TruStage Foundation — Community Grants Program (2026)
Grants Supporting Economic Mobility Through Education & Housing
The TruStage Foundation provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations working to advance economic mobility. With a strong commitment to equity and social justice, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that create systemic change in underserved and marginalized communities.
Organization
TruStage Foundation
Support Type
Charitable grants
Geographic Focus
Priority given to:
- Madison / Dane County, Wisconsin
- Cedar Valley region, Iowa (Waverly, Waterloo, Cedar Falls)
Additional support:
- Nationwide (limited, primarily through employee giving campaigns)
About the Funder
Established in 1967, the TruStage Foundation is the philanthropic arm of TruStage. The Foundation is committed to advancing equity and dismantling systemic barriers by investing in organizations that support economic mobility. Their approach centers on uplifting underrepresented communities and creating long-term, structural change.
What This Program Supports
The Foundation focuses on economic mobility through two key areas:
Education
- K–12 literacy programs
- Mentoring and tutoring initiatives
- Academic support for underserved students
Housing
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Homelessness prevention and support
- Rental assistance programs
Programs should demonstrate a clear connection to improving long-term financial stability and opportunity.
Eligible Support Types
- Programmatic funding for education or housing initiatives
- Community-based programs advancing economic mobility
- Initiatives serving marginalized or underrepresented populations
Eligibility & Preferences
Applicants should:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Align with the Foundation’s focus on economic mobility
- Center equity and inclusion in program design and delivery
- Demonstrate measurable community impact
Strong preference is given to organizations located in priority regions (Wisconsin and Iowa).
Ineligible Requests
The TruStage Foundation does not fund:
- Programs outside economic mobility focus areas
- Requests unrelated to education or housing
- Arts, animal welfare, sports, or recreation programs
- Capital campaigns
- Individuals or fraternal organizations
- Political or religious causes (non-educational)
Funding Amounts
TruStage Foundation does not publicly list standard grant amounts. Awards vary based on alignment, impact, and available funding.
Timeline & Review
📅 Cycle 2 Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
📅 Decision Date: June 8, 2026
Additional 2026 cycles:
- Cycle 1: Closed (Feb 13 deadline)
- Cycle 3: Opens May 4 – August 14, 2026
Applications are only accepted during designated cycle windows.
Application / Request Process
Applications are reviewed by the CSR team and presented to the Foundation Board. Applicants should:
- Clearly demonstrate alignment with education or housing priorities
- Show how the program advances economic mobility
- Highlight impact on underserved communities
- Submit within the designated application window
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.trustage.com/about-us/csr/foundation
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This grant is ideal for organizations that:
- Focus on education or housing as pathways to economic mobility
- Serve marginalized or underrepresented communities
- Operate in Wisconsin or Iowa priority regions
- Can demonstrate systemic, long-term impact
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Cyclical (3 cycles annually)
Typical Lead Time: Apply within designated cycle windows
Best Suited For: Nonprofits focused on economic mobility, education, and housing
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