Wisconsin Science and Technology Grants

The Community Vision Fund, established by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to address community needs and promote well-being in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties in Wisconsin. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering a thriving community through strategic investments in various focus areas. The fund provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, with up to $2,500 available for community event sponsorships, seeking to create broad and positive societal impact. The primary target beneficiaries of this fund are under-resourced and historically excluded communities and organizations, as well as rural communities within the specified counties. The fund also prioritizes organizations and programs led by individuals with lived experience related to the issues being addressed, aiming for solutions that are deeply rooted in community understanding. The overarching impact goals are to advance well-being for all by supporting initiatives in critical areas such as Arts and Culture, Community and Neighborhood Development, Environment, Financial Stability and Well-being, and Nonprofit Effectiveness. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined to maximize its impact. Beyond the general focus areas, the fund specifically prioritizes requests that invest in systems change efforts and systems thinking, encouraging long-term, sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes. A crucial strategic priority is the application of a diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEIA) lens to all grantmaking decisions, ensuring that funding promotes equitable opportunities and addresses systemic disparities. While specific measurable outcomes are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the fund's strategic priorities imply expected outcomes such as increased equity, improved community well-being, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and positive systems-level change within the targeted communities. By investing in under-resourced populations, rural areas, and initiatives led by those with lived experience, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region operates with a theory of change that believes in empowering local communities and fostering inclusive development for lasting positive impact.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) Community Grants aim to address ongoing and evolving community needs within Waukesha County, Wisconsin. This program aligns with the WCCF's mission to support various critical areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community well-being. The grants are designed to be flexible, supporting a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the county's social fabric and improve residents' quality of life. These grants target a broad spectrum of beneficiaries across several key program areas, including Arts & Culture, Health & Human Services, Community Development, Education, Environment & Conservation, and Historical Preservation. Additionally, specific Field of Interest Funds are available for Literacy, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and LGBTQ+ Causes, indicating a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and addressing pressing social issues. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more resilient and thriving Waukesha County by investing in projects that create positive, lasting change. The WCCF prioritizes proposals that demonstrate collaboration among organizations serving similar clients, aiming to maximize collective impact and avoid duplication of efforts. Strengthening the internal operations of organizations is another key focus, recognizing that robust organizational capacity is essential for effective service delivery. Special consideration is also given to proposals that align with WCCF’s flagship issue of safe and affordable housing, highlighting a strategic priority to address this fundamental need within the community. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved access to resources, and progress on specific community challenges. While not explicitly detailing measurable results, the emphasis on strengthening internal operations and impacting outcomes on a community basis implies a focus on demonstrating tangible improvements. The WCCF's strategic priorities are clearly centered on collaboration, organizational effectiveness, and addressing critical community needs like housing, reflecting a theory of change that values partnerships and sustainable solutions for community-wide benefit.

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.

The 2024-2025 Sparks Grant Program, initiated by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD), is designed to foster greater social connections and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities by promoting their participation in inclusive and meaningful community activities. The grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to support initiatives that break down barriers and improve societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Sparks Grant Program are individuals with disabilities, their families, and community groups or organizations that are committed to fostering inclusion but may lack the knowledge or resources to do so effectively. Traditionally underserved groups, including faith-based, civic, and nonprofit organizations, school districts, municipalities, family groups, and individuals with strong community connections, are especially encouraged to apply. The program seeks to empower these groups to create more accessible and welcoming environments. The program's key priorities and focuses are multifaceted. It emphasizes increasing social connections for people with disabilities, educating individuals and organizations on implementing inclusive programming, and encouraging community members to engage with and improve their attitudes toward people with disabilities. Examples of fund usage include making school extracurriculars accessible, hosting community conversations on inclusion, and implementing innovative ways to make families with children with disabilities feel welcome in faith communities. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in inclusive community activities, a greater understanding among organizations and individuals of how to offer inclusive programming, and improved attitudes within communities toward people with disabilities. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the focus is on tangible improvements in accessibility, participation, and societal acceptance. The grant duration is one year, allowing for focused efforts and demonstrable progress within that timeframe. The WBPDD's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, revolve around a theory of change that posits that by providing targeted funding and encouragement, communities can be transformed into more inclusive spaces. This involves not only direct support for individuals with disabilities but also empowering the broader community to actively participate in creating an inclusive environment. The program encourages innovative approaches and aims to build a network of inclusive practices across all counties in Wisconsin.

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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.

This program provides funding to nonprofit housing developers for the acquisition and demolition of deteriorated properties to facilitate the construction of new residential developments in aging neighborhoods.

The Robert & Patricia Endries Family Foundation seeks applications to benefit people in need in the Brillion area of Wisconsin. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting the vitality of the Brillion area and assisting disadvantaged individuals within the community. This grant program is designed to create a positive impact by addressing various critical needs, ensuring that residents have access to essential services and opportunities for well-being. The foundation prioritizes supporting the disadvantaged, specifically targeting the disabled, homeless, low-income individuals, single parents, troubled youth, and those suffering from chronic or mental illnesses. Additionally, it focuses on health and human services, including support for diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, and mental health. Religious causes with a spiritual purpose and sports or arts programming and sponsorships are also key areas of focus. The foundation's strategic priorities include supporting capital campaigns, particularly for "bricks and mortar" projects, and encouraging matching or challenge gifts to motivate additional giving. While not explicitly stated as "theory of change," the foundation's preference to support national organizations through local chapters serving Brillion residents indicates a strategy to leverage broader resources for local impact. Gifts are directed to specific programs or opportunities, rather than general operations, ensuring targeted impact. Expected outcomes include improved health outcomes for those with specific illnesses, enhanced quality of life for disadvantaged groups, and strengthened community vitality in Brillion through various programs. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus on direct program support suggests that successful applications will demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for positive, tangible changes within the community. The foundation's emphasis on local impact and specific areas of need demonstrates a clear, albeit implicit, theory of change centered on direct community investment and collaboration.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public institutions in rural and underserved communities across Wisconsin to develop innovative arts and education programs that create a significant impact.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This program provides funding for graduate students in the North Central Region to conduct research that promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Wisconsin-based nonprofit organizations that assist veterans and their families with essential services and resources for a successful transition to civilian life.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that improve housing and community services for low and moderate-income individuals in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

This grant provides funding for environmental projects in Douglas County, Wisconsin, that benefit the community by enhancing natural areas, protecting water resources, and promoting ecological education and restoration.

This grant provides funding for conservation projects that restore and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, targeting nonprofit organizations, government entities, tribal groups, and educational institutions.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations conducting medical research, especially those focused on improving disease treatment and health outcomes, with a preference for projects based in the Midwest.

This program recognizes and promotes innovative products, services, or ideas from various sectors in Wisconsin, encouraging applications and nominations from individuals and organizations across the state.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in the St. Croix Valley to support innovative arts programs that enhance community engagement and accessibility.

This grant provides funding to empower community leaders who have experienced forced displacement, supporting innovative projects that foster collaboration and integration between refugees and local communities in select U.S. states.