Wisconsin Recreation Grants

This program provides funding to businesses and organizations for projects and events that improve tourism and community experiences in the Plover Area, with a focus on attracting overnight visitors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit conservation organizations for acquiring land and conservation easements to promote environmental protection and public recreational access.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

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 program provides financial support to Wisconsin destinations to help them secure competitive sporting events by covering up to 50% of associated bid fees or venue costs, with a maximum of $30,000 available per request.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments, tribes, and federal agencies in Wisconsin for the development, maintenance, and rehabilitation of ATV and UTV trails to promote safe and sustainable off-road recreation.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Iowa and Wisconsin that address community needs in areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety.

The Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) is accepting applications for its Youth Grant Program to provide financial assistance that serves youth in need, connecting them to sports activities that can provide lifelong enjoyment and health benefits. Donor Name: Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) State: Wisconsin County: Dane County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) youth grant program is a program developed, administered, and funded by the MASC. Designed to serve the youth of Dane County, Wisconsin, the grant program was established following the creation of the MASC with contributions made from the Ironman Community Foundation, individuals, corporations and annual community fundraisers. The MASC youth grant program strives to assist children in developing healthy lifestyles by introducing them to sports that meet their interests and abilities. Healthy lifestyles help to combat childhood obesity, create positive and emotional connections, and to instill commitment and daily structure to their lives. Eligibility Grants will be made to an organization (or to an organization on behalf of individuals), and not to individuals. Grant recipients and recipient organizations must reside in and serve Dane County youth ages 17 and under. Grants will be made only to organizations with open, non-restrictive membership available to all, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, religious belief, or nationality. Gender-specific activities will be considered. Criteria The child or children to be served by the grant are ages 17 and under, residents of Dane County and from a population that is underserved by current sports programs. A mutual commitment between the sports program and the individuals it serves that extends beyond the term of the grant proposal. Consideration will be given to the broad scope of sports, including so-called “minor” sports and sports for individual competition, as well as more traditional team sports. The key is not the sport, but aligning individuals with a sport that is consistent with their interests and abilities, as well as the quality of the sports program and opportunity. The number and overall reach of people the grant application will be impacting. Whether the efforts of the proposed grant being duplicated among or supported by other community resources. Whether the sports program will grow and maintain quality as a result of participation. Transportation requests (for youth to qualified programs) will be considered. Capital construction requests will be considered under special conditions i.e. when a special need can be established, part of the funding is a matching grant or other devices will supplement the grant, the project can be completed within a reasonable time frame (12 months). It is highly recommended that the applicant closes out any open or previous grant awards through MASC before re-applying for additional funding. MASC reserves the right to turn down or forward applications to a future grant cycle or wait until all accounts have been paid out completely before considering any additional applications. Additional Requirements The applicant must fill out the grant paperwork and be willing to fill out a follow up report. The applicant must be willing to be included or mentioned in promotional work including website, public relations, etc. When a grant is awarded, the MASC Youth Grant Program recognizes that the award provides opportunities for benefits to both parties. The Program reserves the right to expect the following. Acknowledgement in publicity by grantee of MASC donation and association through various media, press releases, social media posts press conferences, publicity, photos, etc. Acknowledgement in publicity within the membership of the grantee organization. Acknowledgement and presence on each other’s respective websites where appropriate. Logos will be provided upon request. The applicant must submit two (2) references in support of the organization and/or programs. For more information, visit MASC.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Grant Opportunity: All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Enforcement Patrol Grant Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For information on these grants, please contact your local recreation warden [PDF]. Award Details: The DNR can provide up to 100% of county net costs for the enforcement of ATV regulations. Actual funding received is based on total allotted funds split between participating agencies. Eligibility: Sheriff departments in Wisconsin are eligible to receive grants for All Terrain Vehicle patrols. Application Process: 1. Read the Snowmobile/ATV Safety Patrol Manual (LE-503) [PDF] for details on how to apply. 2. Submit a Notice of Intent to Patrol (Form 8700-059) [PDF] on or before June 1 of the patrol year. 3. Submit the form to: DNR ATV Administrator, LE/8 PO Box 7921 Madison WI 53707-7921

The Sheboygan County Planning & Conservation Department is currently accepting applications for the Sheboygan County Stewardship Fund Grant. This grant aims to foster recreational opportunities and conserve valuable natural resources within Sheboygan County. Applicants can submit projects under three main categories: project development, land acquisition, or discretionary, all subject to case-by-case review. Projects may include land and easement acquisition, development or restoration of parks and trails, protection of water resources, and habitat restoration, among others. Funds awarded by the Stewardship Grant cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of the project or acquisition. The deadline for application submission is May 3, 2024. A matching requirement of 1:1 is necessary for grant consideration.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.

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

Grant Opportunity: Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier (SFR-FP) Funding Organization: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Contact Information: - Name: Faith M Murray - Email Address: [email protected] - Work Phone: (920) 461-8206 - Work Address: NATURAL RESOURCES, DEPT OF, GREEN BAY, WI 54313 Intent and Eligibility: The Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier grant program provides funding for the construction and renovation of fishing piers primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible applicants include counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and qualified lake associations. Matching contributions must come from non-federal sources. Application Deadline: Applications for the Sport Fish Restoration Fishing Pier grant must be submitted by October 1 each year. Application Materials: To apply for the grant, applicants must submit various materials including the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Programs Application (Form 8700-385), Grant Project Authorizing Resolution (Form 8700-388), project location maps, topographical maps of the project area showing land disturbance area, illustrations of the current condition of the project area, drawings or site plans of the proposed project area including buildings and facilities, preliminary or final engineering plans with pier designs, draft easement/lease/MOU documents if applicable, and copies of required permits if already received. Submission Process: All grant applications should be emailed to [email protected]. The subject line of the email should indicate the type of grant being applied for. Application materials should be saved in PDF format and not exceed 15 megabytes in size. If email size exceeds 15 MB, documents can be sent in multiple emails. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is submitted by the deadline. Additional Resources: Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidance for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Subaward Grant Program: Boating Infrastructure Grant, Clean Vessel Act, and Sport Fish Restoration for Boat Access and Fishing Piers [PDF]. Accessibility guidance for grant-funded projects (CF-031) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and