RESOURCES AND GRANTS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

The 10,000 Communities Initiative aims to accelerate and advance critical community infrastructure projects by maximizing innovation and integration across regions, sectors, and sources of investment capital.

The National Rural Education Association and the Rural Schools Collaborative are accepting applications for the National Signature Project Award, a $2,500 grant to an outstanding and innovative classroom project that exemplifies the very best in place-based education. The National Signature Project Award is open to any rural classroom teacher in the United States.

This program’s goal is to increase the production of advanced biofuels.

The Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program awards financial assistance to small- and medium-sized manufacturers in energy communities to 1) establish new facilities or 2) re-equip or expand existing facilities for the manufacturing or recycling of advanced energy property.

The purpose of this program is to prepare new Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to effectively provide primary care by supporting the establishment, expansion and/or enhancement of existing community-based Nurse Practitioner (NP) residency and fellowship training programs.

The purpose of the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program is to increase the number of primary care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives trained and prepared to provide primary care services, mental health and substance use disorder care, and/or maternal health care.

The Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Visualization allows users to investigate the percentage of ACP enrollment participation by ZIP code, and is updated when new data is made available.

DATCP staff can work with the consultant or "responsible person" to monitor the cleanup. The program reviews applications for eligible cost reimbursement and provides cost reimbursement to responsible parties.

AEA is an area of productive agriculture that has received designation from the state at the request of landowners and local governments. AEAs strive to support local farmland protection goals.

This program provides a level of assurance that producers of milk, vegetables, and grain will be paid for the products they sell and that grain in storage is properly cared for.

The AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture.

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - EWD focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences.

The Agriculture Innovation Center Program funds Agriculture Innovation Centers (Centers) that provide technical and business development assistance to Agricultural Producers.

The Native Nations and Indigenous Elders SDP encourages investment in projects focused on underserved Indigenous and Native communities, advancing opportunities for older adults to make an impact, through their time and experience.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in interventions/practices to strengthen communities.

AmeriCorps planning grants provide support to a grant recipient to develop an AmeriCorps program that will engage AmeriCorps members in implementing evidence-based interventions to solve community problems.

This is a source of public information available to local communities, professionals, and other stakeholders interested in addressing human trafficking in Wisconsin.

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training model that combines on-the-job learning with job-related instruction.

The Areas of Persistent Poverty Program awards grants for planning, engineering, or development of technical or financing plans for projects that assist Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities.

This program provides loan guarantees up to $250 million to assist in the development, construction, and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies.

The BIL includes special provision for rural communities, and many programs have portions of grant funding reserved for rural communities. Ensuring rural Wisconsin has access to BIL funding is a high priority of WEDC and the Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP).

The Broadband Infrastructure Program is directed to partnerships between a state, or one or more political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas.

BTA provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training and supports the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives.

The goal of the Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Program supports community redevelopment by providing grants of up to $150,000 to local governments seeking to redevelop sites impacted by environmental contamination.

The goal of the Brownfields Grant Program provides funds to support community redevelopment in commercial and industrial sites that have been adversely impacted by environmental contamination.

Helps today's alternative and sustainable agriculture entrepreneurs transform farm-grown inspiration into profitable enterprises.

The Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) mission is to support building energy code development, adoption, implementation and enforcement processes to achieve the maximum practicable, cost-effective improvements in energy efficiency while providing safe, healthy buildings for occupants.

This program serves dual purposes by implementing and scaling worker-centered sector strategies to support the workforce necessary for successful implementation of the BIL.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.

This program provides loan guarantees to commercial lenders for loans to eligible rural businesses.

The goal of the Business Development Tax Credit (BTC) Program is to incent new and expanding businesses in the state of Wisconsin.

Database of Business Resource Partners to help you find and connect with organizations.

Database of Business Resource Partners to help you find and connect with organizations.

Grant program to strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural and food industries by mitigating barriers in local food channels, increasing efficiencies in processing, marketing, and distributing local food in markets including stores, schools, and institutions.

The Capital Access Clinic provides assistance to Wisconsin entrepreneurs who are seeking financing for their business. Through the Capital Access Clinic, entrepreneurs have access to an expert team of financial consultants.

Matching grants to seed funds managed by local communities and other eligible entities to provide capital to high-growth startups and emerging growth companies.

Program funds will be made available to install electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel in locations on public roads, schools, parks, and in publicly accessible parking facilities.

Program funds will be made available to deploy electric vehicle charging and hydrogen/propane/natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors and in communities.

A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure

A website for child care providers to manage their business

The CHIPS Program Office’s first funding opportunity seeks applications for projects involving the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for the fabrication of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors.

Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants support the development of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans.

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. On-Farm Trials supports more widespread adoption of innovative approaches, practices, and systems on working lands.

Every two years, the National Endowment for the Arts seeks rural communities of 50,000 people or less to apply for the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design program.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division administers laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

The Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan aims to change the adverse trajectory of climate change impacts.

The Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs assists Indian tribes in addressing barriers to developing their vast energy resources and accelerating the deployment of energy technology on Tribal Lands.

The Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) program provides communities with expertise and tools to achieve their clean energy goals.

The Clean Sweep Program provides grants to organizations to create and operate local programs for the collection and disposal of agricultural pesticides, farm chemical waste, household hazardous waste, and unwanted prescription drugs.

The purpose of the Clean Water Fund Program is to administer affordable financial assistance to communities within Wisconsin for wastewater infrastructure projects that protect and improve public health and water quality for current and future generations.

This program grants habitat restoration and resilience awards for underserved communities.

The CDBG-ED Program works with eligible businesses to complete the application resulting in typical awards from $7,000-$10,000 per job created or retained.

CDBG-EAP funds assist local units of government in addressing emergency housing, public facility, infrastructure, and business assistance needs that occur as a result of natural or manmade disasters.

