Foundations
2,950
Total Assets
$15.1B
Total Giving
$5.7B
Active Grants
191
National Rank
#13
Wisconsin Grant Programs: Small Business Growth, Workforce Development, and Natural Resource Conservation
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Key State Programs
WEDC Small Business Development Grants
Provides $1.5 million in annual funding through grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to community organizations supporting small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Funds matching grant programs, facade improvements, startup support, and small business financing.
Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF)
Awards $5,000 to $400,000 per grantee for customized occupational training across all industry sectors. Designed to qualify workers for full-time employment, higher-level positions, or increased wages by funding business-driven, employer-aligned training programs.
Entrepreneurship Partner Grants
Over $1.6 million distributed to fourteen organizations providing technical and financial assistance to Wisconsin entrepreneurs. Programs focusing on underserved populations including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and rural residents are encouraged.
DNR Conservation and Recreation Grants
The Department of Natural Resources administers grant and loan programs supporting environmental protection, habitat conservation, water quality improvement, and outdoor recreation development. Includes programs for buying development rights and protecting natural, agricultural, and forestry values.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs
Administered through the Department of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources, offering planning grants, public facilities grants for infrastructure improvements, and small cities housing grants for rehabilitation and homebuyer assistance principally benefiting low- to moderate-income households.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can small businesses access WEDC grant funding in Wisconsin?
Small businesses typically access WEDC funding through intermediary community organizations that receive Small Business Development Grants. These organizations then provide matching grants for startup costs, facade improvements, and expansion needs to businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees. Individual grants to community organizations range from $50,000 to $250,000. Contact WEDC or your local economic development organization to learn about available programs in your area.
What is the Wisconsin Fast Forward program?
Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) is a grant program providing $5,000 to $400,000 to businesses for customized occupational training. The program reimburses costs of training unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers, and is open to businesses across all Wisconsin industry sectors. Training must be business-driven and designed to qualify workers for full-time employment, higher-level positions, or increased wages.
Are there environmental and conservation grants available in Wisconsin?
Yes. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers numerous grant and loan programs for environmental protection, water quality, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation. Programs support local governments, organizations, and private landowners with projects ranging from water and wastewater improvements to buying development rights for protecting natural, agricultural, and forestry values. Visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid for a complete listing of available programs.
What CDBG programs does Wisconsin offer?
Wisconsin administers several CDBG programs through the Department of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources. The CDBG-Planning program supports comprehensive and community development planning. CDBG-Public Facilities funds infrastructure improvements including streets, drainage, water and sewer systems, and community centers. The CDBG-Small Cities Housing program provides grants for housing rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, and small neighborhood public facility projects for communities principally serving low- to moderate-income households.
Does Wisconsin support entrepreneurship for underserved populations?
Yes. WEDC's Entrepreneurship Partner Grants specifically encourage programs serving underserved populations, including people of color, women, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and rural residents. In recent rounds, more than $1.6 million was distributed to fourteen organizations providing technical and financial assistance to Wisconsin entrepreneurs. The Main Street Bounceback program also supports businesses occupying or expanding into vacant commercial spaces, which can benefit underserved business owners.
Explore
Wisconsin Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Wisconsin
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lynde And Harry Bradley Foundation Inc. | $993.4M |
| 2 | The Robert D And Patricia E Kern Family Foundation Inc. | $837M |
| 3 | Kohler Foundation Inc. | $413.7M |
| 4 | Joseph And Vera Zilber Family | $396.1M |
| 5 | Rdk Foundation | $367.1M |
Active Grants