimination work, peace and justice education, and emergency aid.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation