Talent Recruitment Grant Program

The Talent Recruitment Grant Program (TRG), administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), is a state-funded initiative created under the 2025 Wisconsin Act 15. It supports local efforts to attract and incentivize out-of-state talent to relocate to municipalities across Wisconsin. Designed as a tool to counteract projected population declines and workforce shortages, TRG enables communities to implement programs that encourage households from outside the state to move into Wisconsin, contributing to the state’s long-term economic vitality. TRG provides financial support to cities, villages, towns, counties, and American Indian tribes or bands in Wisconsin, as well as eligible nonprofit organizations with missions focused on economic, workforce, or community development. These organizations can apply for funding to design and manage talent recruitment programs and offer direct incentives to households relocating from outside the state. To ensure mutual investment, applicants are required to provide a minimum of 20% in matching funds, which may be in the form of cash, local investment, or in-kind contributions. The grant program operates on a competitive basis with a total allocation of $5 million for FY26. Each municipality may receive up to $500,000 per fiscal year and is limited to one award per year. Eligible households must reside outside Wisconsin at the time of application, have an income of at least $55,000, and apply through a TRG recipient. TRG projects are expected to help at least 10 communities recruit a total of 250 new households to Wisconsin. Applications for the FY26 cycle will open on January 5, 2026, and close on January 31, 2026. All submissions must be received within this defined window and will be reviewed collectively. Applications are assessed based on several factors, including the total cost and scope of the recruitment program, estimated economic impact, grant amount per household, and the applicant’s demonstrated ability to meet match requirements. Previous grantees’ performance in meeting their household recruitment goals will also be considered. Interested applicants must first consult with a WEDC Account Manager to determine project alignment with the program. Upon confirmation, applications are submitted via Network Wisconsin. A panel reviews the submissions, followed by an underwriting process. Awards are disbursed in two phases: 50% upon contract execution and the remaining 50% upon confirmation that at least half of the household recruitment goal has been met. Failure to meet this threshold results in forfeiture of the remaining funds. Recipients are required to submit semiannual performance reports detailing the number of households relocated, associated economic impacts, and related demographic data. These reports support program oversight and are subject to audit for up to three years following the final report submission. WEDC may impose additional reporting requirements to ensure compliance and measure outcomes.

Prioritize clear household recruitment targets and local impact metrics; ensure readiness to meet 20% match; demonstrate past success if previously funded.