Wisconsin Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist pregnant and postpartum individuals in Wisconsin with Medicaid applications and renewals, aiming to improve maternal health and reduce disparities.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in the Duluth area that promote equity and justice for people of African Heritage through community-building activities and initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to grassroots community organizing groups in the Midwest that focus on empowering low- and moderate-income populations, particularly those historically excluded from civic participation, to drive systemic change and promote social justice.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover from challenges.

This funding opportunity provides up to $4,000 to nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin that promote community engagement and cultural sharing through public humanities programs.

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 grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Dunn and Pepin counties, Wisconsin, to improve the health, education, and financial stability of local residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area that promote racial equity and inclusion through initiatives in early childhood education, mental health, and workforce development.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit and grassroots organizations in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin to implement community-driven projects that promote equity, resilience, and belonging.

This program provides funding for new or expanded collaborative arts projects that promote arts education, cultural understanding, and community development in Wisconsin.

This grant provides funding to small and mid-size nonprofit visual and performing arts organizations in Wisconsin to support innovative projects that promote equity, cultural sustainability, and community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Marathon County to create and enhance public arts activities, such as concerts and exhibitions, that benefit the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in the greater Chicago area to strengthen the local food system through infrastructure improvements or policy advocacy focused on equity and sustainability.

This grant provides financial support to mid-career visual artists with disabilities in the Midwest, promoting their artistic development and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to plan and host two virtual summits focused on improving maternal and child health in Wisconsin, targeting local and Tribal health agencies.