Best Youth Sports Grants in Wisconsin

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) in Wisconsin aims to enhance local economies by providing financial support to small business development organizations. With awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, the program targets local and regional Economic Development Organizations, municipalities, tribal governments, and counties to foster innovative support for small businesses. This initiative addresses the ongoing challenge of accessing capital, encouraging diverse and rural business growth while ensuring community involvement in program development.

The George F. Moss Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in the greater Milwaukee area. Established in memory of George French Moss, who dedicated his life to business and philanthropy, the foundation emphasizes local impact. It seeks to fund initiatives that enhance community welfare, reflecting Mr. Moss's lifelong commitment to charitable endeavors. This grant is ideal for organizations aiming to make a significant difference in the lives of Milwaukee residents, ensuring his legacy continues through meaningful contributions.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Hickory Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin and South Carolina. Funding supports capital campaigns, new programs, general operating support, and social entrepreneurship. Grants under $5,000 require a Letter of Inquiry, while larger grants require both a Letter of Inquiry and a full application. Notably, funds are not allocated for endowments, individual grants, lobbying, scholarships, or medical research.

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program funds promotions or events for nonprofit organizations. The JEM grant has different categories to fit an organization’s needs. Each category reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for eligible promotional expenses. 

Existing Event:

This grant is for expanding the promotion of an existing nonprofit event. Expanding promotion can include a new geographic market, targeting a new demographic audience or promotion in a new medium. New markets, media and audiences should be chosen based on their potential to increase event attendance. The maximum award is $39,550 per year and two consecutive years of funding are available. An event that was funded as a New Event may not qualify for an Existing Event JEM Grant.

The Community Impact Grant Level One: Engage aims to enhance health equity in Wisconsin by supporting community partnerships that address social determinants of health. Open to Wisconsin-based organizations with less than $1 million in annual expenses, grants of up to $250,000 are available for three years. The program fosters collaboration among community leaders and aims to evaluate the impact of initiatives addressing health inequities, ensuring sustainable improvements in health outcomes for diverse populations.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

PFund Foundation supports LGBTQ+ communities in the Upper Midwest by providing event sponsorship funding for various gatherings, including fundraisers and pride festivals. Organizations eligible for funding must align with the foundation's mission, serve LGBTQ+ individuals, and be registered as 501c3 nonprofit entities. Events must be located within the foundation's service area and be scheduled at least 60 days in advance. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and support.

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Kohler Foundation Grant focuses on preserving art environments and cultural heritage in Wisconsin and beyond. Grants up to $10,000 support innovative projects by tax-exempt public charities and institutions. With a preference for Sheboygan County, the Foundation encourages STEAM initiatives and programs enhancing access to the arts. Recent preservation efforts include notable sites like the Garden of Eden sculpture park and Pasaquan. The Foundation believes in impactful investments that foster lasting community benefits.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Humane Organization Grant Program 

Mission

To enhance the quality of life of shelter/ rescue animals and to increase their chances for adoption. 

The St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) Humane Organization grant program funded by the Compassionate Animal Fund, is accepting applications (invitation only) from Managed Open Admission humane organizations located in the upper Midwest. The grants, ranging up to $3,000, can cover items on your “wish list” including food, supplies, infrastructure needs, and veterinary cost. 

Funding Criteria

Grants are intended to provide funds for items such as food, supplies, medicine, spay/neuter programs (for in-house animals to aid in adoption) newsletters, or other needs and/or programs that most benefit the humane organization.

​We understand that shelters may differ in the services or alternatives they offer during the waiting period prior to intake. If your facility is at capacity, you must provide a clear statement outlining how emergency surrenders and stray animals are handled, including the procedures your organization follows to operate as an Open Admission shelter.  

The Brownfields Grant Program in Wisconsin aims to revitalize contaminated industrial or commercial sites, promoting economic growth and community development. This initiative supports applicants with funds for environmental assessments and remediation efforts, turning neglected properties into viable spaces for redevelopment. Eligible candidates must provide recent environmental reports and demonstrate the inability of the responsible party to pay for cleanup. By facilitating the transformation of these brownfields, the program enhances local economies and community welfare.

