Common Good Philanthropies 2026 Grant Cycle

Common Good Philanthropies 2026 Grant Cycle is sponsored by Common Good Philanthropies. Supports nonprofits and agencies serving older adults and people of all abilities in Wisconsin, focusing on inclusive community health initiatives.

Grant Information — Common Good Philanthropies Let’s Build What’s Next Together Common Good Philanthropies is a Wisconsin-based grantmaking organization advancing inclusive, community-centered systems for older adults and people of all abilities. Formed from the proceeds of Inclusa, Inc., we invest in bold ideas that strengthen long-term services and supports, expand belonging, and build sustainable systems for the future.

Common Good Philanthropies operates within the Commonunity® framework, emphasizing choice, home, contribution, accessibility, and belonging.

Through this lens, we work to evolve how long-term services and supports (LTSS) are delivered, including: Expanding access to competitive integrated employment Advancing independent community living and non-congregate models Exploring value-based approaches that improve outcomes Your Next Chapter Starts Here Common Good Philanthropies invests in bold ideas that advance innovative, inclusive solutions for older adults and people of all abilities across Wisconsin.

Through our grant pathways, we partner with nonprofits and state agencies to move beyond short-term pressures, strengthening leadership, testing new approaches, and scaling solutions that build resilient, sustainable systems of care. Substantial initiatives driving long-term, transformative change aligned with strategic priorities. Targeted, short-term funding for time-sensitive projects with clear, measurable outcomes.

The Open Call for both grant pathways begins on April 1, 2026 Common Good Philanthropies supports organizations advancing innovative, scalable solutions that strengthen Wisconsin’s long-term services and supports. We welcome proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations and other tax-exempt entities working to build a stronger, more inclusive LTSS ecosystem.

If you’re unsure whether your idea aligns, we encourage you to reach out ; many strong projects begin with a conversation. Across all areas, we prioritize initiatives that strengthen leadership and governance, expand workforce and employment pathways, increase access to services, better integrate medical and long-term care, and improve lasting sustainability. The examples below are illustrative, not exhaustive.

We are especially interested in ideas related to housing, community living, integrated employment, workforce development, peer support, and systems-level transformation. Our investments generally fall within three interconnected areas: We support efforts that pilot, evaluate, or scale transformative models that expand community living, integrated employment, workforce quality, and sustainable service delivery.

Examples may include: Expanding access to community-based and non-congregate living options Increasing competitive integrated employment, especially for individuals with complex needs Strengthening workforce retention and quality in home- and community-based services Testing value-based or risk-sharing approaches across providers and payers Scaling validated models with long-term public funding potential Supporting pilot programs, new service models, or approaches to care and independence Building organizational capacity needed to launch or expand innovative programs, including investments in infrastructure, evaluation, and technology Projects that pilot new or emerging models may receive separate funding for independent evaluation.

Applicants do not need to include evaluation costs in their proposed budget. We invest in building strong, future-focused leaders who can drive systems change.

Training programs for self-advocates and family members Leadership development for provider organizations Fellowship or internship programs connected to public policy and systems change Partnerships that bring proven national leadership models to Wisconsin Cross-sector collaborations and initiatives that improve how systems work together Capacity investments that allow organizations to participate in or lead collaborative efforts, such as coordination roles or partnership infrastructure We support work that strengthens transparency, research, and informed policymaking in Wisconsin’s long-term services and supports system.

This may include: Educating policymakers and the public on disability and aging policy Rigorous analysis of public policy impacts Data collection and monitoring initiatives that increase accountability and transparency Research, evaluation and dissemination of promising practices Capacity building that strengthens data, evaluation or learning systems Open Call & Application Process Beginning April 1, 2026, Common Good Philanthropies will accept Letters of Interest (LOI) for both the Immediate Impact Grant and the Catalyst Grant.

We encourage organizations to reach out early. Our team welcomes conversation and is available to help clarify alignment before submission. After submitting an LOI through our online portal , applicants can expect a response within four to six weeks of the Open Call deadline.

Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal and supporting materials. Our process is designed to be clear, transparent, and focused on partnership, not bureaucracy, so organizations can concentrate on vision and impact. Use our online portal to submit your Letter of Interest.

First-time applicants should create an account before beginning the process. We look forward to learning about your bold ideas. When does Common Good Philanthropies accept applications?

Who can I speak to at Common Good Philanthropies regarding potential project ideas? Common Good Philanthropies welcomes pre-submission inquiries. You can e-mail us at info@commongoodwi.

org . ‍ My organization has an idea for a project outside of Wisconsin. Can we still apply for funding?

At the present time, Common Good Philanthropies is primarily considering proposals within the State of Wisconsin or that will have a substantial impact on Wisconsin’s long-term services and supports ecosystem. Successful proposals must demonstrate a clear relationship between project activities and outcomes for people with disabilities and older adults residing in the State of Wisconsin.

What kinds of projects does Common Good Philanthropies NOT support?

Common Good Philanthropies does not support any of the following activities: Grants to individuals, including individual scholarships Capital campaigns or endowments Programs for the purpose of religious education Financial deficits or debt reduction Activities that are duplicative of Family Care, IRIS or other available public funding streams What are the reporting requirements for awarded projects?

Reporting is designed to be collaborative and streamlined, and alternative reporting formats may be considered. Grantees complete: Initial Check-in (within three months) Mid-Project Report (for grants over $50,000) Final Report and Check-in Is an organization eligible for multiple Common Good Philanthropies grants in the same year?

Organizations currently receiving a grant from Common Good Philanthropies are not eligible to apply for new funding within the same calendar year. This ensures that we can support a diverse range of initiatives and can extend our impact across different projects. What is Common Good Philanthropies?

Common Good Philanthropies is a Wisconsin-based philanthropic partner that helps nonprofits and agencies bring lasting, inclusive solutions to life for older adults and people of all abilities. We invest more than dollars—bringing networks, trust, and collaboration that help organizations move beyond short-term pressures to long-term sustainability.

We believe transformation requires systemic change, so we back bold ideas that build communities where dignity, choice, and connection are possible for everyone. Is there a relationship between Common Good Philanthropies and the Inclusa Managed Care Organization? No. Common Good Philanthropies is an independent entity with no ties to any Managed Care Organization or other external entity.

Our grantmaking is wholly separate and independent. What kind of organizations may apply for funding from Common Good Philanthropies? Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit tax-exempt status as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Organizations currently receiving a grant from Common Good Philanthropies are not eligible to apply for new funding within the same calendar year. This ensures that we can support a diverse range of initiatives and can extend our impact across different projects. Awarded organizations are welcome to apply again in the year following the conclusion of the funding award.

Does Common Good Philanthropies provide general operating support? Common Good Philanthropies does not typically provide unrestricted general operating support through its open grant opportunities. However, certain operational expenses may be included in grant requests when they are directly tied to capacity-building efforts, strategic initiatives, or project implementation aligned with our funding priorities.

Does Common Good Philanthropies support long-term projects? Common Good Philanthropies is open to both short-term (1 year) or long-term (2-3 year) grant proposals. Longer-term grant proposals should include specific budget projections for each year the program would be in operation.

Long-term projects are most likely to be supported when an initiative requires a longer duration to demonstrate effectiveness and impact. Otherwise, Common Good Philanthropies will also consider proposals in consecutive years to renew funding for a successful project. Indirect expenses may not exceed 15% of the total grant amount.

We accept proposals for 12–24 months of funding. Multi-year proposals must include detailed annual budgets.