Wisconsin Education Grants

This award recognizes individuals in the Madison community who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and volunteerism in promoting peace and cooperation among diverse populations.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship in the Twin Cities area, targeting eligible non-profits, schools, and local organizations.

The Water-Right Charitable Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) public charities in Wisconsin, particularly those serving the Fox Valley Region, to support projects addressing basic needs, environmental needs, and education.

The Emberg Charitable Trust provides grants to tax exempt, nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical and trade school programs located throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Donor Name: Emberg Charitable Trust State: Minnesota, Wisconsin County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Preference given to programs of study with the potential for providing qualified candidates for the workforce in prominent regional industries like forestry and aircraft maintenance. Program Area Education Requirements Tax exempt, nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical and trade school programs located throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area for impactful projects that improve community well-being in areas such as arts, education, environment, health, and family support.

Founded in 2011 after a rapid fundraising achievement, the Benton Community Fund (BCF) was established through the collaborative efforts of the Benton State Bank, the City of Benton, the Benton Community Development Corporation, and numerous community members. This permanent endowment aims to support and enhance the community of Benton by annually distributing grants from its earnings. These grants are allocated to local non-profit organizations, the school district, and government agencies committed to charitable programs or projects that benefit the Benton community. The BCF is a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, reflecting its commitment to local development and enrichment. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: July 1st

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.

Are you aged 15 to 24 years old? Want to make a difference in the La Crosse community? Are you ready to act on climate change and help the environment? If yes, then apply for the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program. Donor Name: City of La Crosse State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in La Crosse. All projects must fit within the strategies of the City’s Climate Action Plan. These ideas may include Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including youth-led climate education programs, youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns. Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs. Co-governed youth climate action plans, including partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, actions, or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. This program can fund any youth-led (15-24 years of age) project that is focused on sustainability and climate change that directly benefits La Crosse. Example projects can include school community gardens, waste collection programs, road/waterway cleanups, renewable energy projects, tree plantings, energy efficiency projects, sustainable transportation projects, murals, etc. Additionally, projects could also include hosting events or organizing online or in-person activities Funding Information Grants ranging from $1,000 – $5,000. Eligibility Criteria Open to applicants between the ages of 15-24 years old who reside in, or whose initiatives directly benefit, the city of La Crosse. If youth-led groups are not incorporated entities, they may partner with one that serves as the micro-grant recipient and fund administrator.  Entities must have a formal incorporation or status of some kind (not necessarily an NGO or charity), a bank account in its name, and an ability to manage the funds. For more information, visit City of La Crosse.

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.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin for planning projects that improve water quality and watershed management through innovative methods, education, and outreach.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

