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.

Search the Directory

  • Topic of interest

  • Resource type

  • 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.

  • County Forest Sustainable Grant

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Forestry & Paper, Sustainability

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

  • 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.

  • Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    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.

  • 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.

  • Ready for Reuse Loan and Grant Program

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Other, Sustainability

    Ready for Reuse loans and grants are used for environmental cleanup of hazardous substances or petroleum at brownfields throughout Wisconsin.