Organizations have chance to strengthen volunteering

Serve Wisconsin is now accepting applications for two distinct Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant programs. These grants are designed to help organizations recruit, train, engage, manage and sustain volunteers.

This funding is made possible through grants from AmeriCorps and the VGF, aimed at promoting volunteerism.

The first opportunity offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, to enhance volunteer programs within community-based organizations. Serve Wisconsin invites applications from non-profit organizations, Indian Tribes, local governments, schools, institutions of higher education and state agencies.

These grants can be used to support volunteer recruitment, engagement, training, days of service or disaster preparedness training. Serve Wisconsin especially encourages applications from agencies focusing on disaster preparedness, those working with older adult volunteers and youth-led volunteer programs.

The second opportunity is for grants to develop sustainable, skills-based board training programs. The goal is to increase the number of non-profit board members from communities historically under-represented on boards.

With this support, Serve Wisconsin aims to help organizations more fully engage volunteers in community problem-solving and ensure that diverse voices, particularly those from the communities being served, are represented in leadership roles.

Both grant opportunities will reimburse eligible expenses through Sept. 30, 2025. Applicants are required to provide a $1:$1 match, which can be met through external funding or in-kind contributions. Grant awards will be determined through a competitive process, evaluating innovation, project size and scope, and the organization’s readiness to implement the proposed project.

Applications for board training grants are due by Nov. 8. Volunteer engagement grants will be available on a rolling basis, while funds remain.

For more information and to apply, visit servewisconsin.wi.gov.