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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News

Education Resources

Education & Schools

When rural schools thrive, so do the towns and regions around them. Read more about the organizations supporting rural education ...Read more

News

Bringing legal services to rural Wisconsin

Other, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

Jeff is a clinical professor at the UW-Madison Law School and supervising attorney with the law school’s Law and Entrepreneurship ...Read more

News

Agricultural Resources

Read more about the organizations supporting rural agriculture as well as grants and other programs providing financial assistance those that ...Read more

News

Growing her own rural roots in the Kickapoo Valley

Health & Mental Health, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

For a mental health professional, the issues that emerge in counseling sessions in farm country are not miles apart from ...Read more

Program

Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant

Arts & Culture, Child Care, Energy, Forestry & Paper, Native Peoples, Transportation, Workforce

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, ...Read more

News

Rural creative placemaking stories

Arts & Culture

From the shores of Lake Superior to the Driftless area in southwest Wisconsin, rural communities are creating opportunities that promote ...Read more

News

Placemaking resources

Arts & Culture

Placemaking is a strategy that utilizes a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential with the intention of creating public spaces ...Read more

Program

The Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP)

Transportation

Established in 1991, the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) assists local governments in improving seriously deteriorating county highways, town roads, ...Read more

News

Rural transportation resources

Transportation

These resources are available to rural Wisconsin communities as they explore their best opportunities to meet the transportation needs of ...Read more

Program

WI Brownfields Cleanup and Development Informational Website

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

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

Program

WI DNR Environmental Protection Informational Webpage

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

A list of topics related to environmental protection.

Program

WI Environmental Improvement Fund

Sustainability

Wisconsin implements a state revolving loan fund that provides financial assistance to municipalities in the form of subsidized loans for ...Read more

Program

WI DNR Climate Action Webpage

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

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

Program

Wisconsin Coastal Grants ​Program

Education & Schools, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability

Wisconsin Coastal Manage​ment Program (WCMP) and its grants are dedicated to preserving and improving access to the natural and historic ...Read more

Program

WI Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program

Sustainability

This program assists farmers when wildlife damages their agricultural crops.

Program

WI Invasive Species Best Management Practices

Forestry & Paper, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability

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

Program

WI Woody Biomass Harvest Guidelines

Forestry & Paper, Sustainability

Wisconsin's Forestland Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines focus on the sustainable harvest of woody biomass from forested areas within the context ...Read more

Program

WI Forest Sustainability Framework

Forestry & Paper, Sustainability

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

Program

Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation’s Sustainability Page

Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability

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

Program

WisDOT’s Environmental Programs

Sustainability, Transportation

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