Kohler Foundation Grant Program

The Kohler Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Known for its longstanding commitment to promoting education and the arts, the foundation strategically supports programs that create meaningful, long-term impact in rural and underserved communities throughout Wisconsin. One of the central avenues through which it advances its mission is through annual grantmaking, providing financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and public institutions that align with its objectives. The foundation's 2025 grant cycle runs from July 15 to September 15, during which eligible entities can submit applications for grants of up to $10,000. These grants are intended to stimulate creative programming and educational initiatives, especially those that can demonstrate disproportionate impact relative to the modest size of the award. Preference is given to new projects rather than ongoing operational needs. The foundation places a particular emphasis on projects in the fields of arts and education, including but not limited to STEAM initiatives, rural outreach, visiting artist programs, technology in the arts, and increased accessibility to artistic experiences. To be eligible, applicants must be tax-exempt public charities as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be public institutions such as schools or governmental entities. Geographic eligibility focuses primarily on Sheboygan County, although applications from across rural Wisconsin are also considered, especially if they stem from communities with limited access to other sources of philanthropic capital or have received prior Kohler Foundation support. Funding cannot be used for general operating support such as salaries or overhead, nor can it support capital campaigns, building projects, fundraising efforts, or event sponsorships. Although funding requests for technology and equipment are occasionally considered, they are not a regular focus of the grant program. All applicants must follow the submission guidelines provided by the Kohler Foundation. Prospective applicants are advised to thoroughly review these funding guidelines prior to starting an application. There are no pre-application deadlines, letters of inquiry, or mandatory Q&A periods specified, but questions may be directed to Angela Ramey at angela.ramey@kohler.com or by phone at 920-458-1972. Applications are submitted through the Kohler Foundation’s Grant Portal, which will open on July 15, 2025, and close on September 15, 2025. The grant cycle is recurring annually, meaning that prospective applicants who miss the current cycle can plan to apply in future years. The foundation maintains transparency by listing previous grant recipients on its website, providing valuable context and examples of supported programs.