Wisconsin Arts Grants

The Green Bay Packers Foundation offers grants to organizations focusing on arts and culture, athletics, and education. While independent of the Green Bay Packers, Inc., the Foundation's mission aligns with supporting charities that foster a community environment promoting families and the competitive value of athletics, contribute to player and fan welfare, ensure the safety and education of children, and/or prevent cruelty to animals. This broad mission allows for diverse programs that positively impact the well-being of the community. The grants target organizations that serve the residents of Wisconsin, specifically those within any county of the state. The Foundation supports a wide range of beneficiaries, from children receiving educational support to families engaged in athletic programs, and animals benefiting from cruelty prevention efforts. The impact goals are centered around creating a stronger, safer, and more enriched community through these varied focus areas. The Foundation's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined as arts and culture, athletics, and education. Beyond these core areas, the broader goals of perpetuating a community environment that promotes families and athletic values, contributing to player and fan welfare, ensuring child safety and education, and preventing animal cruelty act as strategic priorities. Organizations applying for funding must demonstrate how their projects address at least one of these current year's focus areas, indicating a theory of change that links program activities to the desired community outcomes. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the Foundation's emphasis on specific program areas and broader goals suggests an expectation of positive community impact. For example, programs in education are expected to improve children's safety and learning, while athletic programs are anticipated to promote competitive values and family engagement. The grant size, ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, aims to provide meaningful support for these impactful projects. Eligibility criteria, such as being a 501(c)(3) for at least two years and located in Wisconsin, ensure that grants are awarded to established and local organizations capable of delivering on their proposed initiatives.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin's C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund is dedicated to investing in grassroots conservation and education projects throughout Wisconsin. The foundation's mission is to benefit the state's lands, waters, and wildlife, while simultaneously fostering a deeper connection between people and Wisconsin's natural resources. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community-led initiatives that directly impact and preserve the state's environmental heritage. The fund targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including public charities with 501(c)(3) status, federal, state, or local governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, and accredited educational institutions. The impact goals are centered on creating positive change for Wisconsin's natural resources and its communities. Specifically, the program aims to support projects that protect imperiled natural communities and native species, engage and impact underserved communities while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation, and build climate resiliency through natural climate solutions or adaptation strategies. The program's priorities are clearly defined to address critical environmental and social needs. Proposals should focus on projects that contribute to the conservation of Wisconsin's most vulnerable natural communities and native plant or wildlife species. Furthermore, a significant emphasis is placed on projects that actively involve and benefit underserved communities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable conservation movement within the state. Finally, the fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance the climate resilience of Wisconsin's natural resources, either through nature-based solutions or strategies for adapting to climate change. All projects supported by the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability and tangible results. The foundation encourages innovative projects that maximize their impact by leveraging existing resources and forging strategic partnerships. While specific funding ranges from $500 to $2,000, the total project budget may not exceed $10,000, with overhead costs capped at 15% of the grant. A one-to-one match, which can include in-kind support like volunteer hours or donated materials, is a required component of all applications, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community involvement and shared investment in conservation efforts.

The Community Vision Fund, established by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to address community needs and promote well-being in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties in Wisconsin. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering a thriving community through strategic investments in various focus areas. The fund provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, with up to $2,500 available for community event sponsorships, seeking to create broad and positive societal impact. The primary target beneficiaries of this fund are under-resourced and historically excluded communities and organizations, as well as rural communities within the specified counties. The fund also prioritizes organizations and programs led by individuals with lived experience related to the issues being addressed, aiming for solutions that are deeply rooted in community understanding. The overarching impact goals are to advance well-being for all by supporting initiatives in critical areas such as Arts and Culture, Community and Neighborhood Development, Environment, Financial Stability and Well-being, and Nonprofit Effectiveness. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined to maximize its impact. Beyond the general focus areas, the fund specifically prioritizes requests that invest in systems change efforts and systems thinking, encouraging long-term, sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes. A crucial strategic priority is the application of a diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEIA) lens to all grantmaking decisions, ensuring that funding promotes equitable opportunities and addresses systemic disparities. While specific measurable outcomes are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the fund's strategic priorities imply expected outcomes such as increased equity, improved community well-being, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and positive systems-level change within the targeted communities. By investing in under-resourced populations, rural areas, and initiatives led by those with lived experience, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region operates with a theory of change that believes in empowering local communities and fostering inclusive development for lasting positive impact.

