Wisconsin Employment Labor and Training Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and governmental bodies in select Wisconsin counties to improve health and prosperity in their communities.

The Northland Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $31,800 to nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, and other entities in Clay and Platte counties, focusing on sustaining programs that improve the well-being of children, excluding individual needs, scholarships, capital campaigns, and several other categories.

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 Great Rivers United Way is offering a Basic Needs Community Investment Grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for programs and projects in Wisconsin that provide food, shelter, and safety, prioritizing collaborative, successful, innovative, and BIPOC-led initiatives, with applications due by October 4, 2024.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Door County businesses, non-profits, and local governments to improve accessibility for the public through various enhancements and services.

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin is currently accepting applications for its Women’s Fund. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: Rock County (WI) 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 Women’s Fund is a component of the Community Foundation. The Advisory Board is comprised of community volunteers and Community Foundation staff. The Advisory Board raises money for the endowment as well as recommends grants from the Women’s Fund in support of priorities they set related to the current needs of women and girls in Rock County Wisconsin. Investing in girls yields even higher returns in terms of the effect on women’s wages, the decisions better educated women make about having children, and their capacity to raise healthy, educated children who go on to make good wages, choose smaller family size and invest in their own children. Mission of the fund: To provide a permanently endowed funding source to non-profit agencies serving the needs of women and girls in Rock County. To provide hands-on grant-making and leadership experiences through volunteer opportunities for Fund donors. Eligibility Criteria Seeking proposals from 501(c)(3) charitable Rock County organizations and municipalities offering projects or programs that serve the mental health needs of women and girls. Services and programs eligible for grant funding may include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, caregiver stress, addictions, work/family stress, isolation, and human trafficking. Both prevention and/or response programs are eligible. Training programs for targeted audiences, support groups, mentoring programs, resource identification, and other related programs are examples for possible grant support. Collaborations throughout Rock County are encouraged.Requests from individuals are not eligible. For more information, visit CFSW.

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 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.

The Oshkosh Area United Way is seeking applications for its 2025 Community Investment Grant. Donor Name: Oshkosh Area United Way State: Wisconsin County: Winnebago County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Each year, the Community Investment Application is available to organizations in Southern Winnebago County that offer programming in the following focus areas: Youth-Focused Education: Providing access to high-quality childcare and education is one of the smartest investments they can make. OAUW funds programs that give parents and children tools for early childhood development and overall school and career readiness. Mental Health: In the Oshkosh area, there is a need to support mental health that grows every day. OAUW funds programs that connect residents to health and human services, and healing and crisis intervention. Financial Stability: Oshkosh Area United Way supports efforts to create stable, self-sufficient households. OAUW do this by supporting programs that improve skills for gainful employment, reduce transportation barriers, and offer basic needs like food and shelter. Eligibility Criteria  OAUW will consider funding for organizations that: Provide programs supporting youth-focused education, access to mental health, and financial stability. Demonstrate their program’s benefit to local residents, whether the service is an independent agency or part of a national group.  Measure and track positive results clients and consumers achieve with the services provided by the agency. Nonprofit organizations the IRS recognizes as 501(c)3, or have a similar tax exemption, such as a school district or unit of county or local government. Maintain records and monitor the use of United Way funds. Are in compliance with anti-terrorist funding in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act. Organizations that welcome diversity in the selection of board and staff and practice non-discrimination in the delivery of services. Programs that support residents in at least one of these zip codes: 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904, 54906, 54927, 54963, 54964, 54980, 54985, 54986. OAUW will NOT consider funding for: Individuals. Religious organizations if their activities serve only members or promote a particular religion or denomination. Lobbying efforts meant to influence legislation. Direct support for travel by individuals or groups unless it is a critical component of an eligible program, such as transportation for the elderly and disabled. Advertising other than that which makes the public aware of available services. Endowment or capital campaigns. Athletic associations or teams. Fundraising, testimonial events or dinners and related activities like silent auctions, raffles, or telethons. For more information, visit OAUW.

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 grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Brown, Oconto, and Kewaunee counties, Wisconsin, to develop programs that empower women and girls, particularly those aged 9-15, by fostering self-esteem, leadership, and positive community change.

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.

This grant program supports counties in Wisconsin that employ a professional forester as a County Forest Administrator or Assistant County Forest Administrator. It offers financial assistance up to 50% of the annual salary and fringe benefits costs for the eligible positions. Additionally, the program provides funding for up to 50% of the dues to a non-profit organization that offers counsel to the County Forest Administrator and serves as an organizational liaison for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This initiative is aimed at enhancing the management and administration of lands enrolled under the County Forest Law, promoting sustainable forest management practices, and supporting county-level forestry efforts. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: January 31st

This funding opportunity provides financial support for specialized training programs aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of certified law enforcement officers in Wisconsin.

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.