Planning​ grant funds support community efforts to address improving community opportunities and vitality. Eligible projects include the development of comprehensive plans, community development plans, and small area and neighborhood plans.

​​​Public Facilities​ funds help support infrastructure and facility projects for communities. Eligible projects include improvements, repairs, or expansions of streets, drainage systems, water and sewer systems, sidewalks, and community centers.

CDBG-PFED grant funds are awarded to local governments for public infrastructure projects that support business expansion or retention such as water or sewer service.

Housing proposals will be funded in order to upgrade the quality and expand the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary housing for LMI households.

The goal of the Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant Program is to incent primarily downtown community development in the state of Wisconsin.

Provides opportunities for local citizens and the community, school, agencies and institutions to become active partners in addressing education and community concerns.

These grants are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America.

The Design Wisconsin Team process uses a “tried-and-true” method known in planning and design circles as a “charrette”. Simply defined, a charrette is a period of intense, fast-paced planning and design.

The Community Power Accelerator connects developers, investors, philanthropists, and community-based organizations to create an ecosystem of partners that work together to get more equity-focused community solar projects financed and deployed.

The CSI-AYAH program is meant to increase the capacity of states, territories and tribal organizations to integrate systems of care, including health, school, and community systems, to promote adolescent and young adult (youth) health and well-being.

Connect 2050 is a vision plan, setting an overall direction for our transportation system and establishing goals and objectives based on transportation-related issues and trends, and comments.

Connect Communities supplements the Main Street program by expanding services to more downtowns across the state. Connect Communities provides training and networking for communities or organizations working on revitalization.

Connecting Highway Aids (CHA) assist municipalities with costs associated with increased traffic and maintenance on roads that connect segments of the state highway system.

CREP is a resource to help agricultural landowners meet their conservation goals, particularly those who till or graze land along rivers and streams, by paying to install filter strips.

This program contracts with agricultural producers so that environmentally sensitive agricultural land is not farmed or ranched, but instead used for conservation benefits.

We provide outreach and education, assistance for consumers and general information on ways to protect your identity.

The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a suite of more than 30 online courses, primarily taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, to help farmers improve their technical and business skills.

County Forest Road Aids help defray county costs for the improvement and maintenance of public roads within county forests.

County Forest Sustainable Grants are used for special, short term or unanticipated projects that promote sustainable forestry.

Collection of all emails sent through the Child Care Listserv during the COVID-19 emergency

​​​​​​Creation and Presentation Program (CPP) grants provide artistic program and operational support to established nonprofit arts organizations whose primary mission is to create or present ongoing arts programming that makes a significant local, regional, or statewide impact on the cultural life of Wisconsin, and that furthers the Arts Board’s community development and arts education goals.

The Creative Communities (CC) grants program encourages arts education and community arts development in Wisconsin. It provides support for projects that further the Arts Board’s goals in the following three areas: Arts Education, Folk and Traditional Arts, and Local Arts. Through direct financial support of specific art​s projects, the Arts Board sustains the vitality of Wisconsin culturally, educationally and economically

Critical Assistance funds may be used for the following homeless prevention activities. Payments are made directly to landlords, mortgage holders, local units of government (property tax payments) or utilities.

The emphasis of this grant program is to foster innovation, improve profitability, and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.

Dairyland Cooperative's Energy Management Team can assemble a project team to help bring projects to fruition by focusing on its business, residential, and agricultural customers.

The ACE Toolkit contains surveys, consent forms, training materials, and databases that can be easily customized for use in an assessment after a chemical incident.

The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grant program funds sustainable cost-effective measures designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from future natural hazards.

Direct Farm Ownership Microloans are meant to make a down payment on a farm; build, repair, or improve buildings; fund soil and water conservation projects; be used as a down payment farm ownership loan; and be used in joint financing.

Direct Farm Ownership Microloans are meant to make a down payment on a farm; build, repair, or improve buildings; fund soil and water conservation projects; be used as a down payment farm ownership loan; and be used in joint financing.

The DVB Program certifies businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and actively managed by an identified service-disabled veteran and serve a useful business function.

This program helps communities and regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies through a variety of non-construction and construction project to address economic challenges in areas where a Presidential declaration of a major disaster was issued.

The goal of the Diverse Business Development (DBD) Program is to support existing, new and expanding minority-, woman-, LGBT- and veteran-owned businesses in the state of Wisconsin.

Licensing Specialists help potential operators of food, lodging, or recreational businesses understand which license is required for their business, and steps to take in obtaining that license.

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program supports long-term wetland conservation by awarding up to $1 million for wetland conservation projects.

The Small Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

This grant awards funds to teams of community stakeholders that work to evaluate, plan, sustain, and expand existing child care and support new child care programs.

To provide more electronics recycling opportunities in underserved areas of the state, grants under this program must be used for hosting an electronics collection site or event or series of collection sites or events.

GLITC’s EDA program assists tribes in planning and implementing economic development strategies derived from their own comprehensive development planning.

The electric program makes insured loans and loan guarantees to finance the construction of electric distribution, finance generation, and transmission facilities in rural areas.

ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions.

This program helps eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water.

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) helps farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters and put in place methods for water conservation during severe drought.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) helps the owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health damaged by natural disasters.

When a tornado, flood, or drought strikes, or a quarantine is imposed by the Secretary of Agriculture, or when other natural disasters occur, FSA's Emergency loan program is there to help eligible farmers and ranchers rebuild and recover from sustained losses.

The Emergency Shelter Grant can be used for rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, street outreach, Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), and administrative costs.

The EWP Program offers technical and financial assistance to help local communities relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms and other natural disasters that impair a watershed.

