Wisconsin Education Grants

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) is implementing new grantmaking approaches to effectively invest in people, places, and opportunities in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The new model includes Strategic Grants and Community Responsive Fund grants. Strategic Grants are awarded directly by OBT to organizations with at least $500,000 in expenses from the previous year, aligning with OBT's objectives. Community Responsive Fund grants are managed by intermediary partners, focusing on organizations with less than $500,000 in expenses.

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 Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 to public charities that promote societal change benefiting women and girls, particularly in areas like economic security, education, healthcare, and legal rights, with a preference for organizations headquartered in the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area.

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 Public Welfare Foundation's Grant Program aims to support community-led, restorative, and racially just approaches to justice in the United States. The focus areas include innovative criminal justice reform in specific states and cities, dismantling structures that have harmed people of color, investing in community-based solutions to reduce mass incarceration, and reframing the narrative around the U.S. criminal justice system through storytelling and journalism.

Established in 2000, the Argyle Community Fund (ACF) is a permanent endowment dedicated to the enhancement and improvement of life in the Argyle area. As part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, the ACF annually redistributes a portion of its earnings back to the community through grants. These grants are aimed at supporting a wide range of areas including education, youth, elderly, health care, historic preservation, the arts, and the environment. The advisory board selects recipients once a year, focusing on non-profit organizations, the local school district, and local government agencies that offer charitable programs or projects beneficial to the Argyle community. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline October 1st

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.

The Perkins CTE Reserve Grant, under the authority of the Wisconsin Perkins State Plan 2020, allocates secondary reserve funds to support the development, implementation, promotion, and monitoring of career pathways at the regional level. These pathways are aligned with state-identified high-skill, in-demand occupations or industries. The grant's objective is to increase the number of students accessing, participating in, and completing these career pathways, with a focus on equity and access for special populations. The grant has evolved over four years, initially focusing on creating the necessary infrastructure for regional career pathway development and then emphasizing student engagement, equitable access, and completion of career pathways, including career-based and work-based learning experiences.

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.

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.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations and local governments in the Clintonville area for projects that enhance health, education, and community development.

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 Lancaster Community Fund, established in 1999, is a permanent, unrestricted charitable endowment committed to the well-being of the Lancaster community. It enables individuals, organizations, and businesses to support a wide range of charitable interests within Lancaster, including the elderly, historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education. Each year, a portion of the Fund's earnings is distributed as grants to enhance community welfare. The Fund operates through a nine-member volunteer advisory board responsible for fundraising and grant distribution. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and local government agencies that propose projects or programs benefiting the community. Awards announced in July. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring deadline: May 1st

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion and provides ~$105 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Applications are due on a rolling basis on these dates: February 4, 2024; April 4, 2024; June 6, 2024; August 1, 2024. - General Operations Application: General operations grants provide unrestricted funding that enables an organization to carry out its mission. Typical uses could include support for an organization’s administrative and infrastructure costs, maintaining core programs and/or staffing. This application is for organizations seeking $75,000 or more in general operations support. - General Operations Short Application: This application is for organizations seeking general operations support of less than $75,000. - Restricted Application: Restricted grants provide funding for a specific program or project. These funds may not be used for other purposes, although a portion may be utilized for overhead or indirect costs of administering the program or project. - Capital Application: Capital grants support constructing, repairing, renovating, or rehabilitating an organization’s physical space. Capital grants can also support the purchase of equipment necessary for an organization to carry out its work.

This grant provides funding to organizations and groups that create projects improving public parks and outdoor recreation in Spokane County, with a focus on benefiting underserved communities and promoting inclusivity.

This program provides funding for community-driven projects that improve the Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin, with a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and positive social impact.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers grants to 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations in the greater West Bend area, Wisconsin, prioritizing projects in arts and culture, education, family, youth, elderly, health and human services, community development, and historic preservation, with an application deadline of 10/07/2024.

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 grant provides funding for significant community projects in Portage and Waushara Counties that promote collaboration across various sectors to enhance quality of life in areas such as arts, education, environment, helping people, and wellness.