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.

- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Clean Water Fund Program
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Sustainability
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.
E-Cycle Wisconsin Collection Grant Program
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Sustainability
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.
Enviro-Check
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Sustainability, Workforce
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.
Green Tier
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Energy, Forestry & Paper, Other, Sustainability, Transportation, Workforce
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
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Business, Energy, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability, Tourism, Transportation
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.
Knowles-Nelson Nonprofit Conservation Organization Grant Subprograms
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability
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 – Local Government Assistance Grant Program
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Transportation
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.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Transportation
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.
Lead Service Line Replacement
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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 in Wisconsin to replace lead service lines on private property to protect public health for current and future generations.