Wisconsin Private Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that create hands-on STEAM workshops for underserved youth, enhancing technical skills and career exploration opportunities within the Best Buy Teen Tech Centers network.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation is offering a grant program designed to enhance the online marketing capabilities of local nonprofits. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support organizations that contribute to the well-being and growth of the community. By providing expertise in digital marketing, the foundation aims to strengthen these nonprofits, enabling them to better amplify their missions, encourage donations, attract volunteers, and achieve sustainable growth. The target beneficiaries for this grant are nonprofits located in Winnebago County, Waushara County, Green Lake County, or the city of Ripon, Wisconsin. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the digital presence and effectiveness of these organizations. By equipping them with stronger online marketing tactics, the foundation seeks to increase their visibility, engagement with stakeholders, and overall capacity to serve their communities. The program prioritizes several key areas of digital marketing. Participating organizations will receive a brand audit and strategic recommendations to identify and address areas for improvement. Services may include content creation (testimonials, blog posts, videos, graphics), email marketing strategy development (templates, personalized messaging), social media strategy (platform selection, content calendar), search engine optimization (on-page and off-page tactics), and website recommendations. The focus is on providing tailored support that addresses the specific needs of each nonprofit. The expected outcomes of this grant program are measurable and directly tied to the services provided. Nonprofits should see an improvement in their brand alignment and strategic digital marketing roadmap. They are expected to enhance their ability to create high-quality digital content, develop more effective email marketing campaigns, optimize their social media presence, and improve their search engine visibility, leading to increased organic traffic to their websites. Ultimately, these efforts are intended to result in greater community engagement, increased donations, a larger volunteer base, and overall organizational growth. The services will be provided over a 4-month period, either from August to November 2024 or December 2024 to March 2025.

This grant provides financial support for innovative educational programs at Eastview Elementary School in Lake Geneva, WI, that go beyond standard funding to enrich the learning experience for students.

The **Women’s Giving Circle (WGC)**, a fund of the **Eau Claire Community Foundation**, supports initiatives that enhance the lives of women and children in **Eau Claire County, Wisconsin**, through the power of collective philanthropy. By pooling the resources and generosity of local women, the WGC aims to create meaningful, lasting change in the community. Its grant program funds projects that directly address the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing women and children, fostering greater equity, empowerment, and well-being. For the **2025 grant cycle**, the Women’s Giving Circle will consider funding requests of up to **$7,000**, with a grant period running from **January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025**. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those working with a qualified fiscal agent, as well as tax-exempt government, educational, and religious institutions. Projects must primarily benefit **women and/or children under 18 years old** and serve Eau Claire County residents. Applications should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and alignment with community needs, avoiding duplication of existing programs or services. The WGC places a strong emphasis on fairness, inclusion, and collaboration. Grants are not awarded to organizations that engage in discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, to ensure equitable distribution of funds, organizations funded in two consecutive years are ineligible to apply in the third year but may reapply in the fourth. Proposals should demonstrate how the initiative complements existing community efforts, fills an unmet need, and produces tangible outcomes for the intended beneficiaries. Certain requests will be evaluated **on a case-by-case basis**, including travel that supports project implementation and funding requests from other foundations or endowments. However, some types of funding are **not supported**, such as annual fundraising drives, capital campaigns, debt reduction, building funds, political activities, scholarly research, or religiously focused projects. The WGC also avoids grants for ongoing operational expenses or unrelated asset purchases, keeping its focus on direct-impact initiatives that create measurable improvements in the lives of local women and children. When reviewing applications, the Women’s Giving Circle prioritizes proposals that are clear, purposeful, and aligned with the applicant’s mission. Strong applications define a specific goal, outline how success will be measured, and demonstrate a lasting positive effect on the community. Through this program, the Women’s Giving Circle continues its mission of empowering women to be catalysts for change—investing in local solutions that nurture the health, education, and advancement of women and children throughout Eau Claire County.

This program provides financial support for construction and renovation projects that enhance rural communities and promote agricultural education, targeting local nonprofits, public entities, and collaborative organizations within a designated service area.

