Best Waukesha County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

Waukesha County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, education, environment, health, or arts projects can access funding through We Energies Foundation for specific programs or projects. Eligible organizations must be in a community served by We Energies and may submit proposals once per calendar year, with limited exceptions for distinct divisions or focus areas.

The Charles S. McKee Performing Arts Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, supports students in Portage and Waushara counties. This scholarship is available for high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional learners pursuing music, theater, or liberal arts. Awards range from $500 to $40,000, aiming to foster educational opportunities. Applicants must meet specific criteria based on their academic performance and involvement in the arts.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community health, wellness, or related events in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can apply for sponsorship or donation support from ATI Physical Therapy. With a mission to improve quality of life, ATI Physical Therapy provides philanthropic support across its service communities for initiatives that elevate awareness of health and wellness.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Siebert Lutheran Foundation offers grants aimed at educating children and youth while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It supports high-performing Lutheran-affiliated schools and programs for those in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, focusing on academic success and empowerment. Additionally, the foundation assists Lutheran churches in meeting the basic needs of disadvantaged individuals, fostering self-sufficiency. With a geographic focus on Wisconsin, it aims to create a future filled with hope through collaborative and innovative partnerships.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Oconomowoc Area Foundation, established in 2002, supports local charitable initiatives within the Oconomowoc Area School District. It prioritizes programs for children and youth, elderly support, environmental preservation, and community enrichment through arts and culture. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, schools, and municipal agencies providing services to local residents. The foundation aims to foster community well-being and sustainable development by funding impactful projects that enhance educational outcomes and support those in need.

The Fund for Lake Michigan Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of Lake Michigan through projects that yield both immediate and long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions focusing on water quality improvement. Grants range from $700,000 to $900,000 quarterly, with priorities on projects that directly impact water quality and promote sustainable practices. This grant fosters economic growth while ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

The GMF Nonprofit Management Fund Grant supports capacity-building initiatives for small to medium-sized nonprofits in Milwaukee and surrounding counties. Grants of $1,000 to $10,000 aim to enhance governance, management, and organizational effectiveness. Eligible organizations must have been established for at least two years and demonstrate a commitment to community service. The fund prioritizes projects that strengthen board leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, helping nonprofits achieve their missions more effectively.

501(c)(3) pet welfare nonprofits hosting cat or dog welfare events in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can apply for Nestlé Purina’s event sponsorship, requesting monetary support, pet food, litter samples, or giveaway items. Eligible events must occur in the U.S., generally within 50 miles of Purina’s facilities, with at least six months’ lead time required.

Focused on programs for kids, hunger, and education, Brinker International invites Waukesha County, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits to request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support. Eligible organizations must apply online at least six weeks before their event, and may receive one donation per calendar year for child-focused or anti-hunger initiatives.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support grant focuses on enhancing early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development. It aims to promote equitable access to quality education and mental health resources, addressing systemic disparities in the Milwaukee area. Organizations seeking funding for innovative projects are encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 per year for three years, emphasizing racial equity and community impact.

The KMEF Impact Grant offers up to $5,000 for Kettle Moraine educators to enhance student achievement and growth. This grant supports innovative projects that contribute to the academic success of students, allowing educators to create impactful learning experiences. Priority will be given to projects that have not received funding in the past, ensuring fresh ideas and initiatives are encouraged. Funds can be utilized in the 2024-25 or 2025-26 school years, promoting ongoing educational improvement.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can seek funding for specialized emergency response equipment, with awards up to US $7,500. Compeer Financial supports regional first responder partnerships to equip rural departments with tools like compression systems, fit testing machines, and hydraulic extrication or oxygen refill equipment.

Farmers market vendors in Waukesha County, Wisconsin who are Compeer Financial clients can receive up to US $500 for education, marketing, or technology improvements. Compeer Financial provides support for items like branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and equipment such as tents, tables, scales, coolers, and signage to strengthen local agricultural sales.

The KMEF Scholarship Fund, established in 1973 by the Kettle Moraine Education Foundation, aims to support graduates pursuing higher education. Funded by community contributions, it offers multiple scholarships based on varying criteria. Applications open in mid-December and close in mid-March, with reviews conducted by selection committees. Scholarships range from $500 to $3,000, helping students access educational opportunities and eliminate barriers to success.

The Hamilton Education Foundation's Project 360 offers grants up to $360 for innovative classroom projects, supporting students and educators in the Hamilton School District. Established in 1991, the foundation enhances educational opportunities through community funding. Eligible applicants include students and educators within the district, while projects lacking an educational focus or involving travel expenses are not considered. This initiative encourages specific educational cost requests to broaden learning experiences and foster creativity.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

The State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund, established by the Wisconsin Legislature, provides grants to Friends Groups for maintaining state parks and forests. Eligible groups must be nonprofit organizations with an endowment fund. Grants cover operation, maintenance, and project costs that align with DNR-approved plans, promoting outdoor recreation and accessibility. Priority is given to projects enhancing interpretive programs and native plant restoration, with funding capped at $30,000 per year per property.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies seeking capital support for arts, early childhood facilities, environment, aging, or health equity work in Waukesha County, Wisconsin can apply for up to US $50,000 per year. Greater Milwaukee Foundation funds projects advancing racial equity and serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties.

The Cream City Foundation's LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program supports student leaders from the LGBTQ+ community in Southeastern Wisconsin by providing funding for post-secondary education. Established in 2015, it has awarded $270,000 to over 120 recipients, empowering individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to address economic, health, safety, and equity needs, fostering a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Cream City Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to uplift the LGBTQ+ community in Southeastern Wisconsin, focusing particularly on people of color and transgender individuals. By providing grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, the program supports grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and well-being. Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation has mobilized over $1.5 million to address economic, health, and safety needs, fostering inclusion and acceptance within the community.