Wisconsin Capacity Building Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Fond du Lac County that implement impactful programs addressing local community challenges and promoting collaboration among agencies.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects that help seniors over 60 in Door County, Wisconsin, maintain their health and independence at home.

This program provides funding to neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community organizations in Madison to enhance public spaces, foster community engagement, and build leadership within the community.

This program provides funding to local organizations to educate farmers on developing environmentally sound nutrient management plans that comply with Wisconsin's standards.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist pregnant and postpartum individuals in Wisconsin with Medicaid applications and renewals, aiming to improve maternal health and reduce disparities.

This grant provides funding to small and mid-size nonprofit visual and performing arts organizations in Wisconsin to support innovative projects that promote equity, cultural sustainability, and community engagement.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Brown, Door, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties, focusing on capacity-building efforts to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness, particularly for those led by people of color and serving older populations.

The Entrepreneurship Partner Program provides grants to technical assistance providers, which can be used for their operational costs and for accelerator or more in-depth programs. Donor Name: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the Entrepreneurship Partner Grant is to encourage the formation of entrepreneurship support programs and to develop startup and emerging growth companies in the state of Wisconsin. The EPG program is intended to increase entrepreneurship activities across Wisconsin. Utilizing community building, capacity building, business financing, technical assistance, and other similar support, the program will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Those served by the funded programs may be provided with a wide range of support including, but not limited to, financing, experienced hands-on mentorship, educational programming, visibility to investors, community building, leadership training, entrepreneurship and networking events, idea validation, and business development strategies.  The program provides an entity operating a not-for-profit entrepreneurship program with grant funding used to support its direct operational expenses for specific projects and initiatives. Program funds may also be used for eligible financial support of participant companies/individuals related to technical assistance program participation. Funding Information FY25: $2,250,000  The maximum EPG grant amount is $200,000. Eligible Use of Funds EPGs can fund the following activities. Costs are only eligible to be applied to grant and matching fund expenses after WEDC approval.  Operational expenses related to the project and provision of technical assistance to businesses.  Funding to businesses related to the project. Eligibility Criteria EPG applicants must meet the following criteria: Be a not-for-profit organization, to include nonprofit entities, units of government, educational institutions, community organizations, foundations, Tribal entities, or nonprofit entities acting as a fiscal agent on behalf of another organization.  Is requesting funding to create and/or manage programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurial community development, enhancing capacity, providing business financing, offering technical assistance, or supporting other similar entrepreneurial initiatives or program(s) to support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.  For more information, visit WEDC.

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 supports nonprofit organizations in rural north central Wisconsin that promote meaningful work, lifelong education, and connections to nature.

