Wisconsin Community Development Grants

This grant provides financial support for organizations and individuals to promote tourism-related events in Johnson Creek that encourage overnight stays, through marketing initiatives and advertising efforts.

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.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is seeking applications for its 2025 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants to strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture and food industries by helping farms and businesses more efficiently process, market, and distribute locally grown food products. Donor Name: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Managed by DATC​P, the grants can help farms and business more efficiently process, market and distribute food in local markets including stores, schools and institutions. Keeping food dollars in Wisconsin communities supports local businesses, improves farm​ incomes, and creates jobs.​ Funding Information Grant requests must be between $5,000 and $50,000. Grant Period Projects can receive grant funds for up to three years. Eligibility Criteria Qualified applicants include individuals, groups, or businesses involved in Wisconsin production agriculture, food processing, food distribution, food warehousing, retail food establishments, or agricultural tourism operations. Funded projects must report on increased local food sales, created and retained jobs, and new investments. For more information, visit DATCP.

This program provides financial support to artists, musicians, writers, and non-profit organizations in Sauk County to foster cultural enrichment within the community.

This program provides essential oral health supplies, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, to non-profit organizations in Wisconsin that serve underprivileged children, adults, and seniors.

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) Community Grants are intended to support ongoing and changing community needs in Waukesha County. Donor Name: Waukesha County Community Foundation State: Wisconsin County: Waukesha County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grants support the following broad program areas: Arts & Culture Health & Human Services Community Development Education Environment & Conservation Historical Preservation Additional Field of Interest Funds are available for: Literacy Mental Health Suicide Prevention LGBTQ+ Causes The WCCF will give preference to proposals that show collaboration among organizations serving similar clients, strengthen the internal operations of an organization, or impact outcomes on a community basis (collective impact). Special consideration will also be given to proposals that align with WCCF’s flagship issue of safe and affordable housing. Funding Information Requests should be in the range of $1,000 – $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants will need to submit evidence of 501(c)3 status and a non-discrimination policy. In general, Community Grants do not support: Direct Grants to Individuals (including individual scholarships) Religious Programs Lobbying/Political Purposes Event Sponsorships Capital Campaigns Government Entities Pass-Through Funding For more information, visit WCCF.

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the greater Wausau area and Marathon County, Wisconsin, to enhance local parks and recreational activities.

This grant provides funding for innovative and creative projects that enhance the educational experience for Pre-K to 12th grade teachers and students in the Merrill School District.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Merrill area for projects that enhance community well-being and foster collaboration to address local needs.

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

This funding opportunity is designed for Pre-K to 12th grade teachers in the Merrill School District to support innovative and engaging projects that enrich the educational experience for students and the community.

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 2024 Mid Wisconsin Foundation Legacy Grants offer up to $1,000 to tax-exempt organizations in former Mid Wisconsin Bank areas, supporting projects in health, human services, community development, education, and environment, with applications due annually by October 15th.

The Ed & Joyce Creske Family Foundation Grants aim to support charitable organizations that serve the central Wisconsin community, particularly in Lincoln, Marathon, and Portage Counties. The foundation prioritizes funding for causes that directly impact the Mosinee community. The foundation honors the philanthropic legacy of Ed and Joyce Creske, who built successful businesses in the area and have a long history in the Mosinee community. Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee and must be submitted electronically by the first business day of September.

Grant Opportunity: West Bend Event and Tourism Development Grant Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for consideration, event or tourism development projects must meet the following criteria: The event must take place in the City of West Bend between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The event must be open to the public, with the option to charge admission. Preference will be given to nonprofit organizations. Priority will be given to new and expanding events that direct marketing efforts outside of West Bend and Washington County. Application Process: Application Deadline: May 22, 2024, at noon Review and Award Date: Tuesday, May 28, at noon (City Hall Council Chambers) Grant Details: The West Bend Tourism Commission reserves the right to: Reject applications Award partial or total grant requests Not award grants up to $10,000 each grant period Contact Information: For inquiries regarding the grant program and application, please contact: Jessica Wildes, Assistant City Administrator Phone: 262-335-5170 Email: [email protected]

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.