Gov. Evers announces $50M in grants available for community development projects statewide
Gov. Tony Evers last Wednesday announced the next round of grant funding for the Non-State Grant Program to support local infrastructure improvement and community development projects across the state. The $50 million program, created by Eves in 2023, serves as a catalyst for community development, empowering local organizations to undertake construction projects that have a profound public purpose by supporting economic and community development, bolstering Wisconsin’s infrastructure, and improving the overall quality of life in the state.
“With investments in health centers, veteran services, museums,libraries,andmore,we’veseentheoverwhelmingly positive impact of the Non-State Grant Program across our state, from Hayward to Baraboo to Kenosha and everywhere in between,” said Evers. “I am glad our bipartisan, pro-kid budget continued support for this critical program so we can continue to create jobs, improve lives, and support these projects that will continue to make our communities, our economy, and our state stronger.”
The Non-State Grant Program was created with a $50 million allocation of state funding as part of the 2023-25 Biennial Budget signed into law by Evers. The Wisconsin Department ofAdministration (DOA) had an overwhelming interest in the first round of Non-State Grant Program funding and received over 250 applications for funds. To date, the Non-State Grant Program has supported 50 community projects statewide, including local health clinics, community centers, libraries, veterans organizations, emergency response facilities, and more.
The $50 million Non-State Grant Program came in addition to another $36.6 million investment by Evers using the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to support five non-state building projects in Janesville, Milwaukee,GreenBay,andDoorCountythatwerepreviously rejected by members of the Wisconsin State Legislature in the 2023-25 Capital Budget process.
Building upon these efforts, the bipartisan 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed into law by Evers continued funding for this critical program with another $50 million investment to continue serving communities across the state. The application period for the next round of funding is now open, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Proposals that align with the program’s mission and demonstrate innovative solutions to pressing community challenges are encouraged.
To be eligible for a grant, organizations must secure funding from non-state revenue sources covering at least half of the total project cost and be ready for construction. Due to anticipated high demand, project awards will be capped at $2 million. Additional information about the Non-State Grant Program, including guidelines and application procedures, is available at doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/Local-Projects.aspx, with an “Apply Now” portal on that page.
For questions, email doanonstategrants@wisconsin.gov.
