Grants
The Trillium Foundation seeks to create positive change and lasting opportunities for individuals and communities in Wisconsin through collaboration, strategic partnerships, community initiatives and philanthropic efforts.
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Our Grant Process
Apply now or learn how the grant proposal process works and check if you meet the eligibility requirements.
1. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)
The LOI form is accessible through the website
2. Letter of Intent Reviewed
3. If LOI Approved, Submit a Proposal
The proposal is accessible through the website.
4. Proposal Reviewed
A team of evaluators reviews each proposal. Completion times will depend upon the volume of proposals received.
5. If Approved, Funding Awarded
Letters of Intent and Grant Proposals are only accepted during scheduled time periods.
Proposals go through a competitive review process and proposers will be notified within 60 days of the decision of the Trillium Foundation Board. Time frames may vary dependent upon the volume of proposals received.Â
The Trillium Foundation will review proposals which benefit the people and communities of Wisconsin.
- Proposers must have a 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit tax-exempt status as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- The Trillium Foundation does not fund services currently eligible for public funding.
- Grants will not be awarded to individuals or other grant making foundations or charities.
What is the mission of the Trillium Foundation?
The Trillium Foundation seeks to create positive change and lasting opportunities for individuals and communities in Wisconsin by working collaboratively with others and by helping to establish strong networks of support.
When can I apply? Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Letters of Intent and Grant Proposals are only accepted during scheduled time periods. Notice regarding grant availability will be posted on this website as well as the foundation’s social media pages.Â
How do I know what amount to apply for?
Grant amounts may vary by location, organization size and scope of proposal.
How do I request a grant application packet?
All applications are digital. You may access the form from the grant application page.
Can we meet with someone to discuss a possible proposal?
Grants staff is available via email to discuss your project and may schedule pre-grant interviews with applicants as time permits. After receiving an application, a face-to-face meeting may be scheduled as needed.
Are audited financial statements required?
The requirement for audited financial statements may be waived for small nonprofit organizations. In the event that your organization does not have audited financial statements, your organization will be required to submit last year’s unaudited financial statements, along with interim statements for the current year.
Do you give grants to individuals?
The Trillium Foundation awards grants to qualified public entities or 501(C)(3) charities.
To whom should proposals be addressed?
All grant applications must be submitted online.
Can you help us with writing the grant proposal?
The Foundation does not provide a grant-writing service. We encourage applicants to follow our guidelines in preparing a proposal and to contact the Foundation if they have a question.
I’m a new organization and don’t have all the information requested in the guidelines. Can I still apply?
Send the most current information you have. Once your application is reviewed, a member of our staff will call you if additional information is required or may be substituted.
Should we wait to hear from you before applying to other foundations or funding sources?
It is a good idea to submit applications to multiple sources of funding, as doing so will improve your chances of success.
Do you need multiple copies of our proposal, and should they be bound?
Only the digital submission is required.
Should we include letters of support?
While you may include letters of support in your grant application, they are not necessary.
Before I submit a proposal, can you tell me if the Foundation is interested or would consider the type of grant I am looking for?
While we are happy to discuss your potential request in advance of your submission, it is not necessary. As long as your application reflects the interests of the Foundation as outlined in the guidelines, we would welcome the opportunity to review it.
Will you do a site visit, and should we invite your Board members for a visit?
The Foundation CEO will determine the need for a site visit.
Do you fund scholarships?
The Foundation does not fund scholarships directly to individuals.
How it Works
1. Submit a Proposal
2. Proposal Reviewed
3. Funding Awarded
Funding Basics
Grant Proposals may be submitted throughout the year.
Proposals will go through a competitive review process and proposers will be notified within 60 days of the decision of the Trillium Foundation Board.
Eligibility
The Trillium Foundation will review proposals which benefit the people and communities of Wisconsin.
- Proposers must have a 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit tax-exempt status as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- The Trillium Foundation does not intend to fund services currently eligible for public funding, including but not limited to Family Care, Family Care Partnership, PACE, or IRIS.
- Grants will not be awarded to individuals.
FAQ
What is the mission of the Trillium Foundation?
The Trillium Foundation seeks to create positive change and lasting opportunities for individuals and communities in Wisconsin by working collaboratively with others and by helping to establish strong networks of support.
How do I know what amount to apply for?
Grant amounts may vary by location, organization size and scope of proposal.
How do I request a grant application packet?
All applications are digital. You may access the form from the grant application page.
Can we meet with someone to discuss a possible proposal?
Grants staff is available via email to discuss your project and may schedule pre-grant interviews with applicants as time permits. After receiving an application, a face-to-face meeting may be scheduled as needed.
Are audited financial statements required?
The requirement for audited financial statements may be waived for small nonprofit organizations. In the event that your organization does not have audited financial statements, your organization will be required to submit last year’s unaudited financial statements, along with interim statements for the current year.
Do you give grants to individuals?
The Trillium Foundation awards grants to qualified public entities or 501(C)(3) charities.
To whom should proposals be addressed?
All grant applications must be submitted online.
Can you help us with writing the grant proposal?
The Foundation does not provide a grant-writing service. We encourage applicants to follow our guidelines in preparing a proposal and to contact the Foundation if they have a question.
I’m a new organization and don’t have all the information requested in the guidelines. Can I still apply?
Send the most current information you have. Once your application is reviewed, a member of our staff will call you if additional information is required or may be substituted.
Should we wait to hear from you before applying to other foundations or funding sources?
It is a good idea to submit applications to multiple sources of funding, as doing so will improve your chances of success.
Do you need multiple copies of our proposal, and should they be bound?
Only the digital submission is required.
Should we include letters of support?
While you may include letters of support in your grant application, they are not necessary.
Before I submit a proposal, can you tell me if the Foundation is interested or would consider the type of grant I am looking for?
While we are happy to discuss your potential request in advance of your submission, it is not necessary. As long as your application reflects the interests of the Foundation as outlined in the guidelines, we would welcome the opportunity to review it.
Will you do a site visit, and should we invite your Board members for a visit?
The Foundation CEO will determine the need for a site visit.
Do you fund scholarships?
The Foundation does not fund scholarships directly to individuals.