Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture, including those serving Wisconsin, can apply for Community Possible support. Grants from U.S. Bank Foundation help groups that address multiple “Work, Home, Play” pillars, advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and serve designated U.S. Bank communities; mentoring components may be eligible within these priorities.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human and social services and related fields can seek support for new or reimagined programs. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations tackling social problems, including those using mentoring or tutoring models, to submit a letter of inquiry for potential invitation-only funding.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofits providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities in Wisconsin and worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation supports efforts such as health care access, child welfare, literacy, disaster relief, and other human and social services; mentoring and tutoring components within these programs may be eligible.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations running charitable, educational, scientific, or health-related programs can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for work carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal (and, where applicable, California) law. Mentoring and tutoring initiatives that fit these categories may be competitive candidates.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Wisconsin youth mentoring and development programs in Alliant Energy service communities can seek funding for tutoring, leadership, after-school, and summer educational activities. Focused on workforce readiness and youth development, Alliant Energy supports specific projects such as literacy, STEM, and career exploration that help young people build skills and succeed in school and work.

Wisconsin governmental units, school districts, tribes, conservation organizations, and individuals can receive funding for hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation projects in Wisconsin, covering staff, services, supplies, and equipment. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources support may benefit mentoring-style programs that help new or inexperienced hunters learn skills, access land, and build ongoing hunting communities.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering education, mentoring, or other community programs can compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 through the Best Life Community Awards. Focused on education, cultural enrichment, health, environment, human services, and community strengthening, Altra Foundation invites organizations in eligible Wisconsin counties to be nominated by Altra Federal Credit Union members.

Wisconsin STEM and robotics teams affiliated with schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or registered charities can access funding through John Deere Foundation to participate in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Grants prioritize teams near John Deere Inspire communities, with underserved, underrepresented, or rural youth, and can strengthen hands-on mentoring and coaching for students in STEM fields.

Wisconsin nonprofits running community services or mentoring-related programs can seek grants or event sponsorships that support their service and fundraising goals. Focused on community involvement, Insperity invites 501(c)(3) organizations connected to its employees, client base, or local communities in eligible counties to apply once per year for philanthropic or sponsorship support.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Wisconsin nonprofits providing basic needs, youth enrichment, mentoring, or workforce readiness for at-risk youth can access funding through TJX Foundation if they are 501(c)(3)s located within 15 miles of a TJX site. Programs supporting vulnerable families, children facing health challenges, or survivors of domestic violence may be eligible to submit a letter of inquiry.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service can apply for grants supporting tutoring, mentoring, and related youth education programs. Funding also covers projects in arts and culture, community development, environment, and health and human services that enhance quality of life in eligible service-area counties.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

FIRST Robotics teams connected to schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or registered charities can apply for John Deere Foundation support to participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition, with a strong emphasis on mentoring and inclusion. Wisconsin teams near Horicon or with active John Deere employee mentors may be eligible, especially those serving underserved, underrepresented, or rural students.

Schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running FIRST LEGO League Explore STEM teams, including those in Wisconsin’s eligible John Deere communities, can seek support for team registration and participation costs. Focused on underserved, underrepresented, and rural youth, John Deere Foundation prioritizes teams near its U.S. and Canada Inspire locations or those actively mentored by John Deere employees.

Schools and 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin running FIRST LEGO League Discover teams near Horicon can apply for John Deere Foundation’s support, which helps cover team participation in STEM programs. Teams must primarily serve underserved, underrepresented, or rural youth, and mentoring-focused programs that meet FIRST and John Deere criteria may be eligible.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Wisconsin community-based organizations, schools, tribes, and local governments running angler education or mentoring activities can receive funding to support adult sport fishing participation in Wisconsin. Focused on sport fishing, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites partners to cover program costs such as staff time, fishing gear, transportation, and background checks for mentors to grow safe, ethical adult anglers.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, youth mentoring, or community vitality programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve a Wisconsin community on the Union Pacific service list and align with the program’s defined cause areas and DEI priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, mentoring, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Wisconsin and beyond can seek US $30,000 - US $350,000 in True Inspiration Awards funding. With a mission to uplift local communities, Chick Fil A Foundation provides substantial grants recognizing innovative, high-impact community initiatives, including mentoring and leadership development for underserved youth.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.