Wisconsin Local Grants

This program provides financial support to artists, musicians, writers, and non-profit organizations in Sauk County to foster cultural enrichment within the community.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Waupaca for essential exterior repairs to preserve older homes, particularly those impacted by financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Brown, Door, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties, focusing on capacity-building efforts to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness, particularly for those led by people of color and serving older populations.

This grant provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations in Stevens Point for projects that boost tourism and increase overnight stays in the city.

Grant Opportunity: Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG – CV) is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant program. Eligible applicants must meet the Low-to-Moderate-Income requirement. Please note that businesses located in the City of Racine are not eligible for this grant as the City has received its own allocation directly from HUD.

The Community Foundation of Chippewa County in Wisconsin is offering grants ranging from $500 to $6,500 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that benefit the communities of Chippewa County, with a focus on projects that promote arts, culture, community development, education, environment, animal welfare, health and human services, and demonstrate sustainability and strong volunteer involvement.

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

The City of Wausau in Wisconsin is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Development Block Grant, aimed at benefiting low/moderate income persons, preventing slums/blight, and addressing urgent needs, with a focus on affordable housing, public services, and public facilities, open to public or private non-profit agencies, public housing authorities, and government entities.

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.

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 Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) offers grants to increase access to healthy food in underserved areas. Eligible projects: Attract grocery stores or mobile markets to underserved neighborhoods Increase fresh food options in corner stores or other retail outlets Increase availability of local food Meet dietary needs of specific populations Improve transportation to grocery stores and farmers markets Eligible uses of grants: Equipment for storing/preparing healthy food Furniture, fixtures, and inventory for healthy food businesses Building improvements for food retail or production Vehicles to transport healthy food Improvements to fresh food retail stores Community garden construction or equipment Soft costs essential for other eligible uses Eligible applicants: Non-profits with 501(c)3 status For-profit businesses Maybe other entities (case-by-case) Application process: Questions due to [email address removed] by 4pm on May 10, 2024 Answers and info posted by May 15, 2024 at www.milwaukee.gov/ffaf Applications reviewed by a panel Decisions are final Grant renewed every year.

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.

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.

The MadiSUN Backyard Solar Grant Program access to solar power for Madison-based community organizations and affordable housing providers that serve City of Madison residents. Donor Name: RENEW Wisconsin State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through an expansion of the MadiSUN solar program funded by the City of Madison, the Backyard Solar program awards grants to non-profit organizations or affordable housing providers to assist them in installing solar systems. Funding Information Grants will fund $250 for every 1 kilowatt of solar energy installed, with a maximum grant amount of $10,000 for solar installations of less than 100 kilowatts. Solar installations equal to or more than 100 kilowatts can receive a maximum grant amount of $15,000. $50,000 of total grant funds are available. Grant Period Organizations receiving a grant have 12 months to complete their solar projects. Eligibility Criteria  This application is for nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the City of Madison only. Applicants should plan to include provide proof of 501(c)3 status with this application. For more information, visit RENEW Wisconsin.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Milwaukee to preserve and restore public art, enhancing the city's cultural heritage and community vibrancy.

Vernon County is offering grant funding through the National Opioid Settlement to support projects related to the abatement, prevention, treatment, and recovery of opioid drug use and its effects. The funding is available to non-profit organizations, businesses, schools, and local governmental agencies in Vernon County. Eligible projects should align with the values and mission of the Opioid Prevention and Abatement Steering Committee and focus on efforts to educate, train, reduce, and prevent harm from opioids. Applicants can request funding ranging from $100 to $25,000 per application, with a limit of one application per calendar year and a total of three applications per project. There will be three application periods offered each year. To apply, applicants will need to present their proposal to the Opioid Steering Committee, with presentations limited to 5 minutes followed by a question and answer session. It is important to note that projects unrelated to opioid prevention or mitigation efforts, requests for existing debt, expenses that have already been invoiced or paid, and any other expenses deemed ineligible by the Opioid Steering Committee will not be considered for funding.

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.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Jefferson County for new educational, agricultural, and community service projects that promote local initiatives.