Best Library Grants in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation support programs that address work, home, and play, with priority for organizations led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, or economic empowerment in Wisconsin and worldwide can seek up to US $100,000 to address critical social challenges. With a mission to strengthen communities, Cisco Systems Foundation provides funding for innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved populations, including initiatives that may support library-based digital skills or access efforts.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Wisconsin can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Library systems and related organizations may be eligible when projects address K–12 academics, STEM, financial literacy, disaster preparedness, or community revitalization.

U.S. cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, including in Wisconsin. William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and limited general or endowment support for museums, libraries, arts education, STEAM initiatives, and major performing arts institutions serving broad audiences.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in Wisconsin on health, education, or community programs can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation support. Funding may assist food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved residents, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle initiatives, which can include library-based programs that meet these priorities.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in Wisconsin working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible projects must serve children or youth in urban low-income communities within the U.S.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, community development, or services for low- and moderate-income residents can access funding through PNC Foundation for programs in communities where PNC operates. Library organizations providing educational programming, arts and culture, or community services that fit these priorities may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities worldwide, including Wisconsin. Semnani Family Foundation supports initiatives such as healthcare access, child welfare, literacy, and disaster relief; libraries or library-affiliated nonprofits with relevant community service programs may be eligible.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits running charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for work carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and well-managed; libraries and related institutions may be competitive if their services broadly benefit their communities and advance these fields.

Wisconsin library organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for community-focused sponsorships, including arts and culture, workforce education, housing, and basic needs. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s U.S. sponsorship program may benefit libraries that contribute to preserving neighborhoods, educating the workforce, addressing hunger and shelter, environmental initiatives, or diversity and inclusion efforts.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Wisconsin library and literacy organizations in Alliant Energy service communities can seek support for library services, bookmobiles, literacy programs, STEM education, and related community initiatives. Grants from Alliant Energy help fund specific projects in areas like adult and youth education, after-school reading, financial literacy, and community engagement, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed three times annually.

Wisconsin library organizations and other eligible nonprofits or public entities can access funding for small community-improvement projects that enhance livability for residents as they age. Through AARP Foundation’s Small Dollar, Big Impact Grants, applicants across Wisconsin may receive up to US $1,000 for short-term, low-cost initiatives using the AARP Livable Communities Resource library as a planning tool.

Wisconsin library and literacy-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and aligned for-profit organizations, can seek funding to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness with more than US $50,000 to share powerful, mission-driven stories.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Wisconsin can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to develop essential community facilities. Support can cover constructing, purchasing, or improving facilities and equipment such as libraries, community centers, public safety buildings, and related infrastructure in communities under 20,000 residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, family, youth, poverty relief, or related community services in the Southern U.S. can apply for program support from the Robinson Foundation. Focused on compassionate, faith-informed assistance, the foundation invites established organizations to propose single-year projects that deliver tangible, measurable results, which may include library or literacy initiatives serving Southern communities.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including those operating or supporting libraries, can apply for Dudley T Dougherty Foundation funding to advance community services, environmental initiatives, or peacebuilding programs. Library-focused nonprofits whose work fits these priorities may be eligible to support programs, outreach, or related projects in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Wisconsin communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment initiatives. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides support to projects that align with its mission and positively impact the long-term well-being and sustainability of these local communities.

Public libraries and 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofits in Wisconsin can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental, human services, or related community initiatives via the Lawrence Foundation. Focused on broad community and environmental work, this private family foundation accepts both project and general operating requests from eligible organizations.

Behavioral health providers and eligible agencies in Wisconsin can receive up to US $50,000 to expand tele-behavioral health services and reduce technology and location barriers for underserved populations. Wisconsin Department of Health Services funds technology, broadband, support, and space remodeling, including partnerships with non-traditional sites such as schools, public libraries, community centers, and shelters.

Wisconsin library services and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Ameriprise Financial for programs meeting basic needs, supporting community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes. Eligible U.S.-based organizations must show measurable results, financial stability, and alignment with focus areas such as hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, or cultural enrichment.

Wisconsin library services and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental work. U.S. organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support during the annual October 1 to March 1 grant cycle.

Students in Wisconsin studying horticulture or related fields can receive tuition support through this scholarship, with one US $1,000 non-renewable award for fall semester expenses. Grants from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region may benefit those pursuing academic paths that connect to library services, public gardens, or community green spaces.

Libraries and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, governments, and tribal entities in Wisconsin counties served by Boreal Waters can seek support for global education, peace, justice, and environmental sustainability projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Global Awareness Fund may back collections, media, programs, or events that build international understanding and cultural awareness in local communities.

Libraries, health organizations, and other Network member institutions in Wisconsin and six neighboring states can seek funding to expand access to biomedical and health information, especially for underrepresented communities. With a mission to improve health literacy, National Library of Medicine provides support for outreach, training, and technology that connect users with trusted health information resources; awards are US $25,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin serving youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful programs. Grants may benefit library-based initiatives that support youth development, education, food security, housing support, or environmental stewardship projects.