Wisconsin grants for Native American tribal organizations

The Go Outside Fund by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers grants between $100 and $500 to teachers and organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to facilitate outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for children aged pre-K to 12 by covering costs such as field supplies, transportation, and educator costs.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering Regular Urban Forestry Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin for projects that enhance community tree management, maintenance, or education, including tree inventory, urban forestry plans, pest response, public outreach, and tree planting.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers urban forestry startup grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for small projects in tree care and management, including planting, pruning, removal, and education, available to cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes, and nonprofits that are starting or resuming a community-wide tree care program.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses, local and tribal governments, and nonprofits in Wisconsin to establish electronics recycling sites, particularly in underserved areas, while requiring a 20% matching contribution.

Donor Name: Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Uses of Funds New Construction Building Acquisition Rehabilitation Handicapped accessibility improvements Conversions/additions to buildings or units Site acquisition and other development activities Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must fall into one of the following organizational categories: Nonprofit organizations or cooperatives organized under Chapters 181, 185, or 187 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Community development, redevelopment, and housing authorities. Local units of government. Native American tribal authorities. Nonprofit organizations and cooperatives who are required to register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) must be in good standing. Search your status on the Department of Financial Institutions website Grant recipients that received awards through the WHEDA Foundation Housing Grant Program competition consecutively in 2021, 2022 and 2023 are not eligible to apply for the 2024 WHEDA Foundation Housing Grant Program. An organization is eligible and welcome to apply again for a 2025 award. Applicants who have not submitted their final report from a prior housing grant program award and exceeded the 12-month timeframe allowed for projects to be completed will be ineligible for a 2023 grant award. An applicant is eligible for future grant awards once a final report is submitted. Non-eligible uses of funds Market studies Feasibility studies Down payment assistance Ongoing project operating costs Housing-related services Nursing homes Vehicles or transportation services Costs incurred in the preparation of the 2024 Housing Grant Program Application Costs incurred prior to the 2024 Housing Grant Program award date For more information, visit WHEDA.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Wisconsin cities, towns, counties, tribes, and nonprofit organizations for projects that improve urban tree management, maintenance, and education.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Wisconsin cities, towns, tribes, and nonprofits to kickstart community tree care and management initiatives.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is seeking applications for its C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund to invest in grassroots conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Donor Name: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities Proposals should address one or more of the following priorities: Projects that benefit Wisconsin’s most imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species. Projects that engage and impact underserved communities in Wisconsin and/or support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin’s conservation and environmental education sectors. Projects that build climate resiliency of Wisconsin’s natural resources through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. All projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes. They encourage innovative projects that leverage resources and partnerships. Funding Information Grants range from $500 to $2,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations. Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s natural resources or people. The total project budget may not exceed $10,000, and overhead costs shall not exceed 15% of the grant. Project expenses may not have been incurred prior to submitting the application. A one-to-one match is required. Match may include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials. Only one application will be accepted per organization per grant cycle For more information, visit NRFW.

The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Donor Name: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies, or paying for transportation, substitute teachers, or educator costs. Priorities Grant applications must include a significant component of outdoor activity. Grant applications must directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning or facilitate access to the outdoors. Grant applications that align with classroom learning and standards are encouraged but not required. Funding Information Grants between $100 and $500 are available. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations. Project must directly engage youth age pre-K – 12. Projects must benefit Wisconsin students. Project activities must take place 6 weeks or more after the Go Outside Fund due date. Project expenses may not have incurred prior to submitting the application. For more information, visit NRFW.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The purpose of this NFO is to encourage and promote conservation planning and conservation practice implementation in urban, suburban, and other small-scale type agricultural operations. Emphasis will be placed on projects that establish new demonstration community gardens, or enhance and expand existing community agriculture projects. Proposals should seek to: 1. Provide conservation learning experiences to urban, suburban, and Tribal communities. 2. Address concerns regarding food deserts. 3. Advance Tribal food sovereignty. 4. Achieve positive and measurable natural resources conservation outcomes. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 22, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 21, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 1, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This program provides financial assistance to counties and tribal governing bodies to enhance fish and wildlife programs. Established in 1965 by the Wisconsin Legislature as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes, and bobcats, it now supports a wide range of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects. After the state budget approval, funds are allocated based on the ratio of each county's area to the total state area. The program is designed as a cost-share initiative for projects that include development of outdoor recreation structures, habitat restoration, stocking projects, maintenance, and miscellaneous projects directly related to fish and wildlife. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: October 1st

This program provides financial support to destinations for hosting regional and national meetings or conventions, helping cover facility rental and transportation costs to boost local economies.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities, and Native American tribes to help operate regional tourist information centers that promote statewide travel opportunities.

