Wisconsin Housing Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit and community organizations in Iowa and Wisconsin that focus on addressing hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety.

The Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) program provides funding to address brownfields sites where contamination impedes economic redevelopment. Administered by the DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment Program, it offers contractor services awards for Phase I and Phase II assessments and community-managed subgrants. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribes, and private entities. Properties must meet the federal definition of a brownfield. Ineligible sites include those with responsible party contamination, on the National Priorities List, or subject to certain regulatory orders. Application involves demonstrating eligibility, completing required forms, and submitting materials to Gena Larson. If awarded, the DNR provides support throughout the assessment project. Contact Gena Larson for more information.

This grant provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations in Stevens Point for projects that boost tourism and increase overnight stays in the city.

The Water-Right Charitable Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) public charities in Wisconsin, particularly those serving the Fox Valley Region, to support projects addressing basic needs, environmental needs, and education.

The City of Wausau in Wisconsin is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Development Block Grant, aimed at benefiting low/moderate income persons, preventing slums/blight, and addressing urgent needs, with a focus on affordable housing, public services, and public facilities, open to public or private non-profit agencies, public housing authorities, and government entities.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust's grant program aims to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This mission aligns with the foundation's core belief in supporting innovative projects that go beyond basic care, providing long-term benefits for animals today and in the future. The trust focuses on helping organizations deliver an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include homeless and abused companion animals, native wildlife, and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas or those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Impact goals include increasing successful adoptions, improving staff and volunteer care delivery, promoting humane education, enhancing access to medical care, and controlling pet and feral animal populations through spay/neuter initiatives. The program prioritizes several key areas: animal adoption, behavior training, and fostering; continuing education and training for staff and volunteers; humane and wildlife education; medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness care for animals; pet and feral animal population control through spay/neuter; equipment directly benefiting animals; and other animal care initiatives that celebrate the human-animal bond. Preferred projects include non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity, opportunities for staff and volunteer development, school and community programs addressing humane care, and assistance for owned pets from under-resourced households. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased successful adoptions, improved delivery of care by staff and volunteers, enhanced community understanding of animal welfare, better access to medical care for vulnerable animal populations, and a reduction in unwanted pet populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that lead to a high quality of life for individual animals and significant improvements for large numbers of animals. Their theory of change is that by funding innovative projects and supporting eligible organizations, they can foster better humane care, improve animal well-being, and address critical issues such as overpopulation and lack of access to care, ultimately creating a more compassionate environment for animals.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Green Lake County and the City of Ripon that assist vulnerable residents by offering essential resources like food, shelter, and support services to promote stability and self-sufficiency.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Eau Claire area for high-impact projects that improve the quality of life for local residents.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The MadiSUN Backyard Solar Grant Program, funded by the City of Madison and managed by RENEW Wisconsin, aims to expand access to solar power for Madison-based community organizations and affordable housing providers. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to promote renewable energy adoption and support local communities, particularly those serving City of Madison residents. By focusing on non-profit 501(c)3 organizations and affordable housing providers, the program strategically targets entities that can leverage solar installations to benefit a significant number of residents, contributing to sustainable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations and affordable housing providers located within the City of Madison. The impact goals include increasing the installation of solar systems within these organizations, thereby reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint. Ultimately, this leads to environmental benefits for the City of Madison and provides a long-term, sustainable energy solution for community-focused entities. The program prioritizes organizations that serve City of Madison residents, ensuring that the benefits of solar energy are distributed equitably across the community. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around facilitating solar energy access through financial assistance. Grants are awarded to assist with the installation of solar systems, with funding amounts based on the capacity of the solar energy installed. Specifically, grants fund $250 for every 1 kilowatt of solar energy installed. There are maximum grant amounts of $10,000 for installations less than 100 kilowatts and $15,000 for installations equal to or more than 100 kilowatts. A total of $50,000 in grant funds are available, demonstrating a commitment to making solar power more attainable for eligible organizations. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in solar energy capacity among Madison's community organizations and affordable housing providers. Organizations receiving grants are given 12 months to complete their solar projects, allowing for a timely implementation of these energy solutions. The measurable results will be quantified by the number of kilowatts of solar energy installed through the grants and the number of organizations adopting solar power. This directly contributes to the city's strategic priorities for environmental sustainability and community resilience, with the theory of change positing that direct financial incentives will overcome barriers to solar adoption, leading to widespread benefits.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) is offering funding through its Housing Grant Program to support initiatives that expand access to quality housing across the state. The program aims to strengthen Wisconsin’s communities by improving housing options for low- and moderate-income residents through new construction, property rehabilitation, and adaptive improvements. By supporting innovative projects that address local housing needs, WHEDA seeks to foster inclusive growth and enhance the overall livability of Wisconsin’s towns, cities, and rural areas. Grant funds may be used for a variety of development-related activities. Eligible uses include new construction, building or site acquisition, rehabilitation of existing properties, and modifications to improve handicapped accessibility. The program also supports building conversions or additions that increase the number of housing units available. Projects may range from revitalizing underused buildings to creating entirely new housing developments designed to meet local demand. However, funds cannot be used for activities such as feasibility studies, market analyses, down payment assistance, ongoing operational expenses, or costs incurred before the grant award date. Eligibility for this program extends to nonprofit organizations and cooperatives organized under Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 181, 185, or 187, as well as community development authorities, housing authorities, local governments, and Native American tribal authorities. Nonprofits and cooperatives must be in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions at the time of application. The program is designed to ensure equitable access, but applicants that have received consecutive grants in 2021, 2022, and 2023 are not eligible for the 2024 cycle, though they may reapply in 2025. Additionally, organizations with outstanding final reports from prior awards will not be considered until reporting is completed. Each grant is intended to support projects that can be completed within a one-year timeframe. WHEDA emphasizes accountability and sustainability in project delivery, requiring applicants to demonstrate that their initiatives will be completed efficiently and will have a measurable, positive impact on local housing outcomes. Projects should align with WHEDA’s mission to promote economic development through affordable, stable, and inclusive housing opportunities that benefit residents statewide. Through this grant program, WHEDA continues to invest in the long-term strength of Wisconsin communities by empowering local organizations to address pressing housing challenges. By funding efforts that enhance accessibility, preserve affordability, and stimulate economic activity through housing development, WHEDA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every Wisconsin resident has a place to call home.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