United Way of Dane County is excited to announce the 2025-2026 Impact Grants. Donor Name: United Way of Dane County State: Wisconsin County: Dane County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This Request for Proposals (RFP) encourages organizations doing outstanding work in the areas of Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Healthy Communities to apply for funding aligning to collective vision. They have an open, competitive application process that identifies which organizations will have the greatest impact in helping us reach our community goals. They are looking to support organizations whose work aligns with United Way of Dane County’s Plan for Community Well-Being. United Way of Dane County are looking to invest in organizations whose work and vision align to the goal to measurably increase individual and family well-being so that every person in Dane County leads a healthy, thriving, and secure life that meets their own defined goals, and that is not impacted by experiences of systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty. To achieve this ambitious goal, the work of United Way of Dane County is dedicated to: Engaging in sustainable, long-term work on systems change with a clear focus on youth opportunity, financial security, and healthy communities in a multi-generational approach. Modeling equitable, anti-racist practices through all work: investments, partnerships, innovation, public policy advocacy, data and research and connection to resources. Cultivating a stronger nonprofit ecosystem through trust-based collaborations to create positive community change. Funding Information Total investment available: approximately $2-$3 million Minimum award: $15,000/year Funding cycle: year 1: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025, year 2: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026, each year the funding is contingent on Campaign results Eligibility Criteria The following describes what types of organizations are eligible to apply for funding with United Way of Dane County for this Grant. 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) or nontax-exempt organizations may apply with a Fiscal Agent that is a 501(c)(3). If your organization is applying for investment under Financial Stability strategies, specifically to work aligned with our Women and Wealth Strategies, then non 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply. Priority will be made to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) women led and serving organizations. Organizations who provide services to individuals and families in Dane County that align to driving impact in the goals and strategies of the Plan for Community Well-being. Organizations with a current valid EIN Number Organizations will be asked to provide the most recent Form 990 For more information, visit United Way of Dane County.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation is offering Music Education Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for K-12 schools in specified counties of Minnesota and Wisconsin, to enhance music education programs through funding materials, guest artists, community outreach, and collaborations, with a preference for hands-on activities over technological innovations.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust invites applications for projects to advance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Donor Name: Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust State: Selected States County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: It is focused on helping organizations go beyond basic care with innovative projects that provide an enhanced quality of life today and in the future. Program Areas  The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust’s priority is helping organizations go beyond basic care to support initiatives that will provide an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals today and in the future. Funding applications should address one of the following program areas: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering Continuing Education and Training Humane and Wildlife Education Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter Equipment Other Animal Care Initiatives Examples of projects preferred by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust include: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering – projects to increase successful adoptions or other non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity. Continuing Education and Training – opportunities for staff and volunteers to improve delivery of care and retain employees. Humane and Wildlife Education – school and community programs that address respecting animals, humane care, health issues and human/wildlife conflicts. Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals – improving access to care for native wildlife and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas, as well as those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter – assistance for owned pets from under resourced households, incentive programs encouraging adoptions from shelters and humane control numbers of community cats or dogs. Equipment – items that directly benefiting homeless or injured animals Other Animal Care Initiatives – projects that celebrate the human-animal bond. Eligibility Criteria  Types of organizations supported by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust are limited to: Humane societies Animal welfare organizations focused on companion animals Nonprofit spay/neuter clinics Native wildlife rehabilitation and nature centers Educational institutions Equine organizations providing therapeutic programs or focused on adoption Other state or community organizations dedicated to companion animals Eligible organizations must: Have a current 501(c)(3) ruling from the IRS. Be in Ohio or selected counties in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin. Provide evidence of proper financial stewardship Financial support from 100% of board members Pursue a high quality of life for individual animals and improve the situation of significant numbers of animals. Deliver outstanding humane care, in facilities that meet or exceed accepted health and safety standards Have written policies on adoption procedures, spaying/neutering companion animals leaving the agency, display/release of wildlife, and keep records on intake/disposition of all animals. Annual revenue for basic animal sheltering, rescue, and care activities from sustainable sources. Preference will be given to organizations established for more than five years with an annual budget exceeding $50,000. For more information, visit KASCT.

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is seeking applications for its 2024 Pillar Grant Program. Donor Name: United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties State: Wisconsin County: Jefferson County (WI), Walworth County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/20/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Purposes for which Pillar Grants may be requested: Proposals must be aimed at improving early intervention care, mental health/AODA treatment, barriers to self-sufficiency, or diversity/equity/inclusion within the communities served by United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties (Jefferson County & the City of Whitewater). Proposals should be creative, innovative, address community needs and provide a strong, positive impact in the communities served. Projects/programs are expected to be accomplished (or started, if related to an ongoing program) within a specific period of time, generally not more than one year. Eligibility Criteria Applicants may be a part of an organization, local business, community club or individuals. The applicants and proposed project must be serving a public purpose and must align with United Way’s mission to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities. Applicants do NOT need to be affiliated with a 501(c)3 organization. Applicants must be focused on work that aligns with United Way’s strategic plan, specifically projects and/or programs that address early intervention care, mental health/alcohol & other drug addiction (AODA) treatment, barriers to self-sufficiency, and/or diversity, equity & inclusion. For more information, visit UWJNWC.

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 Beyond Pencils and Beyond Crayons Grants, available to K-12 teachers in Marathon County, Wisconsin, provide $1000 to $10,000 for innovative, creative, and cost-effective projects that enrich education, inspire students and educators, and foster community, excluding core curriculum items, staff, transportation, refreshments, rewards, and incentive programs.

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.

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

The Platteville Community Fund supports community projects that enhance the arts, education, health and human services, the environment, and historic preservation. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Platteville Community Fund is a permanent, unrestricted, charitable endowment created in 2002 to serve the Platteville area. Annually a portion of the Fund’s earnings are given back to the community in the form of grants. The Platteville Community Fund also provides a means for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support their unique charitable community interests through funds that focus on specific concerns. The PHS Scholarship Fund, created by the Platteville Community Fund in 2010, is one such entity. A group of volunteer citizens makes up the Fund’s advisory board which initiates fundraising activities and determines grant awards. The Platteville Excellence in Education Endowment Fund supports the educational needs of the Platteville School District that are not funded through the regular school budget. The EIE fund was started in 2021 with a grant of more than $30,000 provided by the estate of Jane Howell, a mathematics teacher at Platteville Middle school for more than 30 years. Criteria The advisory board awards grant to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and/or local government agencies providing charitable programs or projects serving the community. For more information, visit CFSW.