Wisconsin grants for Individuals

The 2024-2025 Sparks Grant Program, initiated by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD), is designed to foster greater social connections and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities by promoting their participation in inclusive and meaningful community activities. The grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to support initiatives that break down barriers and improve societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Sparks Grant Program are individuals with disabilities, their families, and community groups or organizations that are committed to fostering inclusion but may lack the knowledge or resources to do so effectively. Traditionally underserved groups, including faith-based, civic, and nonprofit organizations, school districts, municipalities, family groups, and individuals with strong community connections, are especially encouraged to apply. The program seeks to empower these groups to create more accessible and welcoming environments. The program's key priorities and focuses are multifaceted. It emphasizes increasing social connections for people with disabilities, educating individuals and organizations on implementing inclusive programming, and encouraging community members to engage with and improve their attitudes toward people with disabilities. Examples of fund usage include making school extracurriculars accessible, hosting community conversations on inclusion, and implementing innovative ways to make families with children with disabilities feel welcome in faith communities. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in inclusive community activities, a greater understanding among organizations and individuals of how to offer inclusive programming, and improved attitudes within communities toward people with disabilities. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the focus is on tangible improvements in accessibility, participation, and societal acceptance. The grant duration is one year, allowing for focused efforts and demonstrable progress within that timeframe. The WBPDD's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, revolve around a theory of change that posits that by providing targeted funding and encouragement, communities can be transformed into more inclusive spaces. This involves not only direct support for individuals with disabilities but also empowering the broader community to actively participate in creating an inclusive environment. The program encourages innovative approaches and aims to build a network of inclusive practices across all counties in Wisconsin.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Waupaca for essential exterior repairs to preserve older homes, particularly those impacted by financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This grant provides funding to farmers in Wisconsin to develop and implement innovative methods for optimizing commercial nitrogen use in their agricultural practices, in collaboration with a University of Wisconsin institution.

This program provides funding to traditional artists in Wisconsin to mentor apprentices in preserving and advancing cultural art forms within their communities.

This program provides funding for graduate students in the North Central Region to conduct research that promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

This program provides financial support to middle and high school robotics teams in Wisconsin to help cover competition costs and promote STEM learning through hands-on engineering experiences.

This funding opportunity is designed to enhance the skills of agricultural educators in the Midwest, enabling them to develop impactful programs that promote sustainable farming practices and support local farmers and ranchers.

This grant provides financial support for artists in Ashland and Bayfield County, Wisconsin, to pursue educational opportunities that enhance their artistic skills and benefit the local community.

This grant provides financial support to various organizations and governments for projects that restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats in the Great Lakes Basin.

This program recognizes and promotes innovative products, services, or ideas from various sectors in Wisconsin, encouraging applications and nominations from individuals and organizations across the state.

This program provides financial support to individual artists in Wisconsin, focusing on both personal artistic development and community engagement initiatives across all 72 counties.

This scholarship provides financial support to LGBTQ+ individuals from the Upper Midwest pursuing various educational paths, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.

This program provides financial incentives to farmers in select U.S. states to adopt agroforestry practices that integrate trees and shrubs into their agricultural systems, promoting environmental sustainability and new revenue opportunities.

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

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, churches, and local service groups in the Ripon, Wisconsin area for educational and humanitarian projects that promote Christian values and community engagement.

This funding initiative provides financial support to established farmers, food producers, and small local businesses within 100 miles of Menomonie Market Food Co-op to enhance their operations and promote sustainable local food systems.

This program provides funding to neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community organizations in Madison to enhance public spaces, foster community engagement, and build leadership within the community.

This grant provides funding for rural classroom teachers in selected states to develop and implement Place-Based Education projects in their schools.

This award provides $10,000 each to two women-identifying visual artists in Dane County, Wisconsin, to support their creative and professional endeavors without project restrictions.