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.

Business, Economic Development, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Technology, Workforce
10,000 Communities Initiative
Milken Institute
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.
Education & Schools
2022 National Signature Project Award
Rural Schools Collaborative
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.
Sustainability
Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
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.
Agriculture, Economic Development
Agricultural Enterprise Areas
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
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.
Agriculture, Education & Schools, Energy, Health & Mental Health, Sustainability, Technology
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Foundational and Applied Science Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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.
Agriculture, Education & Schools, Food & Beverage, Workforce
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants: Education and Workforce Development Program
U.S. Department of 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.
Business, Economic Development, Other
Ally Grant
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Ally Grant pilot initiative aims to foster the development of new and/or emerging diverse-based nonprofit organizations that support diverse business communities, with a specific focus on organizations WEDC has not previously funded.
Economic Development, Energy, Health & Mental Health, Sustainability, Technology, Transportation
Areas of Persistent Poverty Program
U.S Department of Transportation
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.
Energy, Sustainability, Technology
Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
This program provides loan guarantees up to $250 million to assist in the development, construction, and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies.
Broadband & Internet, Economic Development, Transportation
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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).
Economic Development
Brownfield Site Assessment Grants
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Energy, Technology
Building Energy Codes Program
U.S. Department of Energy
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.
Agriculture, Food & Beverage
Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
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.
Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur
Capital Access Clinic
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
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.
Sustainability, Technology, Transportation
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Community Charging)
U.S Department of Transportation
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.
Energy, Sustainability, Technology, Transportation
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Corridor Charging)
U.S Department of Transportation
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.
Agriculture, Sustainability, Technology
CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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.
Clean Sweep
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
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.
Sustainability
Clean Water Fund Program
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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.
Economic Development
Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) Program
Department of Administration, ​Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
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.
Housing
Community Development Block Grant – Emergency Assistance Program (CDBG-EAP)
Department of Administration, ​Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
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.