MADISON — Organizations throughout Wisconsin that provide emergency shelter, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing are encouraged to apply for grants from the WHEDA Foundation.
Administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), the WHEDA Foundation Housing Grant Program aims to improve housing for community members with complex needs, such as individuals who have developmental or intellectual disabilities, people who are experiencing intimate partner violence, individuals with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income, youth experiencing homelessness, and people with mental and behavioral health conditions. Grants of up to $50,000 are available in two categories — emergency/transitional housing and permanent housing.
“Many amazing organizations around the state are doing great work to fulfill the housing needs of their communities, and we are excited to see what they have planned,” said Elmer Moore, Jr., WHEDA CEO. “We want to help these organizations create better lives for individuals and families who need a place to call home.”
The WHEDA Foundation will award $2 million for the 2024 cycle, with awards to be announced in December 2024. The grants are for physical improvements such as rehabilitation, accessibility features, and new construction. There is no minimum grant size.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations or cooperatives organized under Chapters 181, 185, or 187 of the Wisconsin Statutes; community development, redevelopment, and housing authorities; and local government, including Native American tribal authorities. Applications are due on Monday, August 12, by 11:59 p.m.
Complete program details and application materials are available here. For program inquiries, contact WHEDA.Foundation@wheda.com.
The annual housing grant program competition is funded entirely by WHEDA operations and uses no state tax dollars. Organizations receiving the grants include nonprofit agencies, local governments, and tribal authorities serving low-income or disadvantaged populations, including people and youth experiencing homelessness, people with substance use disorder, individuals in need of protective services, aging and older adults, and people living with HIV, among others.
During the 2023 grant cycle, 53 organizations received $2 million to create or improve 1,674 beds or units. A list of the 2023 grant award recipients is available on WHEDA’s website.