The Wispact Inc. Foundation offers charitable grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities by supporting organizations that provide critical services. The foundation's strategic priority is to address a range of needs that improve daily living conditions and foster greater independence and inclusion for this population across all counties in Wisconsin. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Wisconsin. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by funding programs that provide safe living environments, increase accessibility, offer essential assistive devices, and promote inclusive educational and recreational opportunities. The ultimate goal is to improve day-to-day living conditions, enhance accessibility, provide necessary support, and foster personal fulfillment and edification for people with disabilities. The Wispact Foundation's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined, including housing programs designed to improve living conditions and accessibility, provision of assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, and shower chairs, and inclusive education/recreation programs like workshops, summer camps, and art classes, along with educational equipment. The foundation also prioritizes the expansion of current services and transportation solutions, recognizing these as critical components for independent living and community integration. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, increased access to assistive devices that aid in daily tasks, and greater participation in educational and recreational activities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served by housing improvements, assistive device provisions, and participation in educational and recreational programs, as well as the expansion of existing services and improved transportation access. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, they can create tangible, positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities, leading to greater independence, dignity, and community engagement. The Wispact Foundation strictly outlines eligibility criteria and restrictions to ensure that grants effectively serve their intended purpose. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits in good standing, and all grant funds must exclusively benefit individuals with disabilities. The foundation does not support capital campaigns, general operating expenses unrelated to the grant purpose, retroactive funding, basic research, staff development activities, or projects that already have existing funding, thereby ensuring that resources are directed towards specific, impactful initiatives.

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) is implementing new grantmaking approaches to effectively invest in people, places, and opportunities in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The new model includes Strategic Grants and Community Responsive Fund grants. Strategic Grants are awarded directly by OBT to organizations with at least $500,000 in expenses from the previous year, aligning with OBT's objectives. Community Responsive Fund grants are managed by intermediary partners, focusing on organizations with less than $500,000 in expenses.

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) Community Grants aim to address ongoing and evolving community needs within Waukesha County, Wisconsin. This program aligns with the WCCF's mission to support various critical areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community well-being. The grants are designed to be flexible, supporting a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the county's social fabric and improve residents' quality of life. These grants target a broad spectrum of beneficiaries across several key program areas, including Arts & Culture, Health & Human Services, Community Development, Education, Environment & Conservation, and Historical Preservation. Additionally, specific Field of Interest Funds are available for Literacy, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and LGBTQ+ Causes, indicating a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and addressing pressing social issues. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more resilient and thriving Waukesha County by investing in projects that create positive, lasting change. The WCCF prioritizes proposals that demonstrate collaboration among organizations serving similar clients, aiming to maximize collective impact and avoid duplication of efforts. Strengthening the internal operations of organizations is another key focus, recognizing that robust organizational capacity is essential for effective service delivery. Special consideration is also given to proposals that align with WCCF’s flagship issue of safe and affordable housing, highlighting a strategic priority to address this fundamental need within the community. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved access to resources, and progress on specific community challenges. While not explicitly detailing measurable results, the emphasis on strengthening internal operations and impacting outcomes on a community basis implies a focus on demonstrating tangible improvements. The WCCF's strategic priorities are clearly centered on collaboration, organizational effectiveness, and addressing critical community needs like housing, reflecting a theory of change that values partnerships and sustainable solutions for community-wide benefit.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