The Emerging Business Program was created to encourage the involvement, utilization, and development of economically disadvantaged businesses in the State of Wisconsin. The Workforce Development Program was created to enable unemployed and underemployed area-specific residents to obtain living wage construction jobs.

Under the Employment Grants Program a municipality will use grant funds to connect homeless individuals with permanent employment.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is designed to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state’s investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities.

The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program seeks to improve the resilience, reliability, and affordability of energy systems in communities across the country with 10,000 or fewer people.

EIR will guarantee loans to projects that retool, repower, repurpose, or replace energy infrastructure that has ceased operations, or enable operating energy infrastructure to avoid, reduce, utilize, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.

Grants to support business planning and strategy for Wisconsin entrepreneurs and small business owners, administered through the Center for Technology Commercialization.

The Entrepreneurial Training Program provides expert guidance on business plan development to Wisconsin entrepreneurs and small businesses through an 8 to 12-week course.

Grants to encourage the formation of entrepreneurship support programs and to develop startup and emerging growth companies in Wisconsin.

Enviro-Check helps ensure your business is in good standing with environmental requirements. By voluntarily auditing your practices, you can reduce risks and limit liability. Whether you’re looking for efficiencies or want to verify your environmental performance, DNR’s Enviro-Check program enables you to proactively evaluate compliance.

The EJ TCGM Program is a competition to select multiple Grantmakers around the nation to reduce barriers to the federal grants application process communities face and increase the efficiency of the awards process for environmental justice grants.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides technical and financial assistance to producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits.

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants provide funding for a grant recipient to capitalize a revolving loan fund and to provide loans and subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites.

Envirofacts provides users an assessment of their environment using their ZIP code.

Agencies use their own mechanisms to announce grant opportunities that use GLRI funds. Some are posted here.

EPA uses risk assessment to characterize the nature and magnitude of health risks to humans and ecological receptors from chemical contaminants and other stressors that may be present in the environment.

The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) is a resource for learning about toxic chemical releases and pollution prevention activities reported by industrial and federal facilities.

This opportunity is meant to expand conservation assistance to historically underserved producers and underserved communities and to provide opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.

The program is designed to support hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases used in fabrication laboratories in Wisconsin schools.

Family and medical leave is a benefit available to certain employees. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division administers Wisconsin's family and medical leave law.

Farm Answers' library includes business management, production, marketing, employee, family, and taxes/legal resources.

Check your eligibility for FSA loans, discover the various FSA loan products, learn about documentation requirements, and follow easy-to-understand instructions when completing the loan application forms.

Find a USDA Farm Loan that might be right for you by answering a few short questions. Learn about your eligibility and find application guides to help you prepare for your USDA Service Center visit with a loan officer.

The Wisconsin Farm Mediation and Arbitration Program is a confidential alternative conflict resolution resource available at no cost to Wisconsin farmers.

FSA’s Direct Farm Operating Loans are a valuable resource to start, maintain and strengthen a farm or ranch.

Farm Ownership Loans can be used to purchase or expand a farm or ranch.

Loans to producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.

This program supports local producers in providing bountiful, nutritious meals and snacks for all. Farm to School and Institution programs operate within three core elements: procurement, school gardens, and education.

When stress is running high and Wisconsin’s farmers and family need somewhere to turn for support, the Farmer Wellness Program can assist with services to help navigate and reduce farm stress.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offers grants to Wisconsin businesses to train and retain highly skilled workers.

The FEAST! Local Foods Network is a partnership of many organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to growing a sustainable, local and regional food system that encourages innovation.

Promotes national welfare by improving economic stability of agriculture.

There are two tax credits available for businesses and other entities like nonprofits and local and tribal governments that purchase solar energy systems.

The federal residential solar energy credit is a tax credit that can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system paid for by the taxpayer.

The Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program makes federal resources available to states to ensure basic essential ferry service is provided to rural areas.

The Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program provides financial support to qualified lenders whose loan applicants want to start or expand middle of the food supply chain activities such as aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesale, or distribution of food.

Forest Fire Protection (FFP) 50% cost-share grants are available to Wisconsin fire departments and county/area fire associations.

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a volunteer program whose mission is to connect tribal elders with youth who can benefit from the assistance, mentoring, tutoring and friendship of an older adult.

The Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) is a competitive loan program intended to fund construction of industry railroad connections to the national railroad system.

These grants support work that contributes to building a national movement that will fulfill a vision of Native food systems that are self-directed, well-resourced and supported by community policies and systems.

GTAs provide local governments with a partial reimbursement of funds to offset the cost of county and municipal road construction, maintenance, traffic, and police costs.

Residential Clean Energy Tax Credits are available, with specific amounts available for prescribed periods.

This weekly video series will give you the essential strategies when developing a business plan.

The Task Force on Climate Change will advise and assist the governor in developing a strategy to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change for the benefit of all Wisconsin communities.

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities.

Green Tier recognizes businesses that go above and beyond environmental regulations and works with you to acknowledge your commitment to continual environmental improvement. We look forward to working together to enhance your productivity, cut your costs and strengthen the health of your community. Dynamic, forward-thinking businesses, communities and associations are encouraged to apply.

Green Tier Legacy Communities Charter focuses on building sustainable and resilient communities. Those that participate benefit from the knowledge and experiences of fellow members. This shared, relevant information allows members to leap-frog technology or implement tried and true practices that stretch local resources.

The Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program is designed to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid against natural disasters that are exacerbated by the climate crisis.

Wisconsin’s Legislature created the Harbor Assistance Program (HAP) to assist harbor communities along the Great Lakes and Mississippi River in maintaining and improving waterborne commerce.

The Herd-Based Diagnostics Program helps dairy herds of all sizes and management types. Available at no cost to participants, licensed veterinarians help producers investigate concerns with milk production, herd health, and more.

The purpose of the HBIIP is to increase significantly the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products.

