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WHEDA /  About /  WHEDA Foundation /  WHEDA Housing Grant Program
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Housing Grant Program

Grants to repair or enhance housing and shelters.

The Housing Grant Program (HGP) is a statewide initiative that provides capital funding to develop and improve housing and shelter for Wisconsin's most vulnerable residents. Established in 1985 in response to reductions in federal housing and shelter funding, the program helps ensure critical housing resources remain available for communities across the state. Since its inception, the WHEDA Foundation has awarded almost $35 million for capital improvement for emergency and transitional housing facilities.

 

The 2026 Housing Grant Program is accepting applications until July 31. Sign up to receive email updates.

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Guidelines

The 2026 Housing Grant Program will award a total of $2,000,000 to support the development and improvement of housing facilities across Wisconsin that serve people in crisis.

  • There are two grant categories: Emergency/Transitional Housing and Permanent Housing.
  • Applicants may apply for funding in both categories, but only one application per category is allowed.
  • The maximum grant award per project is $50,000. There is no minimum award, and all valid funding requests are welcome.
  • At least 25% and no more than 75% of the total funds will be awarded in any single category.

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Applicants must fall into one of the following organizational categories:
    • Nonprofit organizations or cooperatives organized under Chapters 181, 185, or 187 of the Wisconsin Statutes
    • Community development, redevelopment, and housing authorities
    • Local units of government
    • Native American Tribal authorities
  • Nonprofit organizations and cooperatives are required to register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) trust (with good standing). Search your status at the Department of Financial Institutions website.
  • Organizations that received WHEDA Foundation's Housing Grant Program awards consecutively in 2025, 2024, and 2023 are not eligible to apply for the 2026 program. Those organizations may apply again for the 2027 grant cycle.
  • Applicants who have not submitted the final report for a previous housing grant program award, and who have exceeded the 12-month project completion deadline, are ineligible for a 2026 grant award. Once the final report is submitted, the applicant becomes eligible for future grant cycles.

Eligible Uses of Grant Funds

  • Rehabilitation    
  • Handicapped accessibility improvements
  • Conversions/additions to buildings or units
  • Site acquisition and other development activities
  • Building acquisition
  • New construction

Non-eligible Uses of Grant Funds

  • Market studies
  • Feasibility studies
  • Environmental assistance
  • Ongoing project operating costs
  • Housing finance
  • Services or transportation services
  • Costs incurred in the preparation of the 2026 Housing Grant Program Application
  • Costs incurred prior to the 2026 Housing Grant Program Application
  • Personal home improvement or home buyer assistance

Application

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and the WHEDA Foundation, Inc. are pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 Housing Grant Program.

All applications must be submitted electronically by July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Please direct any questions to wheda.foundation@wheda.com.

Application

Awards

Click on the dates below to visit awardee lists for the corresponding year.

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Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter

Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter's remodeled kitchen became a vital space for families to reconnect, fostering hope and personal growth in a safe, supportive environment.

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Twin Oaks Shelter

With the help of a $21,000 WHEDA Foundation grant, Twin Oaks became fully handicapped accessible, ensuring that even more community members could find safety, resources, and a pathway to stability.

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Jeffris Flats

YWCA of Rock County launched the "Fix the Flats" initiative and secured a WHEDA Foundation grant to fund exterior and accessibility renovations. This support restored the historic building and allowed the YWCA to focus on expanding programs and services that help residents rebuild their lives.

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Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association

With support from a $50,000 WHEDA Foundation grant, Eau Claire Hmong Mutual Assistance Association was able to fully renovate its eight-plex housing development, providing stability, resources, and hope to residents in the Chippewa Valley.

Read More

Resources

Extension Date Request Form

Projects should be completed within 12 months of receiving funds. However, we recognize that unforeseen issues may require an extension of the completion date.

Download Form

Final Report Form

To close out your HGP project, please submit the Final Report. This form requires project start and completion dates, a narrative of completed activities, a financial summary of funds used, and copies of invoices or receipts.

Download Form

Fund Reallocation Request Form

If the project scope changes and affects your use of grant funds, please request approval from The WHEDA Foundation before proceeding. Complete a Fund Reallocation Request Form.

Download Form

Questions? Contact Us.

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