Preparing your application
To ensure a smooth application process, please review the sections to the right to gather the necessary details before beginning.
Our online application requires specific project narratives, financial documentation, and alignment with our mission pillars. Having this information ready will help you complete the form efficiently, as you will need to categorize your proposal and provide a clear budget for consideration.
When you are ready to submit, please select the button corresponding to your desired funding cycle.
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We highly recommend reviewing this information and completing your application on a desktop rather than a mobile device.
select your desired 2026 application cycle to begin:
Questions? Contact WFU Grants Specialist Michelle Bachand at 715-933-8798 or mbachand@wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
1. Choose your grant category
Before starting, identify which category best fits your proposal:
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Conference or Organizational Sponsorship: Funding for event-based support or sponsorships that align with the WFU mission. This usually includes visibility or recognition for the WFU Foundation, such as logo placement or tabling opportunities.
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General Support or Donations: Intended for general funding appeals or broad operational support for entities working toward the Foundation's goals.
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Programs or Projects: Support for specific, time-bound initiatives, typically under $1,000. WFU Chapters should use this category for local initiatives aimed at increasing outreach, providing rural education, and developing community partnerships.
2. PRE-APPLICATION CHECKLIST
General Requirements for All Applicants:
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Contact & Organization Information
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Primary Contact: Name, email, and phone number.
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Mailing Address: The full address where a check should be sent if the grant is awarded.
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WFU Membership: Indication of whether you are a current member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union.
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Applicant Type: Identify if you are applying as an Individual, Nonprofit, Organization, or WFU Chapter/Partner.
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Legal Name: The official name of the nonprofit, organization, or WFU Chapter.
Mission Alignment - Pillar Selection: Confirmation that your proposal aligns with at least two of the following Foundation pillars:
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Fostering family farming.
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Enhancing the quality of life.
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Providing opportunities for public education and dialogue on rural issues.
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Encouraging cooperative economic development.
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Specific Information by Category:
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Once the general information above is gathered, please prepare the following details based on your specific grant type:
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OPTION A - Conference or Organizational Sponsorships
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Sponsorship Details: The name of the conference/organization and a brief description.
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Funding Request: The specific sponsorship amount or a range of sponsorship levels.
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Sponsorship Visibility: Details on how the WFU Foundation will be recognized (e.g., logos, tabling, plaques).
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Sponsorship Packet: An optional upload of your existing sponsorship document or packet (20MB max).
OPTION B - General Support & Programs or Projects​
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Project Narrative - A project title, summary of activities (max 350 words), and a background/history of the applicant (max 300 words).
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Financials: The total grant amount requested and a detailed budget file showing how funds will be used.
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Goals: The top two goals or objectives you intend to accomplish.
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Sponsorship Visibility: Details on how the WFU Foundation will be recognized (e.g., logos, tabling, plaques).
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Additional Details: An optional upload section for any additional files.
3. deadlines & review process
Applications are reviewed quarterly by the WFU Foundation Board of Directors. Application cycles close on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15.
Awards may take up to 6 weeks to process; please apply well in advance of your project date to ensure funding is available when needed.