The Hire Heroes Transitional Jobs Program for Veterans is a public/private partnership that offers local businesses access to subsidized veteran employees with the goal of helping veterans with high barriers gain job skills needed to transition into long-term sustainable employment.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program provides transferable tax credits to eligible entities rehabilitating certified historic buildings to incent reinvestment into historic main streets, downtowns, and commercial districts in Wisconsin.

This program was established to provide essential home purchase assistance and necessary home rehabilitation, and other vital improvements for single family housing units occupied by low- and moderate-income households.

The Homeless Case Management Services Grant Program will provide grantees with intensive case management services to homeless families. Funding should be used for social workers and associated case management services.

HAC’s revolving loan fund provides vital capital to rural housing developers of all types. HAC provides flexible capital to meet rural housing development and preservation needs throughout the development process.

​The Housing Cost Reduction Initiative (HCRI) set aside funds to provide housing assistance to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households seeking to own decent, safe, affordable housing.

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS provides eligible applicants with program and administrative resources for meeting the housing needs of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or related diseases and their families.

This webinar, hosted by the EPA Office of Community Revitalization, USDA - Rural Development, and HUD, addresses housing in gateway communities.

This guide will help increase your historic preservation group's chance at receiving a grant. The guide includes tips to grant applying and links to available grants.

This program offers grants to assist Indian Tribes in implementing traffic safety programs and projects.

This program implements traffic safety programs and projects which are designated to reduce the number of traffic crashes, deaths, injuries and property damage within these populations.

This program aims to expand or enhance animal protein processing capacity in Indian Country.

This program provides 1 percent low-interest loans to local lenders or “intermediaries” that re-lend to businesses to improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities.

The International Agribusiness Center (IABC) has been helping Wisconsin agribusinesses in the food, forestry and agricultural product sectors enter and expand in global markets.

The BOSS Impact Fund supports Black women-led businesses to build scalable, growth-aggressive companies.

The Job Center of Wisconsin (JCW) is a free online portal that connects job seekers with employment opportunities throughout Wisconsin. JCW's interactive search options allow users to search job openings by title, employer, keyword, location, apprenticeship opportunity, location, and more. Additionally, users can upload a resume or use the resume builder to create a resume that highlights the job seeker's skills.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development works with both veterans and employers to assist veterans in reaching their career goals

The federal government offers training programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth who are eligible under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). These programs are facilitated through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Employment and Training.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for qualified promotional costs.

The eight Stewardship grant subprograms to help fund the acquisition of land and conservation easements. Four grant subprograms are open only to NCO applicants.

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs. Available to local governments and nonprofits, Stewardship grants fund nature-based recreational development and conservation land purchases statewide.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division enforces laws about minimum wage, overtime pay, timely payment of wages, employment of minors, and notification of business closings or mass layoffs.

The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1965 to develop high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the public. LWCF grants provide 50% cost-share to state, tribal, and local governments. Since its inception, more than 1800 projects have been completed in Wisconsin with more than $81M in federal LWCF funds.

The purpose of the Private Lead Service Line Replacement Program is to provide principal forgiveness (i.e., grant) funding to communities in Wisconsin to replace lead service lines on private property to protect public health for current and future generations.

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who have covered livestock and who are also producers of grazed forage crop acreage that have suffered a loss of grazed forage due to a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period for the county.

LIP provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather or by attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild.

Payments made to producers who, although eligible to obtain a CCC loan, agree to forgo the loan in return for a payment on the eligible commodity.

Local community navigators can help you identify business resources and assist with other business needs.

The Local Food Promotion Program funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products.

Local Job Centers provide labor exchange services to both business and job seekers.

This program supports independently owned meat and poultry processing businesses with funds to provide more and better processing options for local livestock producers.

The Low or No Emission competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.

The Main Street Disaster and Resilience Toolkit is designed to help local leaders and commercial districts prepare for and respond to natural disasters. This resource offers practical guidance on disaster planning, resilience building, and recovery strategies.

WEDC's Main Street Program provides technical assistance to communities in the planning, management and implementation of strategic development projects in downtowns and urban neighborhoods.

DATCP’s Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grants are available to new or existing processors to facilitate changes and expansion to grow harvest capacity and/or increase product throughput.

We offer a grant program designed to assist Wisconsin destinations in the meetings and conventions tourism market with financial assistance for facility costs or host destination expenses.

​​The Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) Program was the first diverse business certification program for the State of Wisconsin.

This is a crowdsourced resource guide for creative community engagement.

Provides financing to qualified borrowers to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in eligible rural areas and towns.

Multifamily Housing assists rural property owners through loans, loan guarantees, and grants that enable owners to develop and rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families as well as domestic farm laborers.

This program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed Rural Rental Housing or Farm Labor Housing projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.

This program provides vouchers to protect eligible tenants in Multifamily Direct Loan properties who may face hardship when the loan on the property is prepaid, or the property is foreclosed.

Grant recipients supervise groups of very low- and low-income individuals and families as they construct their own homes in rural areas.

The NDPRP allows APHIS to collaborate with animal health partners throughout the nation to implement high-value projects that enhance prevention, preparedness, detection, and response to the most damaging emerging and foreign animal diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture.

These grants protect and restore ecologically significant habitats, including conserving lands that play a critical role in helping communities become more resilient to natural hazards.

Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects.

This program is designed to assist Native American tribes in improving core library services for their communities.

The grant funding is to be made available to a municipality or community owned utility (not including for-profit entities) to repair, rehabilitate, or replace its natural gas distribution pipeline systems or portions thereof or to acquire equipment to (1) reduce incidents and fatalities and (2) to avoid economic losses.

Through project-based funding, this program supports opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) enhances protections for coastal communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural coastal hazards and to improve habitats for fish and wildlife.