Established in 2000, the Argyle Community Fund (ACF) is a permanent endowment dedicated to the enhancement and improvement of life in the Argyle area. As part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, the ACF annually redistributes a portion of its earnings back to the community through grants. These grants are aimed at supporting a wide range of areas including education, youth, elderly, health care, historic preservation, the arts, and the environment. The advisory board selects recipients once a year, focusing on non-profit organizations, the local school district, and local government agencies that offer charitable programs or projects beneficial to the Argyle community. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline October 1st

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) Community Grants aim to address ongoing and evolving community needs within Waukesha County, Wisconsin. This program aligns with the WCCF's mission to support various critical areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community well-being. The grants are designed to be flexible, supporting a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the county's social fabric and improve residents' quality of life. These grants target a broad spectrum of beneficiaries across several key program areas, including Arts & Culture, Health & Human Services, Community Development, Education, Environment & Conservation, and Historical Preservation. Additionally, specific Field of Interest Funds are available for Literacy, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and LGBTQ+ Causes, indicating a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and addressing pressing social issues. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more resilient and thriving Waukesha County by investing in projects that create positive, lasting change. The WCCF prioritizes proposals that demonstrate collaboration among organizations serving similar clients, aiming to maximize collective impact and avoid duplication of efforts. Strengthening the internal operations of organizations is another key focus, recognizing that robust organizational capacity is essential for effective service delivery. Special consideration is also given to proposals that align with WCCF’s flagship issue of safe and affordable housing, highlighting a strategic priority to address this fundamental need within the community. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved access to resources, and progress on specific community challenges. While not explicitly detailing measurable results, the emphasis on strengthening internal operations and impacting outcomes on a community basis implies a focus on demonstrating tangible improvements. The WCCF's strategic priorities are clearly centered on collaboration, organizational effectiveness, and addressing critical community needs like housing, reflecting a theory of change that values partnerships and sustainable solutions for community-wide benefit.

The 2025 Creation and Presentation Program (CPP) Grants are multi-year financial aids provided by the Wisconsin Arts Board to established nonprofit arts organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to enhance the state's cultural life by supporting their operations and artistic programs that demonstrate strong management, high artistic quality, and significant local, regional, or statewide impact.

The Go Outside Fund, provided by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, aims to connect youth with outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering an appreciation for natural resources and encouraging hands-on engagement with the environment among the younger generation in Wisconsin. The program's core objective is to facilitate access to outdoor activities for children, thereby promoting environmental literacy and a deeper connection to nature. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are pre-K through 12th-grade students in Wisconsin. Teachers and partner organizations can apply for funding to cover various costs that enable outdoor learning, such as field supplies, transportation, substitute teachers, or educator expenses. The impact goals are centered on increasing opportunities for children to learn in outdoor settings, fostering a sense of stewardship, and enriching their educational experiences through direct interaction with nature. The fund prioritizes grant applications that include a significant component of outdoor activity and directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning. While alignment with classroom learning and standards is encouraged, it is not a strict requirement, emphasizing the program's focus on experiential learning. Grants between $100 and $500 are available, supporting a wide range of smaller-scale, impactful projects that meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants include public charities with approved 501(c)(3) status, governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, and accredited schools, colleges, or universities. The program's theory of change posits that by removing financial barriers and supporting educators and organizations, more Wisconsin youth will have access to enriching outdoor experiences, leading to increased environmental awareness and appreciation. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in youth participation in nature-based learning, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and engaged generation. Projects must benefit Wisconsin students, and activities must take place six weeks or more after the application due date, ensuring planned and impactful engagement.

The PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grant program, offered by the PFund Foundation, is designed to bolster the capacity and connectivity of rural LGBTQ+ organizations across a five-state service area: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, including Native Nations within these states. This initiative directly aligns with PFund's mission to support LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in underserved rural areas. By focusing on rural interconnections, PFund aims to address the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in small towns and rural parts of the upper Midwest, fostering a more connected and resilient LGBTQ+ ecosystem in these regions. The primary beneficiaries of the PRISM program are LGBTQIA2S+ populations in rural communities within the specified states. The program targets organizations that primarily serve these populations, have been in operation for at least one year, are based in or serve rural areas (towns under 50,000 people), and are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits or informal groups with a fiscal sponsor. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of these organizations, enhance their connections through networking, and empower them to effectively respond to the specific issues affecting queer people in their communities. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around creating networks for LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to facilitate resource sharing, collaborative learning, and collective action. This cohort collaboration is a central tenet, designed to build a strong, supportive community among rural LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations. The funding, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for a 12-month period, supports these organizations in strengthening their infrastructure and programs to better serve their constituents. Expected outcomes include more robust and sustainable rural LGBTQ+ organizations, increased inter-organizational collaboration, and a more unified response to the challenges faced by queer individuals in the upper Midwest's rural areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the program's emphasis on capacity building, connection, and cohort collaboration suggests that metrics would likely include the number of organizations participating, the types of resources shared, the attendance and engagement in monthly virtual meetings, and qualitative assessments of increased organizational effectiveness and community impact. PFund Foundation's strategic priority with the PRISM program is clearly to support and uplift rural LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing their distinct needs and often overlooked struggles. The theory of change underpinning PRISM is that by providing targeted financial support, training, and fostering a collaborative network, rural LGBTQ+ organizations will become more resilient and effective. This, in turn, will lead to improved services, stronger advocacy, and a better quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals living in these areas, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive Upper Midwest.

The Lancaster Community Fund, established in 1999, is a permanent, unrestricted charitable endowment committed to the well-being of the Lancaster community. It enables individuals, organizations, and businesses to support a wide range of charitable interests within Lancaster, including the elderly, historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education. Each year, a portion of the Fund's earnings is distributed as grants to enhance community welfare. The Fund operates through a nine-member volunteer advisory board responsible for fundraising and grant distribution. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and local government agencies that propose projects or programs benefiting the community. Awards announced in July. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring deadline: May 1st

This funding opportunity supports Wisconsin-based nonprofit organizations in creating innovative public humanities projects that promote civic engagement, empathy, and community connection.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion and provides ~$105 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Applications are due on a rolling basis on these dates: February 4, 2024; April 4, 2024; June 6, 2024; August 1, 2024. - General Operations Application: General operations grants provide unrestricted funding that enables an organization to carry out its mission. Typical uses could include support for an organization’s administrative and infrastructure costs, maintaining core programs and/or staffing. This application is for organizations seeking $75,000 or more in general operations support. - General Operations Short Application: This application is for organizations seeking general operations support of less than $75,000. - Restricted Application: Restricted grants provide funding for a specific program or project. These funds may not be used for other purposes, although a portion may be utilized for overhead or indirect costs of administering the program or project. - Capital Application: Capital grants support constructing, repairing, renovating, or rehabilitating an organization’s physical space. Capital grants can also support the purchase of equipment necessary for an organization to carry out its work.

The FY24 BCRP Clinical Research Extension Award is a specialized grant mechanism designed to maximize the clinical impact of previously funded breast cancer clinical studies. The core purpose is to extend or expand the data collection, patient follow-up, and subsequent analysis of these existing trials. This is strategically aligned with the BCRP's mission to prevent the loss of invaluable knowledge that can occur due to early trial termination, limited patient follow-up, or suboptimal use of collected specimens and data. By supporting research that maximizes the value of patient contributions—such as tissue, serum, and data—the mechanism ensures that science respects and utilizes these contributions to accelerate progress toward ending breast cancer. The grant's impact goals are focused on extending or enhancing the influence of a previously funded clinical study, or generating completely new impact toward ending breast cancer. The ultimate beneficiaries include the American public, and specifically active-duty Service Members, Veterans, and military beneficiaries, as the proposed research must demonstrate relevance to these populations. The program strongly encourages collaborations between researchers at military/Veteran institutions and non-military institutions to leverage unique knowledge and access to clinical populations, thereby advancing cancer research critical to military families and the American public. The CDMRP also encourages applicants to review and address the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force. Key priorities and focus areas guide the research scope. Although not exhaustive, supported research may include deeper molecular analysis of existing clinical samples, initiation of new correlative studies, biomarker validation, or continuing clinical follow-up of patients from open or completed trials. The proposed work can be hypothesis-testing or -generating, but it specifically prohibits the conduct of new clinical trials. The program also prioritizes collaboration through the Partnering PI Option, accommodating two Principal Investigators (PIs) who bring distinct, yet equally valued, intellectual contributions to the project. A non-negotiable priority is the inclusion of two or more breast cancer Consumer Advocates who must provide objective input on the study's design and execution, focusing on the research's potential impact for individuals with, or at risk for, breast cancer. Expected outcomes and measurable results are rooted in rigorous data evaluation and sharing. Applicants must propose a study sample size that guarantees the generation of valid conclusions or a meaningful hypothesis, along with sufficient evidence and statistical methods to support their objectives. A required outcome is the outline of a robust data-sharing plan, ensuring that the scientific community will have access to the experimental platforms, molecular data, and other information generated from the research. The program anticipates funding approximately two Clinical Research Extension Award applications with a total allotment of approximately $18.6 million. The maximum direct cost for the entire period of performance is $5 million for a single PI application and $6 million for the Partnering PI Option.