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 Emberg Charitable Trust provides grants to tax exempt, nonprofit, and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs located in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The trust promotes workforce readiness by supporting programs that prepare students for careers in prominent regional industries. Preference is given to programs of study with potential to supply qualified candidates for fields such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. Funds may support curriculum development, equipment and tools for training, and associated program needs that enhance technical education and job placement outcomes. Eligible applicants are tax exempt nonprofits and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs serving counties in the trusts geographic focus. Proposals should demonstrate alignment with regional workforce needs and the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes for students and employers. Applications are due May 5, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information is available through the trustee information referenced by Wells Fargo.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area for impactful projects that improve community well-being in areas such as arts, education, environment, health, and family support.

Founded in 2011 after a rapid fundraising achievement, the Benton Community Fund (BCF) was established through the collaborative efforts of the Benton State Bank, the City of Benton, the Benton Community Development Corporation, and numerous community members. This permanent endowment aims to support and enhance the community of Benton by annually distributing grants from its earnings. These grants are allocated to local non-profit organizations, the school district, and government agencies committed to charitable programs or projects that benefit the Benton community. The BCF is a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, reflecting its commitment to local development and enrichment. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: July 1st

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.

The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (JACVB) is offering its Tourism Marketing Fund to support attractions and event organizers. The primary goal is to encourage visitors from outside Rock County, Wisconsin, to generate overnight hotel stays and provide a positive economic impact on the Janesville community. As an independent non-profit 501(c)(6) organization, the JACVB serves as Janesville’s Destination Marketing Organization, aligning its mission with fostering local economic growth through tourism. The grant targets non-profit organizations or those with strong demonstrated partnerships with non-profits. The beneficiaries are attractions and event organizers who aim to market to audiences outside of Rock County. The ultimate impact goal is to create overnight stays in Janesville, leading to a positive economic impact for a wider range of local businesses. The JACVB prioritizes applications that demonstrate potential for creating new or increased business for Janesville, encouraging self-supporting events, and aligning with the "Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside" brand. Key focuses for qualifying projects include promoting special events, developing marketing materials (brochures, videos, website design, direct mail), advertising buys, social media campaigns, and conference and sporting event bidding fees. The JACVB will not fund organizations that discriminate, political entities, building/capital campaigns, organizations benefiting only a few, or requests for staffing/administrative/operational/supplies purposes. This strategic filtering ensures that the grants support initiatives directly contributing to tourism marketing and economic stimulation. Expected outcomes include an increase in out-of-county visitors, a rise in overnight hotel stays, and greater media exposure for Janesville events and promotions at the county, state, or regional level. Measurable results will likely be assessed through the number of overnight stays generated, the economic impact on local businesses, and the reach of marketing campaigns. The JACVB's theory of change posits that by investing in targeted tourism marketing, they can effectively draw visitors, thereby bolstering the local economy and enhancing Janesville's reputation as a destination. Strong consideration is given to proposals that include matching funds from the applicant, further amplifying the potential for a positive economic return.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin for planning projects that improve water quality and watershed management through innovative methods, education, and outreach.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation is offering Music Education Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for K-12 schools in specified counties of Minnesota and Wisconsin, to enhance music education programs through funding materials, guest artists, community outreach, and collaborations, with a preference for hands-on activities over technological innovations.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust's grant program aims to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This mission aligns with the foundation's core belief in supporting innovative projects that go beyond basic care, providing long-term benefits for animals today and in the future. The trust focuses on helping organizations deliver an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include homeless and abused companion animals, native wildlife, and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas or those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Impact goals include increasing successful adoptions, improving staff and volunteer care delivery, promoting humane education, enhancing access to medical care, and controlling pet and feral animal populations through spay/neuter initiatives. The program prioritizes several key areas: animal adoption, behavior training, and fostering; continuing education and training for staff and volunteers; humane and wildlife education; medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness care for animals; pet and feral animal population control through spay/neuter; equipment directly benefiting animals; and other animal care initiatives that celebrate the human-animal bond. Preferred projects include non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity, opportunities for staff and volunteer development, school and community programs addressing humane care, and assistance for owned pets from under-resourced households. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased successful adoptions, improved delivery of care by staff and volunteers, enhanced community understanding of animal welfare, better access to medical care for vulnerable animal populations, and a reduction in unwanted pet populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that lead to a high quality of life for individual animals and significant improvements for large numbers of animals. Their theory of change is that by funding innovative projects and supporting eligible organizations, they can foster better humane care, improve animal well-being, and address critical issues such as overpopulation and lack of access to care, ultimately creating a more compassionate environment for animals.

