Wisconsin Local Grants

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin is currently accepting applications for its Women’s Fund. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: Rock County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Women’s Fund is a component of the Community Foundation. The Advisory Board is comprised of community volunteers and Community Foundation staff. The Advisory Board raises money for the endowment as well as recommends grants from the Women’s Fund in support of priorities they set related to the current needs of women and girls in Rock County Wisconsin. Investing in girls yields even higher returns in terms of the effect on women’s wages, the decisions better educated women make about having children, and their capacity to raise healthy, educated children who go on to make good wages, choose smaller family size and invest in their own children. Mission of the fund: To provide a permanently endowed funding source to non-profit agencies serving the needs of women and girls in Rock County. To provide hands-on grant-making and leadership experiences through volunteer opportunities for Fund donors. Eligibility Criteria Seeking proposals from 501(c)(3) charitable Rock County organizations and municipalities offering projects or programs that serve the mental health needs of women and girls. Services and programs eligible for grant funding may include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, caregiver stress, addictions, work/family stress, isolation, and human trafficking. Both prevention and/or response programs are eligible. Training programs for targeted audiences, support groups, mentoring programs, resource identification, and other related programs are examples for possible grant support. Collaborations throughout Rock County are encouraged.Requests from individuals are not eligible. For more information, visit CFSW.

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

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) Community Grants are intended to support ongoing and changing community needs in Waukesha County. Donor Name: Waukesha County Community Foundation State: Wisconsin County: Waukesha County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grants support the following broad program areas: Arts & Culture Health & Human Services Community Development Education Environment & Conservation Historical Preservation Additional Field of Interest Funds are available for: Literacy Mental Health Suicide Prevention LGBTQ+ Causes The WCCF will give preference to proposals that show collaboration among organizations serving similar clients, strengthen the internal operations of an organization, or impact outcomes on a community basis (collective impact). Special consideration will also be given to proposals that align with WCCF’s flagship issue of safe and affordable housing. Funding Information Requests should be in the range of $1,000 – $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants will need to submit evidence of 501(c)3 status and a non-discrimination policy. In general, Community Grants do not support: Direct Grants to Individuals (including individual scholarships) Religious Programs Lobbying/Political Purposes Event Sponsorships Capital Campaigns Government Entities Pass-Through Funding For more information, visit WCCF.

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.

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 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.

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.

The City of Milwaukee has launched a new round of grant funding for 2024 focusing on healthy food access in the communities. Donor Name: City of Milwaukee State: Wisconsin City: Milwaukee Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) provides financial support to activities that increase fresh food access in underserved communities. Goals The Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) aims to financially support activities that increase the access of underserved communities to healthy food choices, partner with community organizations, businesses, and other government entities with a fresh food component, and address the issues identified in the Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Report. Funding Information Grant applicants are required to provide a full budget for the proposed project, identifying the sources and uses of all funds. FFAF grants can cover up to 50% of the cash expenditure required to implement a project, up to a maximum of $25,000. Awards of less than $5,000 may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible uses of Fresh Food Access Fund grants FFAF grants may only be used for capital expenditures related to the establishment, expansion, or improvement of a food-related business that increases access to fresh, healthy food for underserved residents. For example, the following could be considered eligible uses: Purchase of equipment to store and/or prepare healthy food Purchase of furniture, fixtures, and start-up inventory for a healthy food business Build-out of space to house or expand a food retail or production operation Purchase of vehicles to transport healthy food Improvements to the exterior and signage of a fresh food retail operation Construction or equipment activities related to community gardens Soft costs that are specifically necessary to carry out another eligible use of funds. Eligible Projects  The FFAF provides 1:1 matching grants to projects that advance one or more of the following strategies: Attract grocery stores and mobile market stops to underserved neighborhoods Develop other retail outlets in underserved neighborhoods as sources of fresh foods Increase the stock of fresh foods in corner stores Increase the amount of locally grown food that is available to Milwaukee consumers Meet the fresh food needs of populations with special dietary requirements Improve transportation to grocery stores and farmer’s markets for individuals who live in underserved areas. Eligibility Criteria  Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organizations with current 501(c)3 registration with the US Internal Revenue Service, and for-profit businesses. Other types of entities may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, visit City of Milwaukee.

Grant Opportunity: West Bend Event and Tourism Development Grant Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for consideration, event or tourism development projects must meet the following criteria: The event must take place in the City of West Bend between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The event must be open to the public, with the option to charge admission. Preference will be given to nonprofit organizations. Priority will be given to new and expanding events that direct marketing efforts outside of West Bend and Washington County. Application Process: Application Deadline: May 22, 2024, at noon Review and Award Date: Tuesday, May 28, at noon (City Hall Council Chambers) Grant Details: The West Bend Tourism Commission reserves the right to: Reject applications Award partial or total grant requests Not award grants up to $10,000 each grant period Contact Information: For inquiries regarding the grant program and application, please contact: Jessica Wildes, Assistant City Administrator Phone: 262-335-5170 Email: [email protected]

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.

Applicants are invited to apply for the ARPA Aid to Nonprofits Grant (Round 5). Donor Name: United Way of Walworth County State: Wisconsin County: Walworth County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The United Way of Walworth County (UWWC) is an ARPA Subrecipient through Walworth County. UWWC is administering the disbursement of $48,442.29 in the ARPA Aid to Nonprofits Round 5 to local nonprofit (501c3 and 501c19) organizations to mitigate the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 3, 2021 – September 30, 2024. Funding Information Amount non-profit can request: $1,000 to $9,000. Eligibility Criteria  Agency is a 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 non-profit organization Agency’s principal place of business is in Walworth County Agency business is conducted in Walworth County Agency serves people within Walworth County Agency has a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number (or is actively working on obtaining UEI number, must have UEI number before any award checks are disbursed) Agency has experienced negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 3, 2021 – September 30, 2024. For more information, visit UWWC.

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.

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

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.

This program provides $600,000 in funding to assist homeowners in Waupaca with necessary repairs related to COVID-19, aiming to improve neighborhood quality and stabilize older homes.

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.