Wisconsin Business and Commerce Grants

The Women’s Fund of Central New York, an affiliate fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, supports and empowers women and girls in Central New York through an endowment fund, grants, and initiatives. Founded in 1998 and led by volunteers, its primary focus is to address key issues affecting this demographic. The fund's mission aligns with the broader Central New York Community Foundation's goal to foster community well-being by specifically targeting the advancement and full participation of women and girls. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are women and girls residing in Cayuga, Onondaga, Madison, or Oswego counties. The program aims to achieve significant impact by seeking innovative programs that address problems or seize opportunities for the benefit of these individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expectation is for proposals to demonstrate practical approaches to community problems and strengthen agency effectiveness, implying outcomes such as improved community conditions and enhanced organizational capacity. The Leadership Council prioritizes capacity-building activities and new projects within organizations over ongoing projects. They look for proposals that suggest practical approaches to community problems, promote cooperation among agencies without duplicating services, generate community support (professional and volunteer), strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability, and address both prevention and remediation. This strategic focus indicates a preference for impactful, sustainable, and collaborative initiatives. Grant requests should not exceed $5,000, and eligibility is extended to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations (like schools and municipalities), and organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Preference is given to organizations with annual operating budgets of $5 million or less, indicating a strategic priority to support smaller, community-focused entities. The foundation explicitly does not fund recurring grants to previously supported programs, annual operating budgets (unless "seed" or "bridge" funding), endowments, religious purposes, loans to individuals, medical or academic research (unless donor-requested), or activities predating the Women's Fund's decision date, thereby defining its theory of change as one that fosters new, impactful, and strategically aligned initiatives.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit and volunteer-led organizations in promoting events that attract visitors to Viroqua, Wisconsin, with a focus on enhancing tourism and increasing overnight stays.

This grant provides financial support to women entrepreneurs in western Wisconsin who are starting new businesses, focusing on those in the early stages of development.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin to foster collaborative ecosystems that support early-stage, high-growth startups through mentorship, resources, and infrastructure development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions to support community improvement projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Somerset, Wisconsin.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and public entities that enhance economic development and civic pride in Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, through community-driven projects and initiatives.

This funding program provides financial support to event organizers in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to create initiatives that attract overnight visitors and boost local tourism.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Wisconsin to enhance their capacity to support small businesses through mentorship, training, and technical assistance.

This funding opportunity is designed to support businesses in Eagle River's urban core by providing financial assistance for projects that improve commercial infrastructure, create jobs, and boost the local economy.

This program provides financial assistance to property and business owners in Downtown Fond du Lac to enhance safety through the installation of surveillance cameras and emergency access lock boxes.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote affordable housing, workforce development through education and training, or small business growth to enhance community well-being.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses in Milwaukee for improving the appearance and functionality of commercial properties in underutilized areas, enhancing community development and economic vitality.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This program provides financial assistance and support to Wisconsin-based businesses looking to expand their export activities and enter new international markets.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and partners for marketing projects that attract out-of-town visitors to special events in Janesville, Wisconsin, boosting local tourism and economic growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Wisconsin meat processors for expanding operations and improving infrastructure to enhance the state's meat supply chain.

This program provides $5,000 grants to BIPOC LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to support their business growth through funding, education, and networking opportunities.

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 grant provides funding to empower community leaders who have experienced forced displacement, supporting innovative projects that foster collaboration and integration between refugees and local communities in select U.S. states.