Opportunity Grants offered by Wisconsin Humanities provide funding of up to $4,000 for nonprofit organizations based in Wisconsin. These grants are designed to support smaller organizations that aim to build healthier communities through public programming. Emphasizing cultural sharing, learning, and the telling of underheard stories, the grants are intended to foster understanding and civic engagement across diverse communities in the state.
The purpose of these grants is to encourage initiatives that bring communities together to explore critical issues and deepen civic dialogue. Whether through storytelling, documentary projects, or public events, Wisconsin Humanities seeks to amplify voices that have historically been overlooked and promote inclusive narratives that reflect the experiences and values of local populations.
Funding from Opportunity Grants can be used for a wide range of public humanities programs, with past projects including events, exhibitions, and media that connect community members around shared histories and social challenges. A notable example of a past project is “When Rubber Hit the Road: The Loss and Legacy of Uniroyal,” a documentary funded in 2023 that brought together former workers to reflect on the impact of factory closures in Eau Claire.
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations located within the state of Wisconsin. The program specifically supports smaller, community-focused entities working in the humanities and cultural sectors. There is no indication of eligibility for individuals, businesses, or government agencies.
Currently, applications for Opportunity Grants are closed, and no new submission window has been announced. Interested organizations are encouraged to subscribe to the Wisconsin Humanities e-newsletter to receive updates on future funding rounds. As such, there are no active deadlines or timeline details available at this time.
Information on submission requirements, application questions, and evaluation criteria is not provided in the available material. Applicants will need to wait until the next application round opens to access full guidance on how to apply and what documentation will be necessary.