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin.

Marketing assistance loans (MALs) are marketing tools available during harvest or shearing.

NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.

Staff administer reimbursement processing and reporting for this federal rebate program providing funds to certified organic applicants. The reimbursement amount is based on applicant’s own costs paid for organic certification.

Through project-based funding, the Our Town program supports activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities.

Popularly referred to as the 2501 Program, this program ensures underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters get needed resources to support a successful farming operation and increase profits.

The Partner Up! grant program will provide funding to support partnerships between businesses who purchase slots at existing regulated child care providers.

This funding opportunity seeks proposals primed to impact health equity moving forward, particularly those that address any of these four areas of focus: Future of Evidence; Future of Social Interaction; Future of Food; Future of Work.

The Housing Assistance Council’s Preservation Revolving Loan Fund (PRLF) provides needed capital to preserve and rehabilitate Section 515 rental housing units.

Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to producer-led groups that focus on nonpoint source pollution abatement activities in their watersheds.

Project Growth helps Wisconsin businesses, communities, and Early Care and Education partners add services, find solutions, and innovate.

PROTECT Grants will support planning, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk coastal infrastructure.

Eligible investors receive a Wisconsin income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the value of the investment made in the certified company to help emerging companies grow.

Ready for Reuse loans and grants are used for environmental cleanup of hazardous substances or petroleum at brownfields throughout Wisconsin.

The program recognizes the growth potential of the sports marketing niche as an economic driver. Program offers a unique sports partnership program to assist destinations in securing competitive sporting events.

The RAISE program is a discretionary grant program for investments in surface transportation infrastructure that will have a significant local or regional impact. RAISE Grant Funds were authorized under the Local and Regional Assistance Program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

A central part of the Office of Rural Prosperity’s mission is assisting community leaders in fostering vibrant, prosperous and resilient rural communities across Wisconsin.

Recourse loans are Marketing Assistance Loans for which the commodity offered as collateral does not meet the quality eligibility requirements according to U.S. grading standards.

The Recreational Boating Facility grant program may award funding for up to 50%* of the total eligible costs for a recreational boating facility project. Past projects have included ramps and service docks to gain access to the water, purchase of aquatic weed harvesting equipment, navigational aids and dredging waterway channels associated with launch facilities.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds through the transfer of federal gas excise taxes paid for fuel used on off-highway vehicles. These funds are used to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail uses.

Regional Economic Development Directors provide personalized support for the specific business development needs of your community, coordinating inputs from various partner organizations as needed.

WEDC, the state’s lead economic development agency, works closely with nine regional economic development partners around the state to facilitate and coordinate resources and support for local businesses.

The RFSP program's purpose is to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems.

The RTS team offers information, destination assessments and assistance to Tourism partners across the state. This includes information on our Co-op programs, grants and research from the Department of Tourism

The funds must serve households at or below 60% of the County Median Income (CMI). Funds may be used for acquisition, rehabilitation and new construction activities.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with the day-to-day challenges of life.

This multimedia guide provides resources for start-ups and already-established rural businesses.

Establishes an adaptive framework to identify needs, evaluate choices and implement solutions in an effort to address the shortage of affordable workforce housing in rural Wisconsin.

The program will develop local rural arts activities.

This program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses.

USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to help businesses grow as well as job training for people living in rural areas.

RCDI grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities and community and economic development projects in rural areas.

The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program improves the economic condition of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers

The Rural Data Gateway strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making RD’s data more available and easier to access.

Priority Points, also referred to as discretionary points, are additional points added to an established scoring criterion that USDA Rural Development uses to help determine which projects qualify for funding. Awarding extra points (i.e. priority points) raises a project’s score, which in turn improves the chances of a project being scored high enough to warrant a funding award. The flexibility related to these kinds of points varies, depending on regulations language.

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations.

Low interest rate gap-financing may be available to support qualifying business or community development projects.

This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REDA).

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

The Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) provides loans to rural utilities and other companies who provide energy efficiency loans to qualified consumers to implement durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures.

Provides grants to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low- and very-low-income rural citizens.

Rural Housing site loans provide two types of loans to purchase and develop housing sites for low- and moderate-income families.

We provide intensive technical assistance and support to rural communities as they build digital economy ecosystem strategies and work to educate and train local residents in digital skills.

The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program offers grant assistance to create and augment high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, support industry clusters and maximize the use of local productive assets in eligible low-income rural areas.

Rural LISC has a variety of flexible lending products designed to help local groups bring development projects to fruition.

This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to 1) help microenterprise startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and 2) provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) is an initiative to address disparities in rural transportation infrastructure by developing user-friendly tools and information, aggregating DOT resources, and providing technical assistance. The ROUTES Initiative aims to ensure rural transportation infrastructure’s unique challenges are considered in order to meet priority transportation goals of safety, mobility, and economic competitiveness.

The Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge provides cooperative agreement funds to help provide planning support, technical assistance, and training to foster placemaking activities in rural communities.

RuraLead is a learning initiative. We want to understand impactful leadership qualities and leadership development practices.

The purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program is to administer affordable financial assistance to communities within Wisconsin for drinking water infrastructure projects that protect public health for current and future generations.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. In fiscal year 2022 (FY22), up to $1 billion is available. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

This program provides capitalization grants to establish revolving loan funds that provide hazard mitigation assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

Grants to stimulate technological innovation by supporting technology-based Wisconsin small businesses, administered through the Center for Technology Commercialization.

The hydroelectric production incentive payments are a benefit available for electric energy generation and sold for a specified 10-year period.

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is a volunteer program whose mission is to connect elders with other elders needing help in the same tribal communities.

If you are a worker who has been laid off or notified that they will be laid off, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offers services that focus on preparing you to find a new job.

