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, the WHEDA Foundation grants aim 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 percent 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.

“We are excited to again recognize the importance of safe, affordable housing as people look to create better lives for themselves and their families,” said Elmer Moore, Jr., WHEDA CEO. “As the Foundation has for the last 38 years, we look forward to seeing the innovative ideas from the many amazing partners who are doing great work to fulfill the housing needs of their communities.”

The WHEDA Foundation will award a total of $1 million for the 2022 cycle with awards to be announced in December. 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 units of government, including Native American tribal authorities. Applications are due on Aug. 26, 2022.

Complete program details, eligibility requirements, and application materials are available here. For program inquiries, please 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.