Resource Directory

Rural Economic Development

RESOURCES AND GRANTS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

Whether you’re an individual, a business or a community organization, you can use the directory below to search a vast library of resources, tools and services. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), its economic development partners and other organizations around the state offer a range of resources on all aspects of economic well-being, from childcare and education to businesses and housing. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to us directly, we want to help.

Photo of the owner of J&J Sports in Lake Tomahawk.

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Program

Community Power Accelerator

Business, Energy, Sustainability, Workforce

The Community Power Accelerator connects developers, investors, philanthropists, and community-based organizations to create an ecosystem of partners that work together ...Read more

Program

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

Business, Energy, Housing, Sustainability, Transportation, Workforce

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is designed to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing ...Read more

Program

Transit-Oriented Development Pilot Program

Housing, Transportation

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

Program

Ferry Services for Rural Communities Program

Transportation

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

Program

Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grants

Energy, Sustainability, Transportation, Workforce

The grant funding is to be made available to a municipality or community owned utility (not including for-profit entities) to ...Read more

Program

Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and CostSaving Transportation (PROTECT) – Discretionary

Sustainability, Transportation

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

Program

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Corridor Charging)

Energy, Sustainability, Transportation

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

Program

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Community Charging)

Sustainability, Transportation

Program funds will be made available to install electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel in locations on public roads, schools, ...Read more

Program

Low or No Emission Vehicle Program

Sustainability, Transportation, Workforce

The Low or No Emission competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease ...Read more

Program

Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program

Sustainability, Transportation, Workforce

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, ...Read more

Program

Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest

Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

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

Program

Models and Practices for Meaningful Community Engagement

Arts & Culture

This is a crowdsourced resource guide for creative community engagement.

Program

County Forest Sustainable Grant

Forestry & Paper, Sustainability

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

Program

Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program

Forestry & Paper, Other, Parks & Outdoor Recreation

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

Program

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability, Transportation

The RAISE program is a discretionary grant program for investments in surface transportation infrastructure that will have a significant local ...Read more

Program

Rebuilding Economic Vibrancy After a Major Pandemic (REVAMP) Program

A central part of the Office of Rural Prosperity’s mission is assisting community leaders in fostering vibrant, prosperous and resilient ...Read more

Program

USDA Rural Workforce Guide

Workforce

This guide was created for community leaders and other local entities to help them access resources to create jobs, train ...Read more

Program

Rural LISC Loan Products

Business, Child Care, Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Housing

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

Program

Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Visualization

Broadband & Internet

The Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Visualization allows users to investigate the percentage of ACP enrollment participation by ZIP code, and ...Read more

Program

Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program

Forestry & Paper, Veterans

Popularly referred to as the 2501 Program, this program ensures underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters get needed resources ...Read more