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.

Search the Directory

  • Resource Type

  • Resource Category

  • Sort Order

  • Reset

Support Organization

healthTIDE

Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Parks & Outdoor Recreation

healthTIDE is a network of statewide and place-based community partners who work together to create change around nutrition and physical ...Read more

Program

Well Abandonment Grant

Housing

The grant program provides funding to protect natural resources, the environment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Grants are monetary awards that ...Read more

Program

Well Compensation Grant Program

Housing

The grant program provides funding to protect natural resources, the environment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Grants are monetary awards that ...Read more

Support Organization

University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives

Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

Our team of cooperative development specialists is available to help you start a new co-op, strengthen an established co-op, or ...Read more

Program

Clean Water Fund Program

Sustainability

The purpose of the Clean Water Fund Program is to administer affordable financial assistance to communities within Wisconsin for wastewater ...Read more

Program

Safe Drinking Water Loan Program

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

The purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program is to administer affordable financial assistance to communities within Wisconsin for ...Read more

Support Organization

Focus on Energy

Energy, Sustainability

On behalf of 107 Wisconsin electric and natural gas utilities, Focus on Energy’s information, resources and financial incentives benefit all ...Read more

Program

Lead Service Line Replacement

Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Housing, Sustainability

The purpose of the Private Lead Service Line Replacement Program is to provide principal forgiveness (i.e., grant) funding to communities ...Read more

Support Organization

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Forestry & Paper, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability

Protecting and enhancing our natural resources to provide a sustainable environment for all people in their work and leisure.

Support Organization

The GRID

Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development, currently incubated by Nicolet College

Program

The Woodland Indian Arts Initiative

Arts & Culture

The Woodland Indian Arts Initiative (WIAI) is designed to promote and develop a foundation of cultural and economic support for ...Read more

Program

Creative Communities Grants Program

Arts & Culture

The Creative Communities (CC) grants program encourages arts education and community arts development in Wisconsin. It provides support for projects ...Read more

Program

Creation and Presentation Grant Program

Arts & Culture

​​​​​​Creation and Presentation Program (CPP) grants provide artistic program and operational support to established nonprofit arts organizations whose primary mission ...Read more

Support Organization

Wisconsin Arts Board

Arts & Culture, Education & Schools

The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in ...Read more

Support Organization

Steward

Business

Steward provides access to flexible financing and expert support services for agricultural businesses looking to scale their operations, improve the ...Read more

Program

Steward

Sustainability

Straight-forward Loans for Regenerative Farms & Food Producers

Success Story

Kickapoo Valley Forest School: Forging Connections to the Environment

Education & Schools, Forestry & Paper

Residents of the verdant Kickapoo Valley—part of the Driftless Region, untouched by glaciers—wanted their children to understand and appreciate the ...Read more

Success Story

Vernon Food Enterprise Center: Focusing on Food and Wellness

Health & Mental Health, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

The Vernon County region in western Wisconsin is home to many small and midsize farms and food processors that had ...Read more

Success Story

Fifth Season Cooperative: Connecting Food Producers with Buyers

Business

Producing high-quality food is not always enough; sometimes growers and processers need help connecting with the right markets for their ...Read more

Success Story

Farm Table Foundation: Bringing Food From Farm to Table

Business, Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health

Creating an organization that seeks to educate people about soil health and about the benefits of locally grown food can ...Read more