The HealthTech Accelerator is a 90-day tech business accelerator specifically designed for pre-Series A HealthTech startups. This program focuses on critical areas within the health technology sector, including Digital Health, Healthcare Services, Health Sustainability and Wellness, Medical Devices and Equipment, Software, Femtech, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, PharmacyTech, Wearables, and Quantified Self. The program is an initiative of Tampa Bay Wave, a nationally recognized nonprofit, in partnership with the University of South Florida Research & Innovation, The Florida High Tech Corridor, and the U.S. Economic Development Corporation, among others. These partnerships align with the broader mission of fostering innovation and economic growth within the health technology landscape. The primary target beneficiaries of this accelerator are HealthTech startups that are in their pre-Series A funding stage. The program aims to support businesses that are built with proprietary technology, creating next-generation health technology products and solutions. The overarching impact goal is to accelerate the growth and market validation of these innovative startups, ultimately contributing to advancements in healthcare and wellness. By providing structured programming and access to a robust network, the accelerator seeks to empower these companies to overcome common startup challenges and achieve sustainable growth. The program prioritizes companies with dedicated management teams of at least two full-time individuals, demonstrating a serious commitment to their venture. A key focus is on market validation, requiring applicants to show proof that their products or solutions address a real market need. The accelerator also seeks investable and/or scalable businesses with viable business plans and a financial runway of at least 6-12 months. While not strictly requiring relocation, selected companies must plan for on-site participation in Tampa, FL, during each of the three blocks of programming, emphasizing the importance of in-person engagement and collaboration. The expected outcomes for participating startups include enhanced business development, refined proprietary technology, and increased market readiness. Through the 90-day program, companies are anticipated to strengthen their business models, expand their professional networks through partnerships with entities like Accenture, hospitals, health systems, and healthcare-specific VC funds, and improve their readiness for investment. Measurable results would likely include progress in product development, securing follow-on funding, customer acquisition, and overall business growth, all contributing to the program's strategic goal of fostering a vibrant health technology ecosystem.

This program provides funding for community-driven projects that improve the Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin, with a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and positive social impact.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers grants to 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations in the greater West Bend area, Wisconsin, prioritizing projects in arts and culture, education, family, youth, elderly, health and human services, community development, and historic preservation, with an application deadline of 10/07/2024.

The Robert & Patricia Endries Family Foundation seeks applications to benefit people in need in the Brillion area of Wisconsin. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting the vitality of the Brillion area and assisting disadvantaged individuals within the community. This grant program is designed to create a positive impact by addressing various critical needs, ensuring that residents have access to essential services and opportunities for well-being. The foundation prioritizes supporting the disadvantaged, specifically targeting the disabled, homeless, low-income individuals, single parents, troubled youth, and those suffering from chronic or mental illnesses. Additionally, it focuses on health and human services, including support for diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, and mental health. Religious causes with a spiritual purpose and sports or arts programming and sponsorships are also key areas of focus. The foundation's strategic priorities include supporting capital campaigns, particularly for "bricks and mortar" projects, and encouraging matching or challenge gifts to motivate additional giving. While not explicitly stated as "theory of change," the foundation's preference to support national organizations through local chapters serving Brillion residents indicates a strategy to leverage broader resources for local impact. Gifts are directed to specific programs or opportunities, rather than general operations, ensuring targeted impact. Expected outcomes include improved health outcomes for those with specific illnesses, enhanced quality of life for disadvantaged groups, and strengthened community vitality in Brillion through various programs. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus on direct program support suggests that successful applications will demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for positive, tangible changes within the community. The foundation's emphasis on local impact and specific areas of need demonstrates a clear, albeit implicit, theory of change centered on direct community investment and collaboration.

This grant provides funding for significant community projects in Portage and Waushara Counties that promote collaboration across various sectors to enhance quality of life in areas such as arts, education, environment, helping people, and wellness.

This program provides financial support to individual craft, folk, and traditional artists across the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment that enhance their artistic practices.

This program provides funding to traditional artists in Wisconsin to mentor apprentices in preserving and sharing cultural art forms at risk of being lost.