Updated Oct 29, 2026
Private foundations based in Appleton, Wisconsin
19 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, holding $98M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 5 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Venture-Schmidt Family Foundation Incsince 1986 | $5.8M208 grants · 2024 | $10K | Yes | $5.4M |
| Allen Foundationsince 1991 | $1.2M12 grants · 2025 | $43K | Preselected only | $16M |
| Thomas a Plein Foundation Ltdsince 1987 | $867K28 grants · 2025 | $20K | Yes | $8.2M |
| Hartwig Family Foundation Incsince 2000 | $713K39 grants · 2024 | $10K | Preselected only | $7.4M |
| Francie Luke Silverman Foundation Under the Francie Silvermansince 2014 | $545K89 grants · 2025 | $4,000 | Yes | $13M |
| Geoff and Kelly Crowley Family Foundation Incsince 2009 | $538K19 grants · 2024 | $20K | Preselected only | $3.7M |
| The Clarence Wallace and Dolores Lynch Wallace Family Foundationsince 1996 | $505K69 grants · 2025 | $4,000 | Yes | $6.3M |
| St Francis Xavier Catholic School System Foundation Incsince 1984 | $473K5 grants · 2024 | $81K | Preselected only | $9.9M |
| Aylward Family Foundation Incsince 1955 | $424K16 grants · 2024 | $10K | Yes | $5.5M |
| The Norbell Foundationsince 1995 | $281K53 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $2.2M |
| Robert and Joan Follett Memorial Charitable Trsince 2009 | $162K1 grants · 2025 | $162K | Preselected only | $2.0M |
| Fox Cities Amateur Sports Authoritysince 1994 | $151K1 grants · 2025 | $151K | Preselected only | $3.8M |
| St John Family Foundation Trsince 2014 | $144K10 grants · 2025 | $18K | Preselected only | $2.3M |
| Betty a Lewis Environmental Charitable Trsince 2010 | $142K36 grants · 2025 | $3,938 | Preselected only | $2.8M |
| Karen K St John Charitable Educatio Education Trustsince 2013 | $133K5 grants · 2025 | $27K | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Hetzel-Long Family Foundation Incsince 2022 | $112K12 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $2.7M |
| Van Hoof Family Foundatiob Incsince 1996 | $99K2 grants · 2025 | $50K | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Shirley E Butzin Charitable Fundsince 2022 | $66K9 grants · 2025 | $6,623 | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Allan W and Caroline H Ruppar Foundation for Lutheran Global Missince 2018 | $49K1 grants · 2025 | $49K | Preselected only | $1.1M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Wisconsin
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Wisconsin Arts Board — Organizational GrantsStateWisconsin Arts Board | Wisconsin Arts Board | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Wisconsin Humanities — Humanities GrantsStateWisconsin Humanities | Wisconsin Humanities | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in Appleton, Wisconsin?
Our directory lists 19 private grantmaking foundations in Appleton, Wisconsin with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $98M. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.