Wisconsin Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Wisconsin cities, towns, tribes, and nonprofits to kickstart community tree care and management initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Wisconsin cities, towns, counties, tribes, and nonprofit organizations for projects that improve urban tree management, maintenance, and education.

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.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation seeking applications to support employ online marketing tactics to amplify nonprofits’ missions, encourage donations, attract volunteers, and help organizations grow. Donor Name: Oshkosh Area Community Foundation State: Wisconsin County: Green County (WI), Waushara County (WI), Winnebago County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Participating organizations will receive a brand audit and recommendations to help identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement along with up to 45 hours of service provision. Potential services include: Brand Audit and Strategy Development: Conduct a thorough assessment of your nonprofit’s current position and develop a strategic roadmap to align digital marketing efforts with your organization’s goals and values. Content Creation. Create and publish high-quality digital content like testimonials, blog posts, videos, or graphics based on the message you want to convey and the audience. Email Marketing. Develop an email marketing strategy including creation of email or online newsletter templates, personalized messaging, and content to strategically nurture relationships and educate stakeholders. Social Media Strategy. Determine the best social media platforms for your organization and build a content calendar. Search Engine Optimization. Implement on-page and off-page tactics for your website to gain visibility in search engine results and in turn grow organic traffic. Website Recommendations. An audit of your website and recommendations for improvements and updates. Grant period Services will be provided over a 4-month period (August-November 2024 or December 2024-March 2025). Geographic scope Nonprofits located in Winnebago County, Waushara County, Green Lake County, or the city of Ripon. For more information, visit OACF.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the greater Wausau area and Marathon County, Wisconsin, focusing on advancing education and the arts within the community.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust invites applications for projects to advance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Donor Name: Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust State: Selected States County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: It is focused on helping organizations go beyond basic care with innovative projects that provide an enhanced quality of life today and in the future. Program Areas  The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust’s priority is helping organizations go beyond basic care to support initiatives that will provide an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals today and in the future. Funding applications should address one of the following program areas: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering Continuing Education and Training Humane and Wildlife Education Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter Equipment Other Animal Care Initiatives Examples of projects preferred by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust include: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering – projects to increase successful adoptions or other non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity. Continuing Education and Training – opportunities for staff and volunteers to improve delivery of care and retain employees. Humane and Wildlife Education – school and community programs that address respecting animals, humane care, health issues and human/wildlife conflicts. Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals – improving access to care for native wildlife and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas, as well as those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter – assistance for owned pets from under resourced households, incentive programs encouraging adoptions from shelters and humane control numbers of community cats or dogs. Equipment – items that directly benefiting homeless or injured animals Other Animal Care Initiatives – projects that celebrate the human-animal bond. Eligibility Criteria  Types of organizations supported by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust are limited to: Humane societies Animal welfare organizations focused on companion animals Nonprofit spay/neuter clinics Native wildlife rehabilitation and nature centers Educational institutions Equine organizations providing therapeutic programs or focused on adoption Other state or community organizations dedicated to companion animals Eligible organizations must: Have a current 501(c)(3) ruling from the IRS. Be in Ohio or selected counties in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin. Provide evidence of proper financial stewardship Financial support from 100% of board members Pursue a high quality of life for individual animals and improve the situation of significant numbers of animals. Deliver outstanding humane care, in facilities that meet or exceed accepted health and safety standards Have written policies on adoption procedures, spaying/neutering companion animals leaving the agency, display/release of wildlife, and keep records on intake/disposition of all animals. Annual revenue for basic animal sheltering, rescue, and care activities from sustainable sources. Preference will be given to organizations established for more than five years with an annual budget exceeding $50,000. For more information, visit KASCT.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative educational projects in K-12 classrooms within Marathon County, Wisconsin, aimed at enhancing student learning and creativity.

The Wispact Inc. Foundation provides charitable grants to non-profit organizations providing services to persons with disabilities. Donor Name: Wispact Foundation State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Consideration will be given to, but not limited to, proposals addressing needs in the following areas: Housing: programs designed to improve the day-to-day living conditions, for persons with disabilities, through the provision of safe living environments and enhancing the accessibility to such environment Assistive Devices: devices designed, made, or adapted to assist a person to perform a particular task; examples include: canes, crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, and shower chairs are all assistive devices Education/Recreation: inclusive educational programming including, but not limited to, workshops, summer camps, art classes; educational equipment such as computers, software, projection equipment, art supplies, etc. that promote fulfillment and edification for persons with disabilities Expansion of current services in place Transportation. Eligibility Criteria  Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization according to the Internal Revenue Code—tax exempt pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)—in good standing. All grant funds must be used for the benefit of individuals with disabilities. Wispact Foundation grants are not available to provide support for the following: Wispact Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that administers pooled and community Special Needs Trusts for people with disabilities. Based in Madison, Wispact manages the Special Needs Trusts for more than 3,000 people throughout the state of Wisconsin. The Wispact Foundation is an entity under the auspices and authority of Wispact, Inc. Capital campaigns General operating expenses unrelated to the grant purpose Retroactive funding for activities that have already taken place Basic research Staff development activities Supplanting of projects or activities that have existing funding from other sources. For more information, visit Wispact Foundation.

This grant provides financial support for projects that foster the character and service development of young people in the greater Wausau, Wisconsin area, focusing on civic improvements and educational initiatives.

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 grant provides funding for innovative and creative projects that enhance the educational experience for Pre-K to 12th grade teachers and students in the Merrill School District.

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 the Merrill area for projects that enhance community well-being and foster collaboration to address local needs.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in rural north central Wisconsin that promote meaningful work, lifelong education, and connections to nature.

This funding opportunity is designed for Pre-K to 12th grade teachers in the Merrill School District to support innovative and engaging projects that enrich the educational experience for students and the community.

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 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.

Applicants are now invited to apply for the gBETA Milwaukee. Donor Name: Gener8tor State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: gBETA runs multiple times every year in cities across the United States. Up to five companies from a range of verticals are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in the free seven-week program. Participating companies receive: Individualized coaching and mentorship from the team of nationally ranked accelerator gener8tor on company growth and investor readiness Weekly “Lunch & Learns” and “Mentor Swarms” Investor and accelerator pitches $1M+ in deals and perks from vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, Paypal, Zendesk, Hubspot and Microsoft Ongoing post-program support and gener8tor community involvement and offerings gBETA’s goal is that graduates will go on to participate in an investment accelerator or raise a seed round. Eligibility Criteria  You’re based in Milwaukee gBETA Milwaukee is an accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You’re Committed While they don’t expect you to be full-time on your business yet, programming is about a five-hour commitment each week, and expect that you will be spending additional time working on your business each week outside of the program. You’re Ready to Grow gBETA companies range from “I have an idea” to “I have significant revenue.” Although most gBETA companies are post-product, pre-scale, as long as you are ready to make use of coaching on customer growth and investor readiness, mentor meetings, and investor and accelerator pitches, they’re ready for you! For more information, visit Gener8tor.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

This funding opportunity provides up to $4,000 to nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin that promote community engagement and cultural sharing through public humanities programs.