The Tourist Information Center (TIC) Grant Program supports nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities, and Native American tribes that operate regional tourist information centers. This program provides financial assistance of up to $15,000 per organization per year, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses. Eligible expenses include staffing costs for the TIC, promotional materials, and standard display equipment like racks or shelving. The program emphasizes the importance of centers being accessible, staffed during high traffic times, including weekends, and equipped with knowledgeable staff who can provide reliable information about statewide travel opportunities. To apply, organizations must provide operation hours/dates, a listing of available publications, receipted vouchers, and a payroll register. Application deadline is July 1, covering expenses incurred in the preceding six months. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Summer deadline: July 1st

The 2025 Creation and Presentation Program (CPP) Grants are multi-year financial aids provided by the Wisconsin Arts Board to established nonprofit arts organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to enhance the state's cultural life by supporting their operations and artistic programs that demonstrate strong management, high artistic quality, and significant local, regional, or statewide impact.

Recreational boating facility projects. Past projects have included ramps and service docks to gain access to the water, purchase of aquatic weed harvesting equipment, navigation aids and dredging waterway channels. These grants may be used by counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts and qualified lake associations for recreational boating facility projects. FOR GRANT REQUESTS IN EXCESS OF $250,000: Applications for RBF grants exceeding $250,000 are encouraged to be submitted to your regional DNR grants specialists in time for the June 1st, or September 1st, application deadlines. These larger grant requests take extra processing time and therefore are highly recommended for earlier evaluation, in the first two quarters of the fiscal year. Contact your regional DNR grants specialist as soon as possible, if you have a larger project and you are planning to apply for a RBF grant. DNR grants specialists can help with scheduling and grant processing.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to improve shoreland habitat and water quality by implementing best practices on behalf of multiple property owners in Wisconsin.

Grant Name: Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Funding Organization: Federal program administered in most states Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Department of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Ave, Green Bay, WI 54313, (920) 461-2595 Program Intent: The RTP provides reimbursement for the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. Award Details: Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs. Funds from this program may be used in conjunction with funds from other state grant programs that also fund trail projects. Eligibility: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governing bodies, school districts, state agencies, federal agencies or incorporated organizations are eligible to apply. Incorporated organizations must be incorporated under s. 181, Wis. Stats., and have a primary purpose of promoting outdoor recreation trails activities. Eligible Projects (in order of priority): 1. Maintenance and restoration of existing trails 2. Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages 3. Construction of new trails (with certain restrictions on federal lands) 4. Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors (must comply with the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970) Deadline: Applications are typically due on May 1 each year. Additional Information: The RTP legislation prohibits using funds for condemnation of any kind of interest in property. Non-motorized projects constitute 30% of funding category definitions while motorized projects constitute another 30%. Diversified projects that include both motorized and nonmotorized uses make up the remaining 40%.

The C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund is a grant opportunity that invests in grassroots conservation and education projects benefiting Wisconsin's lands, waters, and wildlife, while also connecting people to the state's natural resources. The grants range from $500 to $2,000. The fund has several grantmaking priorities, including projects that benefit Wisconsin's imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species, engage and impact underserved communities or support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin's conservation and environmental education sectors, and build climate resiliency through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and encourage innovation through resource leverage and partnerships. Eligible applicants include public charities with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II), federal, state, or local governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, or accredited schools, colleges, or universities. Ineligible organizations include individuals, businesses, section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations, private foundations, and private operating foundations. Projects must benefit Wisconsin's natural resources or people. The total project budget cannot exceed $10,000 with overhead costs limited to 15% of the grant amount. Project expenses incurred prior to submitting the application are not eligible. A one-to-one match is required and can include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials. Only one application per organization per grant cycle will be accepted. To apply for the grant opportunity: 1. Ensure your project addresses the grantmaking priorities and meets eligibility requirements. 2. Complete the application (paper copies not accepted). 3. Include proof of IRS tax-exempt status (IRS form 501c3 tax determination letter). 4. Submit all materials by email to Lindsey at [email protected] by September 1st. Applicants will be notified within six weeks following the submission deadline. For more information or inquiries, contact Lindsey Taylor, Conservation Programs Coordinator, at (608) 409-3145 or [email protected]. The grant is renewed every year with a deadline of September 1st.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.