The FY24 BCRP Clinical Research Extension Award is a specialized grant mechanism designed to maximize the clinical impact of previously funded breast cancer clinical studies. The core purpose is to extend or expand the data collection, patient follow-up, and subsequent analysis of these existing trials. This is strategically aligned with the BCRP's mission to prevent the loss of invaluable knowledge that can occur due to early trial termination, limited patient follow-up, or suboptimal use of collected specimens and data. By supporting research that maximizes the value of patient contributions—such as tissue, serum, and data—the mechanism ensures that science respects and utilizes these contributions to accelerate progress toward ending breast cancer. The grant's impact goals are focused on extending or enhancing the influence of a previously funded clinical study, or generating completely new impact toward ending breast cancer. The ultimate beneficiaries include the American public, and specifically active-duty Service Members, Veterans, and military beneficiaries, as the proposed research must demonstrate relevance to these populations. The program strongly encourages collaborations between researchers at military/Veteran institutions and non-military institutions to leverage unique knowledge and access to clinical populations, thereby advancing cancer research critical to military families and the American public. The CDMRP also encourages applicants to review and address the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force. Key priorities and focus areas guide the research scope. Although not exhaustive, supported research may include deeper molecular analysis of existing clinical samples, initiation of new correlative studies, biomarker validation, or continuing clinical follow-up of patients from open or completed trials. The proposed work can be hypothesis-testing or -generating, but it specifically prohibits the conduct of new clinical trials. The program also prioritizes collaboration through the Partnering PI Option, accommodating two Principal Investigators (PIs) who bring distinct, yet equally valued, intellectual contributions to the project. A non-negotiable priority is the inclusion of two or more breast cancer Consumer Advocates who must provide objective input on the study's design and execution, focusing on the research's potential impact for individuals with, or at risk for, breast cancer. Expected outcomes and measurable results are rooted in rigorous data evaluation and sharing. Applicants must propose a study sample size that guarantees the generation of valid conclusions or a meaningful hypothesis, along with sufficient evidence and statistical methods to support their objectives. A required outcome is the outline of a robust data-sharing plan, ensuring that the scientific community will have access to the experimental platforms, molecular data, and other information generated from the research. The program anticipates funding approximately two Clinical Research Extension Award applications with a total allotment of approximately $18.6 million. The maximum direct cost for the entire period of performance is $5 million for a single PI application and $6 million for the Partnering PI Option.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Waupaca for essential exterior repairs to preserve older homes, particularly those impacted by financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program provides funding to nonprofit housing developers for the acquisition and demolition of deteriorated properties to facilitate the construction of new residential developments in aging neighborhoods.

The Robert & Patricia Endries Family Foundation seeks applications to benefit people in need in the Brillion area of Wisconsin. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting the vitality of the Brillion area and assisting disadvantaged individuals within the community. This grant program is designed to create a positive impact by addressing various critical needs, ensuring that residents have access to essential services and opportunities for well-being. The foundation prioritizes supporting the disadvantaged, specifically targeting the disabled, homeless, low-income individuals, single parents, troubled youth, and those suffering from chronic or mental illnesses. Additionally, it focuses on health and human services, including support for diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, and mental health. Religious causes with a spiritual purpose and sports or arts programming and sponsorships are also key areas of focus. The foundation's strategic priorities include supporting capital campaigns, particularly for "bricks and mortar" projects, and encouraging matching or challenge gifts to motivate additional giving. While not explicitly stated as "theory of change," the foundation's preference to support national organizations through local chapters serving Brillion residents indicates a strategy to leverage broader resources for local impact. Gifts are directed to specific programs or opportunities, rather than general operations, ensuring targeted impact. Expected outcomes include improved health outcomes for those with specific illnesses, enhanced quality of life for disadvantaged groups, and strengthened community vitality in Brillion through various programs. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus on direct program support suggests that successful applications will demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for positive, tangible changes within the community. The foundation's emphasis on local impact and specific areas of need demonstrates a clear, albeit implicit, theory of change centered on direct community investment and collaboration.