2022 Housing Grant Cycle Opens

$1 million is available for emergency and extremely low-income housing

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), these grants seek to improve housing for community members with complex needs such as those who have developmental or intellectual disabilities, people who are experiencing intimate partner violence, individuals with incomes at or below 30% of the area’s 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’s 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 foundation will award a total of $1 million for the 2022 cycle, with awards announced in December. The grants – of no minimum size – are for physical improvements such as rehabilitation, accessibility features and new construction. 

During the 2021 grant cycle, 34 organizations received a total of $1 million to create or improve 865 beds or units. Since 1985, the WHEDA Foundation has issued 1,232 awards totaling nearly $27 million to housing providers across the state. 

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 Aug. 26.

Find complete program details, eligibility requirements and application materials at wheda.com/about-wheda/wheda-foundation/housing-grant-program. Contact [email protected] if you have program questions.