Madison Community Foundation’s Community Impact grants advance initiatives that have a long-term impact on the community and the lives of people living here. Donor Name: Madison Community Foundation State: Wisconsin County: Dane County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: MCF’s grantmaking supports opportunities to strengthen innovative or high-performing nonprofits, and invest in the initiatives and natural and cultural assets that create a thriving community. Community Impact grants will be used to provide grants in five focus areas that improve the quality of life for residents in greater Madison. Arts & Culture: Grants build and support Dane County’s vibrant arts scene. Community Development: Grants enhance the quality of life by strengthening the unique natural and cultural assets found in Dane County, investing in neighborhoods, enhancing equity and building bonds among residents. Environment: Grants preserve natural spaces by supporting conservation, restoration, education and policy-making. Learning: Grants support public K-12 academic achievement and learning, out-of-school-time programs, GED-equivalent and transition-to-adult programs. Organizational Capacity Building: Grants strengthen the infrastructure and long-term impact of Dane County nonprofits. Grant Categories  These grants fall into three broad categories: Program Grants support new programs or the expansion of existing programs that have a track record of success. Capital Grants support the construction, purchase and renovation of facilities, land acquisition, and occasionally the purchase of vehicles or equipment. Endowment Challenge Grants build capacity and sustainability by helping nonprofits leverage additional funds and incorporate endowment fundraising as a regular part of their ongoing development program. Typically, endowment challenge grants are two-to-one matches but may vary by the size of the grant awarded. mmunity and the lives of people living here. Grantmaking Criteria  Long-term impact on residents or physical environments in Dane County. Meaningful, reasonable and measurable outcomes. Innovative approaches to address community issues. Strengthen and enhance community assets. Build self-sufficiency of individuals or organizations. Attract additional funding. Use partnerships or collaborations. Sustainable beyond the scope of the grant. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must meet the following criteria: Public charities, exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or governmental bodies, including schools and municipalities, as long as the project is above and beyond regular budgeted items and does not fill budget gaps. Organizations must be located, and projects must take place, within the borders of Dane County. The one exception is endowment challenge grants, for which there is no geographic limitation. But the resultant endowment fund must reside at MCF. Conduct business without discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or arrest or conviction record, or any other discriminatory basis prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law (“Anti-Discrimination Status”). Repeat grant applicants who are in good standing with MCF and propose a new project that fits within the focus areas are welcome to submit subsequent proposals. However, when having to choose between projects, an applicant that has not been funded regularly may have an edge over one that has. Local communities with community or education foundations that are unaffiliated with the Madison Community Foundation must submit a letter of support from the local foundation as part of the application process. For more information, visit MCF.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation awards grants to organizations that will use the funds for programs or projects that address arts and culture, athletics and education. Donor Name: Green Bay Packers Foundation State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation, an entity independent of the Green Bay Packers, Inc., supports charities possessing one or more of the following goals: perpetuates a community environment that promotes families and the competitive value of athletics; contributes to player and fan welfare; ensures the safety and education of children; and/or prevents cruelty to animals.  Funding Information Applicants can enter a minimum request of $3,000 and a maximum request of $8,000. Eligibility Criteria An organization is eligible to submit an application if it is: Physically located in the state of Wisconsin; Classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code for a minimum of two years; and Requesting funding for a project/program that addresses issues for at least one of the current year’s focus areas. For more information, visit Green Bay Packers Foundation.

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.

This grant provides funding for projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the greater Wausau area and Marathon County, focusing on long-term benefits and capacity-building for local organizations.

The Robert & Patricia Endries Family Foundation is seeking applications to benefit of people in need in the Brillion area. Donor Name: Robert & Patricia Endries Family Foundation State: Wisconsin City: Brillion Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas For Giving The vitality of the Brillion area. The disadvantaged, particularly the disabled, homeless, low income, single parents, troubled youth, or the chronically or mentally ill. Health and human services, particularly diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease or mental health. Religious causes or organizations with a spiritual purpose. Sports or arts programming and/or sponsorships. Capital Campaign support, especially requests for bricks and mortar. Eligibility Criteria Organizations eligible to receive grants from the Robert & Patricia Endries Family Foundation are those determined by the IRS to be public charities. This encompasses most charitable, scientific, social service, educational and religious organizations described in 501(c)(3) of the tax code, as well as government agencies. Organizations that are not public charities may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must serve Brillion residents. Grants can be made to qualifying charitable organizations. Organizations that support needs outside of the Brillion area or that do not yet have an established relationship with the foundation should contact the foundation prior to submission of a formal request. Gifts will be directed to specific programs or opportunities, not to general operations (with exception for those organizations the foundation has had a long-established relationship with). Matching or challenge gifts are encouraged, to motivate additional giving by others. Prefer to support national organizations through gifts to the local chapter that serves Brillion residents. Ineligibility Gifts to political organizations or causes. Gifts to organizations that are not pro-life supporters or that lack sensitivity to promoting human life in any form (unborn or born). Gifts to organizations affiliated with or in support of cloning or embryonic stem-cell research. Grants to organizations that receive significant public/government funding. Reimbursement for previously incurred expenses. For more information, visit CFFVR.

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

This program provides financial assistance to various governmental entities, organizations, and educational institutions in Wisconsin for the construction and improvement of shooting ranges.

This program provides cost-sharing funds to support the training and education of ethical hunters and mentors in Wisconsin, particularly targeting adults, women, and families.