Ally Grant
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) Diverse Business Development Program is designed to promote inclusivity in Wisconsin’s economy by supporting existing, new and expanding businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ individuals, veterans and people with disabilities. As part of this program, the new Ally Grant pilot initiative aims to foster the development of new and/or emerging diverse-based nonprofit organizations that support diverse business communities, with a specific focus on organizations WEDC has not previously funded.
How it works
WEDC will fund up to nine organizations, with a total of $225,000 in funding available during fiscal year 2023. The funds are intended to support the organizations in building operating sustainability and becoming better prepared to provide technical assistance to their members and communities. The grant funds will be allocated in a competitive process, and awards announced in the spring of 2023. Organizations that receive grants can apply again to the program in subsequent years, provided the pilot program continues, but no organization can receive more than three grants through this program.
Review criteria
Applications for this pilot program must be diverse-based nonprofits that have not received prior WEDC funding. WEDC will evaluate applications based on demonstration of plans to develop and grow organizational competencies, strategies, systems and/or structures to improve stability and build sustainability of the organization.