Grant Guidelines

We have a few boxes that need to be checked before you go any further:

  • Your organization is a 501-C3 or has a fiscal sponsor.

  • Your organization serves people in Dane County or rural Wisconsin.

  • Your organization is not going to lobby or influence an election.

If you answered “YES” to these statements, please keep reading.

Our Process for applying

  1. Send an inquiry using this form.

  2. If we believe there’s a fit, we will schedule an interview (questions are sent in advance).

  3. If the interview goes well, we’ll send you a short application.

  4. We consider your request at a Board Meeting. Our Board meets three times a year, typically in April, August and December.

  5. We share the result of our decision. If funding is approved, the check is sent within five business days.

  • Capacity Building grants typically cover activities and technical support that enhance the capabilities, knowledge and resources nonprofits need to more effectively achieve their mission. The amount and duration of these grants is commensurate with the need and potential for increased scale and program quality.

  • Seed Grants are for nonprofit or social enterprise organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofit organizations starting up a new program or service. Seed Funding grants are one-time grants intended to cover up to $15,000 in startup activities.

  • We provide general operating support for mature organizations with a track record of measurable impact. These grants can be anywhere from 1-3 years in duration.

  • Our foundation is interest in providing loans, guarantees and other investments that yield a financial return and catalyze an organization’s impact.