Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation is a private foundation in Madison, Wisconsin. In tax year 2024 it gave $219,000 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $4,000 and the largest $126,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$219,000
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$4,000
- Largest grant$126,000
- Assets$6.5 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2024 was down from $220,900 the year before.
32% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $165,500 | 29 | $5.7 million |
| 2023 | $220,900 | 35 | $6.1 million |
| 2024 | $219,000 | 25 | $6.5 million |
How to apply
Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Indiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 1 | $126,000 |
| Wisconsin | 23 | $83,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| US Charitable Gift Trust | Scholarships | $126,000 |
| Aabp | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| University of Wisconsin River Falls | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Univeristy of Wisconsin Madison School of Nursing | Scholarships | $8,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Platteville | Scholarships | $8,000 |
| University of Wisconisn Madison - Cals | Scholarships | $6,000 |
| Professional Dairy Producers Foundation | Scholarships | $5,500 |
| Edgewood College | Scholarships | $5,000 |
| Rural Summer Science Camp - Warf | Scholarships | $5,000 |
| University of Wisconisn Madison - Physician Assistant | Scholarships | $4,500 |
| Univeristy of Wisconsin Madison Vet School | Scholarships | $4,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Eau Claire | Scholarships | $4,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Nursing | Scholarships | $4,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay | Scholarships | $3,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | Scholarships | $3,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Stevens Point | Scholarships | $3,000 |
| Wi FFA Foundation | Scholarships | $2,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Whitewater | Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Lakeshore College | Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Nicolet College | Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Moraine Park Technical College | Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Madison College | Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Waukesha Technical College | Scholarships | $1,000 |
| NE Wi Technical College | Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Western Technical College | Scholarships | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joan Behr
- James Caldwell
- Pat Duffy
- Michelle Livanos
- Charles Crave
- Aliesha Crowe
- Jerry Gaska
- Sam Miller
- Brett Renk
- Sue Schultz
- Marcy Heim
Questions people ask
Does Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation give?
$219,000 in tax year 2024, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $4,000.
Who runs Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Joan Behr (President), James Caldwell (Vice President), Pat Duffy (Secretary) and Michelle Livanos (Marketing Director) among 11 officers and trustees.
What does Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and environment and conservation.