Wisconsin Private Grants

The Community Vision Fund seeks to fulfill community needs and advance well-being for all in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano and Waupaca and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region State: Wisconsin County: Calumet County (WI), Outagamie County (WI), Shawano County (WI), Waupaca County (WI), Winnebago County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Grantmaking will typically focus on the following areas:  Arts and Culture Community and Neighborhood Development Environment Financial Stability and Well-being Nonprofit Effectiveness  As they consider inquiries matching these focus areas, they prioritize requests that:  Invest in under-resourced and/or historically excluded communities and organizations Invest in rural communities Invest in systems change efforts and systems thinking Invest in organizations or programs led by people with lived experience (or those in closest proximity) to the issues we’re trying to address Apply a diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism lens   Funding Information Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, For community event sponsorship, up to $2,500.  For more information, visit CFFVR.

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 Ed & Joyce Creske Family Foundation Grants aim to support charitable organizations that serve the central Wisconsin community, particularly in Lincoln, Marathon, and Portage Counties. The foundation prioritizes funding for causes that directly impact the Mosinee community. The foundation honors the philanthropic legacy of Ed and Joyce Creske, who built successful businesses in the area and have a long history in the Mosinee community. Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee and must be submitted electronically by the first business day of September.

The Women's Fund is committed to providing a permanent endowment to support non-profit agencies serving women and girls in Rock County. By focusing on hands-on grant-making and leadership through volunteer opportunities, the Fund aims to mirror the diverse population it serves, welcoming donors of all backgrounds. Established as a component of the Community Foundation, its Advisory Board, consisting of community volunteers and foundation staff, is dedicated to raising funds and recommending grants that address the current needs of women and girls in Rock County, Wisconsin. The Fund specifically seeks proposals for projects or programs that address the mental health needs of women and girls, covering a wide range of services from prevention and response to various mental health issues. Collaborative efforts across Rock County are encouraged to maximize impact. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: September 15th

The Women's Giving Circle Grant Fund is a competitive grant opportunity offered annually by the Women's Giving Circle (WGC) of Dunn County. The WGC aims to support the needs of women and families in Dunn County through collaborative philanthropy. Non-profit organizations that primarily benefit women and/or children/families are eligible to apply. The typical award amounts range from $500 to $2,500 or more. Applicants must be certified 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental/educational organizations. The proposed project must have a geographical focus on Dunn County and demonstrate cultural sensitivity. The grant does not fund capital campaigns, deficit reductions, organizational endowments, travel grants, event tickets/sponsorships, ongoing operational expenses, grants to individuals, political parties/activities/candidates/action committees, or programs requiring adherence to religious beliefs. Only one grant proposal per organization is allowed per cycle, and all funds must be used within one year unless an extension is granted. The decision process involves review by the grants committee and final approval by the WGC board members in July. Notification of decisions will be sent in August, and the grant funds must be used within one calendar year. Grantees are required to acknowledge support from the Women's Giving Circle in their project materials and submit a final grant report within 30 days of project completion or one year from the award date. To apply for this grant opportunity, eligible applicants must create an account on the Community Foundation's online grant application system starting in January 2022. Required uploads include current Board of Directors information, organizational budget with projected revenues/expenses for the current year, audited financial statement (if available), and proof of current IRS 990 filing. For more information or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact the Community Foundation at 715-232-8019 or email [email protected]. Funding Organization: Women's Giving Circle (WGC) of Dunn County Contact Information: Community Foundation of Dunn County, 715-232-8019, [email protected] Award Details: Typical award amounts range from $500 to $2,500 or more. Eligibility: Non-profit organizations that primarily benefit women and/or children/families. Applicants

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.

PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grants support rural LGBTQ+ organizations from across PFund’s five-state service area. Donor Name: PFund Foundation State: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The PRISM program works to increase the capacity and connection of rural LGBTQ+ serving organizations through grants, trainings and cohort collaboration. PFund Foundation is awarding its second round of funding LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations from across rural Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations therein. Known as PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities), the program creates networks for LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to share resources, learn as a community, and respond to the unique set of issues and challenges facing queer people in small towns and rural areas in the upper Midwest. Funding Information The size of the grants will range between $10,000 and $20,000. Grant Period The grant period will be for 12 months. Eligibility Criteria To apply for a PRISM grant, organizations must meet the following qualifications: Primarily serve LGBTQIA2S+ populations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and/or the Native Nations therein. Been in operation at least 1-year as of September 1st. Organizations must be based in a rural community or serve rural populations (defined as small and mid-sized towns under 50,000 people). Registered as 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the IRS. Informal groups with a nonprofit organization serving as a fiscal sponsor are also eligible to apply. Have a senior organizational representative able to participate in monthly, virtual cohort meetings. An informational webinar was held on August 6th at 10 am central. Use this link to access a recording. For more information, visit PFund Foundation.

Applicants are invited to apply for the 2024-2025 Sparks Grant Program. Donor Name: Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The 2024-2025 Sparks grants are designed to: Provide people with disabilities more social connections by participating in inclusive, meaningful community activities. Help individuals and organizations understand how to offer and implement more inclusive programming. Encourage community members to get to know someone with a disability and improve overall attitudes about people with disabilities. Funding Information Grants range from $500 to $5,000. Uses of Funds Examples of what you can do with the grant.  Make school extracurriculars accessible to students with disabilities and be intentional about inviting them to participate. Host a community conversation to talk about ways to meaningfully include people with disabilities in community programs. Work on an idea or tow over the next year. Implement innovative ways to make families with children with disabilities feel welcome in their faith community. Eligibility Criteria The Foundation is looking for groups or individuals who want to be more inclusive of people with disabilities but are not sure how to do it. Traditionally underserved groups are especially encouraged to apply. Examples include:  Faith-based, civic and nonprofit groups School districts Municipalities or local governments such as community recreation programs Family groups Individuals or groups with strong connections to their community For more information, visit WBPDD.

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

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This funding opportunity supports Wisconsin-based nonprofit organizations in creating innovative public humanities projects that promote civic engagement, empathy, and community connection.

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.