Collaboration Meets Innovation

We accept grant requests from nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities to positively impact the lives in Northeast Wisconsin. Our funding focuses on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable people in our community by supporting nonprofit organizations and programs addressing vulnerable populations and meeting basic needs. We encourage collaboration and innovation to address complex social issues such as poverty.

Areas of Focus

Food

Food

We believe all community members from young children to our elderly neighbors deserve equal access to nutritious food to sustain physical and mental well-being. JJKF partners with local organizations that remove barriers between people and food, ensuring that no community in Northeast Wisconsin goes hungry.

Physical & Mental Health

Physical & Mental Health

JJKF partners with organizations who help children, adults, and families improve their mental health and wellness by providing comprehensive care and support. These partners foster environments that provide peer support, clinical therapeutic services, advocacy, and education.

Shelter & Housing

Shelter & Housing

JJKF believes that all neighbors through Northeast Wisconsin deserve safe shelter. We partner with organizations across a continuum of housing needs, from emergency shelter to transitional housing programs to home ownership opportunities.

Clothing

Clothing

Access to clean, weather-appropriate clothing is a basic necessity for all community members. JJKF partners with local organizations who provide free, easily accessible clothing to neighbors of all ages.

Life & Literary Skills

Life & Literary Skills

JJKF believes that literacy is a basic need. The power of learning transforms the lives of our neighbors by helping each resident achieve and sustain independence. We partner with local agencies who provide equitable access to literacy skills knowledge.

Types of Grants

Small Grants

Grant applications requesting $25,000 or less are reviewed monthly by the Small Grants committee. For a grant to be considered, please submit the application by the 10th of each month. A site tour and follow-up questions may be required following the request.

How to Apply

Large Grants

Grant applications requesting over $25,000 are reviewed by the J. J. Keller Foundation Board three times a year. To be considered for a grant, please submit your application by the following 2025 dates. A site tour may be required following the grant request.

Occasionally a capital request from a grantee partner will be considered. Applications may be submitted through October 21, 2025, but only after a pre-application meeting with staff to understand funding alignment. Decisions will be made in December.

2025 Application due dates: April 1, July 24, October 21

How to Apply

Challenge Match Grants

Challenge Match grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations to help build their fundraising capacity. The J. J. Keller Foundation matches donations from new donors or increased giving from existing donors; collectively building the nonprofit organization’s donor base and strengthening their financial sustainability.

How to Apply

Associate Matching Gifts Program

The Associate Matching Gifts Program empowers employees of J. J. Keller & Associates to have their monetary donations to qualified nonprofit organizations matched by Foundation funds. Associates will send a Matching Gifts form with their donation which will assist nonprofit organizations with the application process.

How to Apply