SFFI: Seed Grants

SFFI: Seed Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Schlecht Family Foundation Inc
Last Updated: October 25, 2025

Summary

The Schlecht Family Foundation Inc offers Seed Grants aimed at nonprofit and social enterprise organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofits launching new programs in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These one-time grants support innovative ideas addressing community challenges and enhancing organizational effectiveness. The foundation seeks applicants dedicated to meaningful work, youth character development, and fostering connections to nature, ensuring a positive impact on the communities they serve.

Overview

We are here to be transformational - not transactional. We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grants at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography. Meaningful Work Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it. Forging Character We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life. Connections to Nature We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical, and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation. Seed Grant 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 startup activities.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.