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is offering its 2024 Pillar Grant Program, inviting applications from organizations, local businesses, community clubs, or individuals. This program aligns with the United Way's overarching mission to improve the health, education, and financial stability of all individuals within their communities. Proposals submitted for these grants must serve a public purpose and directly support this mission, focusing on key areas that address significant community needs. The Pillar Grant Program specifically targets communities within Jefferson County and the City of Whitewater, aiming to benefit residents by addressing critical social issues. The program seeks to make a strong, positive impact by funding creative and innovative projects that respond to identified community needs. While the grant details do not explicitly state a "theory of change," the program's structure implies that by investing in specific intervention areas, it will lead to improved community well-being and self-sufficiency. The core priorities and focuses of the Pillar Grants are clearly defined, emphasizing four key areas: early intervention care, mental health and AODA (alcohol and other drug addiction) treatment, overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants must ensure their proposed projects and programs directly align with one or more of these strategic areas, as they represent the United Way's commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges faced by the communities it serves. Expected outcomes include the accomplishment or initiation of projects within generally a one-year timeframe, leading to tangible improvements in the prioritized areas. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the program description, the emphasis on addressing community needs and providing a strong, positive impact suggests that successful proposals will demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for quantifiable improvements in early intervention, mental health, economic stability, and social equity within Jefferson County and Whitewater.

The 2024 Mid Wisconsin Foundation Legacy Grants offer up to $1,000 to tax-exempt organizations in former Mid Wisconsin Bank areas, supporting projects in health, human services, community development, education, and environment, with applications due annually by October 15th.

Gener8tor invites applications for gBETA Milwaukee, a free, seven-week accelerator program designed to support early-stage companies with local roots in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This program runs multiple times annually, selecting up to five companies from a diverse range of verticals. The grant aims to foster entrepreneurial growth and development within the Milwaukee community, aligning with a mission to empower nascent businesses and prepare them for future investment or seed funding rounds. The primary beneficiaries of the gBETA Milwaukee program are early-stage companies based in Milwaukee, ranging from those with initial ideas to those with significant revenue. While most participating companies are post-product and pre-scale, the program is open to any business ready to grow and commit approximately five hours per week to programming, plus additional time for business development. The impact goal is to significantly accelerate the growth and investor readiness of these companies, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of Milwaukee by nurturing local innovation. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on individualized coaching and mentorship, investor readiness, and access to valuable resources. Participants receive expert guidance from gener8tor on company growth, weekly "Lunch & Learns," "Mentor Swarms," and opportunities for investor and accelerator pitches. A key focus is to equip companies with the skills and connections needed to secure over $1 million in deals and perks from vendors such as IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, and Microsoft. The expected outcomes include graduates successfully participating in investment accelerators or raising seed rounds. Measurable results are tied to the number of companies selected, the amount of deals and perks received, and the subsequent investment success of the alumni. The foundation's strategic priority is to build a robust ecosystem for early-stage companies, and its theory of change posits that by providing intensive support, mentorship, and connections, these companies will be better positioned for growth, investment, and long-term success, thereby stimulating local economic development.

The Crime Prevention Foundation aims to increase public awareness and provide financial assistance to crime prevention programs within Brown County, Wisconsin. Their mission is directly aligned with reducing crime by addressing its fundamental elements: desire, ability, and opportunity. This grant program specifically provides financial support to both existing crime prevention initiatives and the implementation of new programs, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to a safer community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Brown County, as the programs funded are designed to improve public safety and prevent crime in the area. The impact goals are centered on fostering a community where the desire, ability, and opportunity for crime are significantly diminished. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "typically up to $3,000" in funding information, the overall expected outcome is a reduction in criminal activity and an enhanced sense of security for Brown County citizens. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly outlined by the "Priorities" section, which identifies the three necessary elements for a crime to occur: desire, ability, and opportunity. This indicates a theory of change that by targeting and mitigating these three factors, crime can be effectively prevented. The funding information, typically up to $3,000, suggests a focus on supporting a broader range of smaller-scale, impactful programs rather than a few large initiatives. Eligibility criteria further define the foundation's strategic approach. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation or governmental bodies operating in Brown County, and they must conduct business without discrimination. The foundation explicitly states what it does not fund, such as capital campaigns, religious activities, individuals, endowments, and lobbying, ensuring that resources are directed towards direct crime prevention efforts and not diverted to other causes. These exclusions highlight a focused strategy on tangible, community-based crime prevention programs rather than general fundraising or advocacy.