Also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, this program assists low- and very-low-income applicants obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability.

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, it provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, or provides grants to elderly, very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

This program provides grants to very-low and low-income homeowners to repair homes damaged in a Calendar Year (CY) Presidentially Declared Disaster Area.

Provides guidance to obtaining a mortgage loan and becoming a homeowner.

Wisconsin’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) provides free and confidential assistance to help small businesses proactively understand and comply with environmental requirements.

The program provides technical assistance to tribal enterprises and Indian businesses located on the reservation or off the reservation that directly benefit the economy of the reservation. Includes developing a business and marketing plan; securing development financing; and gaining access to tribal, state, and federal business assistance and financing.

This program is focused on community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, strengthen Native American families, and preserve Native American cultures.

This program is to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups through cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers.

Soil Sisters supports and champions women on their journey into sustainable agriculture and rural living – from starting diversified farm operations to launching small town enterprises and building community and our local food system.

The national SolarCorps Fellowship Program is an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic people to join GRID Alternatives for an 11-month, paid term of service to their community.

Something Special from Wisconsin (SSfW) is a trademarked marketing program for products with 50% of the value of the product or service is attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production or processing activities.

This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects.

The National WIC Workforce Strategy aims to strengthen the diversity and cultural competency of the WIC workforce, with the goals of increasing WIC participation through reaching those populations that are eligible, but not enrolled and increasing WIC participants’ likelihood of adoption nutrition education and breastfeeding support.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant program is a grant designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops which are fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops.

Start In Wisconsin will power connections to start, scale and accelerate area entrepreneurs. Start In Wisconsin will be a platform to provide best fit referrals, build your network, and to showcase the story of entrepreneurship in our region.

The State Infrastructure Bank offers a range of options to help finance eligible surface transportation projects to preserve, promote and encourage economic development or improve transportation efficiency and mobility.

State Lead by Example as an implementation initiative, to ensure that all State of Wisconsin agencies are collaboratively working toward meeting statewide emissions goals.

​​The State Shelter Subsidy Grant Program (SSSG) provides up to 50% of an emergency shelter or voucher program's annual operating budget.

Straight-forward Loans for Regenerative Farms & Food Producers

Federal funding and planning strategies designed to promote sustainable economic development in rural America

Loans to processors of domestically produced sugarcane and sugar beets for the construction or upgrading of storage and handling facilities for raw sugars and refined sugars.

This grant announcement most directly supports SNAP by building the capacity to support the expansion of online SNAP purchasing nationwide, the mobile payments pilot, and any other modernization efforts that may develop.

To do business with the Federal Government, businesses must register in the System for Award Management (SAM). The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) provides free assistance to businesses registering in SAM.

The T.R.A.I.L.S. program makes funds available to national, state and local organizations in the United States to promote safe and responsible riding and preserve access.

The TVTP grant program helps develop sustainable, multidisciplinary targeted violence and terrorism prevention capabilities in local communities.

Provides direct financial assistance to startup and emerging growth companies in Wisconsin that are developing and commercializing innovative products and services at critical stages in their development.

​​​​​​​Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH) is a program that subsidizes much of the cost of the category 1 circuit to provide telecommunications access such as data lines to eligible schools, libraries, and educational institutions.

The loan and loan guarantee program offers financial assistance to eligible service providers that will construct, improve, or expand telecommunication and broadband networks in rural areas.

The Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) has allocated HUD HOME funding to support the HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program. DEHCR will allow individual grantees to develop community-specific programs.

The BioPreferred Program allows businesses to apply for a certification, which lets allows them to display the USDA Certified Biobased Product label on the product.

EJCPS assists organizations working on or planning to work on projects to address local environmental and/or public health issues in their communities.

The EJG2G Program works to support and/or create model state activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health results in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks.

The Fund for Lake Michigan is here to help sustain the Lake on behalf of the people and places that depend on it. Our goal is to have a deep, positive impact on the health of Lake Michigan and on the communities of Wisconsin, now and into the future.

The Council on Forestry held listening sessions in May 2021 to help inform the development of actionable initiatives as part of an effort to pursue a Regional Economic Diversification Summit. This report highlights the key findings from the discussions.

The GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program supports and evaluates projects intended to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by providing incentives at the point of purchase among income eligible consumers.

Established in 1991, the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) assists local governments in improving seriously deteriorating county highways, town roads, and city and village streets. LRIP is a reimbursement program which pays up to 50% of total eligible costs, with local governments providing the balance.

The RURAL DATA PORTAL is a simple, easy to use, on-line resource that provides essential information on the social, economic, and housing characteristics of communities in the United States.

The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program will support projects to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life.

Under this program, eligible schools or libraries identify goods or services they need and submit requests for competitive bids to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

Get the guidance and support you need to start or grow your farm, ranch or other form of agribusiness.

The Woodland Indian Arts Initiative (WIAI) is designed to promote and develop a foundation of cultural and economic support for traditional and contemporary Native American arts in Wisconsin. As part of this work, the Arts Board annually distributes funds from Gaming Compact monies to support artistic activities among Wisconsin's tribes, bands and urban Indian communities.​

The Thrive Rural Framework is a new tool to help you take stock, target action, and gauge progress on equitable rural prosperity – from health, economic development, environmental stewardship to civic engagement.

This grant program is open to non-profit tourism organizations, municipalities or Native American tribes who operate a regional tourist information center, providing information on cultural, recreational and other tourism businesses.

TADI specializes in solving the traffic and safety engineering needs of DOT, municipal and private clients throughout Wisconsin.

The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning program provides funding for efforts associated with an eligible transit project.

The Transition Incentives Program provides land owners or operators with two additional annual rental payments on land enrolled in expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, on the condition they sell or rent this land to a beginning farmer or rancher or to a socially disadvantaged group.