The AmeriCorps State Competitive Program Grant in Wisconsin empowers organizations to engage AmeriCorps members in addressing critical community needs through service and volunteering. It focuses on enhancing community resilience by funding direct service and capacity-building activities. Priority is given to organizations serving marginalized populations and those focused on youth mental health, veterans' support, environmental stewardship, and reducing community polarization. This initiative fosters civic engagement and strengthens local communities across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Department of Justice

​​​​​The Wisconsin Department of Justice (Wisconsin DOJ) is led by the attorney general, a constitutional officer who is elected by partisan ballot to a four-year term. Public safety is the core of Wisconsin DOJ's mission. The main duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing legal advice and representation for the State of Wisconsin
• Investigating crimes that are statewide in nature, importance, or influence
• Providing technical assistance and training to law enforcement officers and prosecutors
• Assisting victims of crime in exercising their rights and accessing services
• Providing forensic analysis of evidence in criminal cases
• Promoting safe school environment​s​

Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) Grant Program

Program Goal

The goal of the SAVS Grant Program is to develop, expand, enhance, and/or support comprehensive sexual assault victim services so they are available to victims of sexual assault regardless of where they reside in Wisconsin. 

Core Services

The SAVS legislation provides a brief list of services that award recipients must provide or propose to provide, and statistical information that OCVS is mandated to collect from grantees. Statistical information reflects the core services.

• 24 Hour Crisis Response
• Personal Advocacy
• Systems Advocacy
• Information and Referral
• Support Groups
• Accessible Services
• Community Outreach and Prevention Education

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Wisconsin provide essential funding for organizations to assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program empowers groups of very-low- and low-income individuals to work together, significantly reducing housing costs through shared labor. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and federally-recognized tribes, while ineligible costs include hiring contractors and purchasing materials. This initiative fosters community engagement and self-sufficiency in rural areas.

The WAB Creation and Presentation Grant provides vital support to established nonprofit arts organizations in Wisconsin that create or present significant arts programming. This grant emphasizes community impact and artistic quality, requiring applicants to demonstrate a history of consistent artistic activities and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be incorporated in Wisconsin, hold 501(c)(3) status, and provide a dollar-for-dollar match of funding. This multi-year grant program facilitates ongoing artistic development while ensuring accountability.

The Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust Grant provides funding for educational programs in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Established in 2014, it focuses on supporting tax-exempt nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs. The trust aims to enhance workforce development in key industries such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of May 5 for consideration in the annual grant meeting.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Control Research & Demonstration program, supported by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance water quality and protect ecosystems through collaborative initiatives. By providing cost-sharing funding for various activities, this program empowers eligible applicants, including local governments and educational institutions, to engage in effective water management practices. The initiative emphasizes sustainable stewardship of surface water resources, fostering partnerships to ensure long-term ecological health and community resilience in Wisconsin.

The Little Rapids Corporation Egan Family Foundation Grant, established in 1986, supports charitable initiatives in communities where the company operates. The foundation emphasizes philanthropy in education, health and human services, youth development, and the arts. It seeks to fund projects that benefit many individuals over extended periods, with a preference for causes located in Northeast Wisconsin. This commitment reflects the family-owned structure's dedication to community enhancement and long-lasting positive impact.

Associated Bank Community Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of communities through charitable donations. Allocating 1% of annual pretax profits, the bank supports programs benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Philanthropic priorities include affordable housing, small business development, workforce development, sustainability, and racial/social equity. The bank collaborates with nonprofit organizations that align with its values, ensuring meaningful contributions to community growth and improvement.

The WEDC Capacity Building Grants aim to enhance local development efforts in Wisconsin by supporting nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. These grants facilitate the creation and expansion of cooperative initiatives, ensuring that communities have the resources needed to thrive. By addressing economic development challenges, the program fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, allowing for innovative solutions that benefit all Wisconsin residents. This flexible funding approach enables rapid responses to emerging needs and promotes sustainable growth.

About Us

Wisconsin’s smallest cabinet agency makes a tremendous impact. At one half of one percent of the state budget and one half of one percent of the state workforce, the Department of Tourism markets Wisconsin as one of America’s premier travel destinations under the brand name Travel Wisconsin, supporting an industry that makes up more than 7 percent of the state’s gross domestic product.

The team at Travel Wisconsin is honored to be joined by the Wisconsin Council on Tourism, our committee members and our industry partners to maintain tourism’s ranking as a top Wisconsin industry.

Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for qualified promotional costs. There are five categories of JEM grants.

One Time/One-of-a-Kind Events

• These projects publicize an event of major significance that has the potential to generate media coverage at least throughout the Midwest.

Why You Should Apply

• A JEM grant is often a catalyst for communities, giving them the means to make an impact on their economy and create jobs for its residents.
• It could be just the thing to bring an idea to life.