Friends of Wisconsin State Parks

Incentive Grant Information

Grant Application Link
Closeout Report

Application Process

  • Deadline: All applications must be submitted online by March 16, 2026.
  • Announcement: Grant awards will be announced in early April 2026.
  • Closeout Report: Due by November 10, 2026, without exceptions.
  • Application can found at the link above.
  • All Closeout Reports (with Receipts, Invoices, Photos) Must Be Submitted Online by Deadline Date.

Grant Details

  • Funding: Friends groups can apply for up to $3,500.
  • Match Requirement: Minimum 1:1 match from Friends group.
  • Eligibility: Open to Friends Groups that are in good standing with the annual membership fee and a valid agreement with WI State Parks Bureau. (Renew/Apply Group Membership)

Priority Projects

Examples include:

  • Seasonal naturalist wages
  • Naturalist and outdoor education programs and supplies
  • Interpretive exhibits, displays, or signage
  • Adaptive kayak(s) and cart(s)

The application can also cover:

  • Playground enhancements
  • Repairs
  • Equipment
  • Fire rings
  • Picnic tables

Application Guidelines

  1. Discuss the project with the property manager/superintendent (signature required).
  2. Apply online by March 16, 2026.
  3. Complete all questions and information on the online form.
  4. Signatures are required from the grant writer and park manager only.

Important Notes

  • Grant funds cannot be used for administrative overhead, consultation services, planning, or design work.
  • Projects must be located at Wisconsin State Park System properties.
  • Recognition of FWSP funding is required through various means (newsletters, social media, signage, etc.).
  • If the closeout report is not submitted by November 10, 2026, it will be ineligible for 2027 Incentive Grants.

Q and A

What if the project or program is cancelled and we don’t use the money?
Complete the closeout report with that information and return the unused funds to FWSP asap.  We will re-allocate to other local friends groups.

What if a program or project is less than expected?
Complete the close out report by November 10th deadline. Return the unused portion of the funds to FWSP by Nov. 30, 2026.

What if our program or project changes and we will still need to same grant amount?
Complete the close out report and describe the circumstances and details of the changes.
 
Do you want hours only or should we assign a $ value to these donated hours? 
 In-kind labor hours do not count towards the cash match for the grant.
 
Do you now require that the president sign the application? 
 There is no president’s signature required, but the contact of the grant writer AND park manager approval are required.