Under this program, Tribal Colleges and Universities apply for (1) clean energy project and curriculum planning (Topic Area 1); and (2) clean energy technology and curriculum deployment (Topic Area 2).

The Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program provides matching state grants to governing bodies for road, rail, harbor and airport projects that help attract employers to Wisconsin, or encourage business and industry to remain and expand in the state.

Explore the official website for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Travel Wisconsin has all the resources you need to plan your next vacation or getaway!

Provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters.

This grant funds projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions. Eligible entities include tribal governments (intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native Villages, and insular area government agencies, which have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Insular areas include the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is a $980 million program directed to tribal governments to be used for broadband deployment on tribal lands, as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion.

The Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program supports tribal investment in energy-related projects.

The development of Tribal Energy Plans are intended to help tribal communities quickly and efficiently triage the known practical and impactful strategies to reduce greenhouse gas, reduce energy costs, and operate more sustainably.

These grants assist Tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations in protecting and promoting their unique cultural heritage and traditions.

A tool for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian homeowners, families, and individuals.

The Tribal MIECHV Grant Program supports evidence-based home visiting programs serving expectant families and families with young children aged birth to kindergarten entry.

GRID Alternatives helps tribal communities achieve their clean energy goals while providing financial savings and job training opportunities to improve their members' quality of life.

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of American Indian and Alaska Native students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines.

The Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant supports solar projects of any type that require a tribal cost-share or are leveraging funding from other grant opportunities or initiatives.

Unemployment Insurance is a program designed to provide temporary income to eligible workers who lost their job or are working reduced hours. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Unemployment Insurance Division administers Wisconsin's unemployment insurance program.

Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.

USDA's mapping tool that allows the user to determine if their project is in an eligible area for funding.

List of resource guides from USDA

USDA's Business Programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate business creation and growth.

The Community Connect provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist.

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

Funding to complete energy audits, provide renewable energy development assistance, make energy efficiency improvements and install renewable energy systems.

The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. The application window is now closed. Follow one of the links below to learn more about the program.

Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Programs give families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build, or repair affordable homes located in rural America.

Through Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural America. Rural Development is a leader in helping rural America improve the quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for rural people.

The Rural Development Tribal Relations webpage is created by its Tribal Relations team, which helps ensure relevant programs and policies are efficient, easy to understand, accessible, and developed in consultation with the American Indians and Alaska Native constituents they impact.

This guide was created for community leaders and other local entities to help them access resources to create jobs, train talent, expand educational opportunities and provide technical assistance .

The NMTC Program attracts private capital into low-income communities by permitting individual and corporate investors to receive a tax credit against their federal income tax in exchange for making equity investments in specialized financial intermediaries.

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.

The Wisconsin Veteran Farmer Assistance and Outreach Program supports veterans currently in agriculture by providing strategic advice and guidance while also integrating veterans into the field of agriculture.

​​The Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP)​ provides secure and safe housing to veterans while they receive training and services to become stably housed.

The veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit is a credit equal to the amount of property taxes paid during the year on an eligible veteran's or surviving spouse's principal dwelling.

The ​Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) connects veterans to community services and provides case management and support, with a special focus on treatment and recovery.

Assists with creating vibrant and engaging communities that make it easier to recruit and retain residents, sustain a robust labor force and enhance local quality of life. Public gathering places will foster community connections and provide accessible locations for the programming and amenities local residents desire—with the additional benefit of boosting foot traffic for area businesses.

WPI has developed a series of Virtual Knowledge Outreach (VKO) videos as a best practices and next steps resource for our clients.

Vocational Rehabilitation is a federal and state program designed to help people with disabilities obtain, maintain, and advance employment.

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

This program helps eligible low-income communities plan and develop applications for proposed USDA Rural Development water or waste disposal projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring health and safety.

This program is designed to help industry associations, alliances, agencies, nonprofits, regional economic development organizations or other state/local departments located in Wisconsin to work with Wisconsin companies to increase exports.

Wisconsin companies can be reimbursed for specific expenses associated with an export project that will help to grow their presence in an international market.

The grant program provides funding to protect natural resources, the environment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Grants are monetary awards that do not have to be paid back.

The grant program provides funding to protect natural resources, the environment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Grants are monetary awards that do not have to be paid back.

Information and resources for cleaning up and redeveloping community blight into valuable property.

The Bureau promotes public health through statewide programs to increase public awareness of environmental and occupational health hazards and disease and works to prevent and control exposure to environmental and occupational health hazards.

The Bureau of Land and Water Resources works with local governments, other state and federal agencies, and landowners to conserve soil, prevent agricultural runoff, and preserve farmland and infrastructure for future generations.

The Climate and Health Program studies climate change impacts people's health in Wisconsin and use that research to create strategies, tools, and trainings to help communities adapt to climate change and protect the health of all Wisconsinites.

This website details the science, impacts, and solutions related to climate change in Wisconsin.

​​​​​Landowners who claim a farmland preservation tax credit must comply with Wisconsin soil and water conservation standards.

County staff provide the primary technical support for planning, designing and const​ruction oversight when farmers undertake conservation projects with county ​assistance.

The County Conservation Aids Program provides financial assistance to counties and tribal governing bodies to enhance county fish and wildlife programs.

Interested participants may enroll acres planted to cover crops in the fall of 2022 which will be planted to an insurable crop in the following growing season.

This grant program is targeted at small-to-medium size farmers or processors. Projects should be aimed at diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy by-products or export programs.

DBIA is a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) that develops and administers programs providing technical assistance and grants to dairy farms and businesses.

This grant program welcomes applications in targeted topic areas that have the potential to positively impact the dairy industry as a whole.

This page lists resources and products related to climate change and environmental justice/equity.

A list of topics related to environmental protection.

