RESOURCES AND GRANTS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

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.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for qualified promotional costs.

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.

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.

We offer a grant program designed to assist Wisconsin destinations in the meetings and conventions tourism market with financial assistance for facility costs or host destination expenses.

The program recognizes the growth potential of the sports marketing niche as an economic driver. Program offers a unique sports partnership program to assist destinations in securing competitive sporting events.

The Recreational Boating Facility grant program may award funding for up to 50%* of the total eligible costs for a recreational boating facility project. Past projects have included ramps and service docks to gain access to the water, purchase of aquatic weed harvesting equipment, navigational aids and dredging waterway channels associated with launch facilities.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds through the transfer of federal gas excise taxes paid for fuel used on off-highway vehicles. These funds are used to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail uses.

The RTS team offers information, destination assessments and assistance to Tourism partners across the state. This includes information on our Co-op programs, grants and research from the Department of Tourism

Soil Sisters supports and champions women on their journey into sustainable agriculture and rural living – from starting diversified farm operations to launching small town enterprises and building community and our local food system.

This grant program is open to non-profit tourism organizations, municipalities or Native American tribes who operate a regional tourist information center, providing information on cultural, recreational and other tourism businesses.

Explore the official website for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Travel Wisconsin has all the resources you need to plan your next vacation or getaway!