Housing Grant Program

The Housing Grant Program is administered by the WHEDA Foundation, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. Established in 1985 in response to reductions in federal housing funding, the program has historically served as a key source of capital support for housing and shelter initiatives across Wisconsin. Over time, the program has distributed nearly $35 million to improve emergency, transitional, and permanent housing options for vulnerable populations. The initiative is designed to ensure that critical housing infrastructure remains available and responsive to community needs throughout the state. The primary purpose of the program is to provide capital funding for the development, improvement, and expansion of housing facilities that serve individuals and families experiencing crisis. The program supports two main categories: Emergency or Transitional Housing and Permanent Housing. Applicants may submit one application per category, allowing organizations to pursue funding across multiple project types if eligible. The program focuses on physical improvements and development activities that enhance housing capacity, accessibility, and quality. Funding is restricted to capital uses, including rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades, building acquisition, new construction, and site development activities. The program explicitly excludes funding for operational costs, feasibility studies, environmental assistance, housing financing, and costs incurred prior to application submission. Additionally, personal home improvement and homebuyer assistance are not eligible. The total funding available for the 2026 cycle is $2,000,000, with individual project awards capped at $50,000. While there is no stated minimum award, funding distribution is balanced such that no more than 75 percent and no less than 25 percent of total funds are allocated to a single category. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, local governments, housing authorities, and Native American tribal authorities operating within Wisconsin. Nonprofit entities must be registered and in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Organizations that have received funding in three consecutive prior years (2023 through 2025) are not eligible for the 2026 cycle. Additionally, applicants who have failed to complete reporting requirements or exceeded prior project timelines are temporarily ineligible until compliance is achieved. The application process is conducted entirely online and requires submission of several key documents. Applicants must provide financial documentation such as IRS Form 990 or audited financial statements, depending on organizational type. Project-specific materials include bids, purchase offers, and funding commitment letters where applicable. A detailed project budget and narrative must also be uploaded. Additionally, applicants must submit a signed Application Submittal Authorization and Certification Form, which must be completed using a downloaded PDF and signed through a recognized PDF application. Applications must be submitted electronically by July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM. No pre-application or letter of intent is required. Questions regarding eligibility or the application process can be directed to the program’s official email contact. While specific award notification dates and project performance periods are not explicitly stated, the program operates on an annual cycle, indicating recurring funding opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials in advance due to the documentation requirements and competitive nature of the program.

Ensure all required financial and project documents are complete and signed properly avoid browser based PDF signatures and confirm eligibility compliance before submission