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.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants: Education and Workforce Development Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Education & Schools, Workforce
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.
Ally Grant
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Business, Other
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.
AmeriCorps Seniors Native Nations and Indigenous Elders Senior Demonstration Program
AmeriCorps
Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Native Peoples, Sustainability
The Native Nations and Indigenous Elders SDP encourages investment in projects focused on underserved Indigenous and Native communities, advancing opportunities for older adults to make an impact, through their time and experience.
Areas of Persistent Poverty Program
U.S Department of Transportation
Energy, Health & Mental Health, Sustainability, 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.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Broadband & Internet, Transportation
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).
Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP)
U.S. Department of Commerce
Broadband & Internet
The Broadband Infrastructure Program is directed to partnerships between a state, or one or more political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas.