Historic Building Restoration Impact in Wisconsin's Small Towns
GrantID: 69958
Grant Funding Amount Low: $5,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $5,000,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Revitalizing Wisconsin’s Historic Downtowns
In Wisconsin, many small towns are grappling with the challenges of maintaining their historic architecture while striving for economic revitalization. The state's rural areas have faced significant population decline, with many municipalities reporting a decrease in residents by as much as 10% over the last decade. This demographic shift not only threatens the preservation of historic buildings but also affects local economies dependent on tourism and retail.
The towns that face these barriers represent a diverse mix of communities across Wisconsin's various regions, including areas along the Great Lakes and in the Northwoods. These locations often depend heavily on their historic downtowns, which serve as vital social and economic hubs. However, the lack of investment in these areas has resulted in increased vacancy rates, with some towns reporting that over 30% of their storefronts are unoccupied. Community leaders and local businesses have been particularly affected by these trends, as they struggle to attract visitors and new residents alike.
The funding program focused on revitalizing historic downtowns specifically targets these small towns and aims to address these critical challenges. By providing financial support for the restoration of historic buildings, the initiative facilitates not only the preservation of local heritage but also the economic development necessary for sustainability. Eligible projects include facade restorations, improvements to public spaces, and initiatives that promote local history, all designed to draw in tourism and enhance community pride.
This funding initiative emphasizes partnerships between various entities, including local governments, nonprofit organizations, and historical societies. By fostering collaboration, the program aims to maximize the impact of the funds disbursed. For instance, local governments may utilize grant money for facade enhancement projects while working with historical societies to ensure that restorations meet preservation guidelines. This collaborative approach enhances the visibility of revitalization efforts and encourages community engagement in the process.
In Wisconsin, implementing this grant effectively translates into measurable outcomes for both the local economy and community cohesion. Past projects have shown significant increases in foot traffic, with some downtown areas reporting up to a 50% uptick in visitors following restoration efforts. Increased customer presence positively impacts local businesses, leading to higher sales, and creating job opportunities. Additionally, the grant contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of these communities, which can lead to higher property values and a renewed sense of identity among residents.
The outcomes anticipated from this initiative are not just economic; they also incorporate the cultural revitalization of Wisconsin's towns. The restoration of historic sites brings educational opportunities for residents and visitors, further emphasizing the state's unique history and contributions to American culture. These efforts ensure that the stories of Wisconsin's past are preserved and highlighted for future generations.
Through strategic implementation, this grant program aims to transform Wisconsin's historic downtowns into thriving centers of commerce and community life. It encourages local governments to invest in their heritage, leveraging history as a vehicle for economic growth. Each funded project serves as a testament to the innovative spirit present in Wisconsin, where tradition meets modern-day entrepreneurial pursuits, ultimately creating a dynamic landscape for both residents and visitors alike.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
Grant Detailed Description
View Full Grant Details
📌 Organization Profile: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Name: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
About: The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is Wisconsin’s lead economic development agency, providing businesses, communities, and entrepreneurs with financial incentives, technical assistance, grants, loans, and partnerships that cultivate economic growth across the state.
Mission / Focus: WEDC’s mission is to foster sustainable economic growth, support business creation and expansion, enhance community revitalization, and promote innovation, competitiveness, and job creation in Wisconsin through strategic investments and resources.
Background: Established in 2011 as a public‑private corporation, WEDC collaborates with hundreds of partners statewide to deliver economic development programs that help businesses grow, communities thrive, and entrepreneurs succeed.
Types of Grants: WEDC administers a wide range of grant programs including redevelopment aid, business support, workforce/talent initiatives, environmental and site remediation, community capacity building, entrepreneurial ecosystem strengthening, and small business development.
📍 📊 Opportunity Attraction Fund
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/opportunity-attraction-fund/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Supports Wisconsin communities and organizations in attracting major events and economic opportunities that generate visibility, visitation, and local economic impact.
Eligibility: Wisconsin cities, villages, towns, counties, Tribal entities, visitor bureaus, business improvement districts, and private entities.
Eligible Locations: Projects must benefit Wisconsin communities.
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 for bid costs; up to $5 million for hosting expenses; non‑WEDC matching funds required.
Proposal Deadlines: Competitive cycle varies by opportunity notices.
📍 🏙️ Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/community-development-investment-grant/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Supports redevelopment and revitalization with measurable community and economic impact, including historic preservation and infrastructure enhancements.
Eligibility: Local governments and community development organizations in Wisconsin.
Eligible Locations: Urban, small city, and rural communities in Wisconsin.
Funding Amounts: Varies based on project scope and impact.
Proposal Deadlines: Annual application cycles aligned with WEDC fiscal year.
📍 🌆 Vibrant Spaces Grant — CDI Subset
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/vibrant-spaces-grant/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Enhances community gathering spots and public spaces that support resident engagement and quality of life.
Eligibility: Wisconsin municipalities; one application per municipality per fiscal year.
Eligible Locations: Communities in Wisconsin.
Funding Amounts: $25,000 to $50,000; community matching required.
Proposal Deadlines: Annually during WEDC’s grant cycle.
📍 🏗️ Idle Sites Redevelopment Program
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/idle-sites-redevelopment-program/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Encourages remediation and productive reuse of idle industrial, institutional, and commercial properties.
Eligibility: Cities, villages, towns, counties, and Tribal entities in Wisconsin.
Eligible Locations: Wisconsin.
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per site.
Proposal Deadlines: Annually determined.
📍 🧪 Brownfields Grant Program
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/brownfields-grant-program/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Supports cleanup of contaminated sites to enable redevelopment and reuse.
Eligibility: Municipal entities, Tribal governments, individuals, and businesses meeting site criteria.
Eligible Locations: Wisconsin.
Funding Amounts: Up to approximately $250,000.
Proposal Deadlines: Annually determined.
📍 🚀 Ignite Wisconsin (Entrepreneurship & Innovation)
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/ignite-wisconsin/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Strengthens regional entrepreneurial ecosystems through collaborative projects that expand startup support and commercialization.
Eligibility: Regional ecosystem partners and consortia.
Eligible Locations: Wisconsin regions.
Funding Amounts: $200,000 to $2 million; four to six awards expected.
📍 🌍 Talent Recruitment Grant
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/talent-recruitment-grant/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Supports initiatives that attract new residents and strengthen local workforce pipelines.
Eligibility: Communities, Tribal entities, and nonprofits focused on workforce development.
Eligible Locations: Wisconsin.
Funding Amounts: Varies by community plan.
Proposal Deadlines: Annual cycle.
📍 📈 Capacity Building Grants
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/capacity-building-grants/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Helps regional development organizations with planning, feasibility studies, assessments, and strategic enhancements.
Eligibility: Economic development partners and organizations.
Eligible Locations: Wisconsin.
Funding Amounts: Typically up to $50,000; matching funds encouraged.
Proposal Deadlines: Annual cycle.
📍 💼 Small Business Development Grant (SBDG)
Grant URL: wedc.org/programs/small-business-development-grant/
Funding Priorities & Interests: Encourages communities and economic development partners to develop programs that broaden access to capital and direct support for small businesses and small business creation. Program goals focus on increasing capital access and innovative local business support.
Eligibility: Local and regional economic development organizations, municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and membership organizations that administer programs for small business support.
Eligible Locations: Projects must benefit small businesses located in Wisconsin.
Funding Amounts: Awards range from $50,000 to $250,000 per organization/program; WEDC allocates significant annual funding.
Use of Funds: Can support matching grant programs (like startup, façade, and expansion grants) or direct financing programs for businesses with fewer than 25 full‑time employees; funds must be passed 100% through to small businesses.
Proposal Deadlines: Annual competitive application periods determined by WEDC each fiscal year.
Notes: Matching funds are not required but may increase scoring; priority may be given to applicants without prior funding and to programs serving rural or diverse small businesses.
Go to the organization’s website for additional information/updates.