SFFI: Seed Grants
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
Foundation
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Geography
- In Dane County and rural Wisconsin
- In Dane County or rural Wisconsin
Required status
- Your organization is a 501-C3 or has a fiscal sponsor.
Other requirements
- We have a few boxes that need to be checked before you go any further:
- Your organization is not going to lobby or influence an election.
Overview
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.
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.
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
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.What Schlecht Family Foundation Inc actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 35
- Total given
- $844K
- Median grant
- $20K
- Range
- $4,000–$50K
- By dollars: Wisconsin 94%, Colorado 4%, Iowa 2%. Top recipient cities: Madison, WI; Fitchburg, WI; Ashland, WI.
- 97% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
- 46% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.
Example grants
Community Foundation of Sourthern Wisconsin Inc · Janesville, WI
To support operating activities
$50K
Groundswell Conservancy · Spring Green, WI
To support operating activities
$50K
Latino Academy of Workforce Development Inc · Madison, WI
To support operating activities
$50K
Lighthouse Christian School · Madison, WI
To support operating activities
$50K
Operation Fresh Start · Madison, WI
To support operating activities
$50K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Nonprofits
- Seed grants
- Youth programs
- Environmental education
Categories
Browse similar grants by category
Related Grants
Open grants from this funder and similar programs
SFFI: Impact Investments Grant
Schlecht Family Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
SFFI: General Operating Grants
Schlecht Family Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
SFFI: Capacity Building Grants
Schlecht Family Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Incentive Grants
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Inc
Amount
Up to $3,500
Deadline
March 16, 2027
Attic Angel Association Community Grants
Attic Angel Association
Amount
most awards $20,000 (2025-26 range ~$3,700–$23,027)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Crime Prevention Foundation of Brown County
Greater Green Bay Community
Amount
Varies
Deadline
October 31, 2026
Ready to apply for SFFI: Seed Grants?
Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.
You found SFFI: Seed Grants. Now let's win it.