Environmental certification, licenses, permits, and regulations, listed in alphabetical order.

This DNR webpage contains information and resources related to environmental contamination and cleanup.

This website provides information designed to promote environmental health.

Wisconsin implements a state revolving loan fund that provides financial assistance to municipalities in the form of subsidized loans for drinking water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure projects.

Wisconsin Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) is your source for environmental health data in Wisconsin.

DATCP reports on the status of farmland preservation in Wisconsin every two years.

Farmland preservation planning grants fund a county’s farmland preservation plan or update.

​​​Eligible landowners may claim farmland preservation tax credits. The amount of the tax credit depends upon how a landowner participates in the program.​​

Wisconsin's Forest Sustainability Framework (Framework) lays out a blueprint for gathering data to assess the sustainability of forests in Wisconsin.

This program was developed to focus hunter training, development and education programs on adults, females and families.

The Invasive Species Best Management Practices (BMPs) website includes Forestry BMPs, Recreation BMPs, Urban Forestry BMPs, and Rights of Way BMPs.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Land and Water Conservation Board connects local and state governments on conservation and farmland preservation issues.

The goal of the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is to help private landowners create and manage habitat for species that are rare or declining.

The lender liability exemption provides conditional environmental liability protections to lenders and representatives.

Meat Processor Infrastructure Grants are available to new or existing processors to facilitate changes and expansion to grow harvest capacity and/or increase product throughput.

This funding will be used to attract students to meat careers, provide financial support to s​tudents in Wisconsin meat processing training programs, support program development, and connect the meat processing industry with potential employees.

Nutrient management farmer education (NMFE) grants are given to local organizations to teach farmers to develop their own nutrient management plans.

The Shooting Range Grant Program funds the construction of outdoor shooting ranges. Indoor ranges may be eligible as well, including classroom, storage and restroom facilities.

This toolkit is provided as a "one-stop shop" for site investigation-related resources and guidance for environmental professionals and others working with the DNR.

The SWRM program helps fund county soil and water conservation staff and support expenditures, landowner conservation projects, and cooperators and OPC contracts.

Matching funds are available to Wisconsin tribes for the development of a summer program that provides tribal youth (ages 13-19) with an opportunity to work on projects related to natural resource conservation.

SARE offers competitive grants to fund research and education projects that advance sustainable agricultural practices in the United States.

This program assists farmers when wildlife damages their agricultural crops.

This program uses stamp funds to fund habitat management, habitat restoration, education, outreach and research projects that directly benefit wild turkeys, pheasants and waterfowl.

Wisconsin's Forestland Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines focus on the sustainable harvest of woody biomass from forested areas within the context of generally accepted forestry practices.

The Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) program provides funding to address specific brownfields sites where potential or known contamination is acting as an impediment to economic redevelopment.

Wisconsin Coastal Manage​ment Program (WCMP) and its grants are dedicated to preserving and improving access to the natural and historic resources of Wisconsin's Great Lakes coasts.

Describes the 2021 Collaborative Action for Lake Michigan (CALM) Coastal Resilience project; the 2018 Southeastern Wisconsin Coastal Resilience Project; the 2015 Wisconsin Sea Grant Integrated Assessment; the Wisconsin Great Lakes Marina Resilience Assessment; various guides for property owners; and collaborative networks.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.

Wisconsin Downtown Action Council is a statewide organization established to facilitate the revitalization of Wisconsin downtowns as vibrant social and economic centers through a mix of strategies.

The WI Farm Center offers its state’s farmers free and confidential financial consulting and transition planning services as well as several other programs in areas such as conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, farmer wellbeing, and more.

The Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert judges, mentors and possible sources of capital.

Wisconsin groundwater quality reports include reports on wells, field-edge groundwater, surface water, Wisconsin groundwater as a whole, and pesticides.

A new statewide program that can help with overdue bills like mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and more.

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations

The WIP Program is intended to provide capital to those companies that have the potential to add to Wisconsin's economic base other the long term by attracting and retaining a high-wage, high-skill workforce and establishing a unique competitive advantage.

DATCP and DNR submit an annual report that summarizes and evaluates progress in the land and water conservation programs that the two agencies fund or administer.

Provides contacts for Tribal Health Centers

Wisconsin is well known for our manufacturing. We provide incentives to manufacturers to maximize their production here including the Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit, which virtually eliminates the tax on income.

Research and data, funding, and additional resources about sustainability from the Office of Outdoor Recreation.

The DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program oversees the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties.

WRRD is an interlinked system providing information on different contaminated land activities in Wisconsin, to assist with the investigation, cleanup and eventual reuse of those lands.

The overall goal of the WWCT is to offset lost wetland functions on a watershed scale. The program strives to fund high quality, successful wetland restoration projects.

WiWiC brings together Wisconsin women landowners to connect and learn about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.

The Division of Energy Housing and Community Resources contracts with various agencies throughout the state to provide weatherization services to eligible households.

WisDOT's Environmental Programs page includes a description of its environmental programs, links to its environmental areas, forms and tools, and resources and references.

The Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Program develops, maintains, and keeps a computer database of businesses in the state that are owned by women.

Provides technical assistance (TA) to employers and labor unions in the United States and its territories to encourage employment of women in both apprenticeable occupations and nontraditional occupations.

Connect individuals looking to expand their employment opportunities in the post-pandemic economy with career coaches who will help them overcome barriers, navigate the workforce system, and connect them with employers to grow in their employment.

The Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Act provides for payment of reasonable medical expenses and compensation for lost wages resulting from work-related injuries or disabilities. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Worker's Compensation Division manages the Wisconsin worker's compensation claims program.

Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) serve as strategic conveners to promote and broker effective relationships between the businesses and the economic, education, and workforce partners throughout their area.

This guide was written for people who need assistance starting, expanding, or owning a farm or ranch.