Vibrant Spaces Grant

Encouraging placemaking efforts in Wisconsin communities

The Vibrant Spaces Grant, an element of WEDC’s Community Development Investment Grant Program, is designed to assist communities in creating vibrant and engaging spaces that make it easier to recruit and retain residents, sustain a robust labor force, and enhance local quality of life. With the help of this grant, new and enhanced public gathering places will foster community connections and provide accessible locations for the programming and amenities local residents desire—with the additional benefit of boosting foot traffic for area businesses.

How it works

Grants in amounts from $25,000 to $50,000 are available to help local communities develop and enhance public spaces. The application must come from the municipality, a community development corporation, or a nonprofit community organization. Only one application per municipality will be considered every other fiscal year for communities under 50,000 in population.  Communities with populations over 50,000 may apply for a grant award each fiscal year. A Vibrant Spaces Grant application does not affect a community’s broader eligibility for a CDI Grant. In the FY27 grant cycle, no more than 15 grants will be awarded. Applicants must provide a 1:1 match of the grant amount, with the exception of economically distressed communities or communities with population less than 5,000, which need only provide a 25% match.