In addition to state and federal programs, some public and private foundations also support historic preservation activities. Some of the key financial assistance sources for preservation-related projects are listed below.

Wisconsin Funding Sources

• The Jeffris Family Foundation

  This private Wisconsin foundation is dedicated to historic preservation. It provides funds to nonprofit organizations for capital improvement projects, research projects, and publications that document historic preservation projects, the documentation of a significant event or activity related to Wisconsin's history, or projects furthering the cause of historic preservation in Wisconsin. The foundation primarily focuses on communities with populations less than 100,000. Past supported projects include: the removal of modern siding and exterior restoration of the Valentine Wolf House in Germantown; the restoration and reuse of Fairlawn Mansion and Museum in Superior; and long-range planning guide, a historic structures report, and the preservation studies for the Mineral Point Historical Society.

• The Wisconsin Humanities Council

  The nonprofit Wisconsin Humanities Council offers matching grants for educational projects that target audiences of the adult public and that use the humanities to achieve a better understanding of public issues. The Wisconsin Humanities Council also offers a Historic Preservation Grant.

• Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

  WHEDA offers housing rehabilitation loans to low- and moderate-income property owners and owners of multi-family property.

• Farm Service Agency, Wisconsin Office

  The Wisconsin office of the Farm Service Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides loans to very low-income, rural homeowners for the rehabilitation of homes that are failing to meet minimum safety, sanitary, and disabled accessibility standards.

• Wisconsin Division of Housing

  This agency administers Rental Rehabilitation Programs that offer low-interest loans to owners of rental property that meets HUD criteria and rented to low-income tenants.

Local Funding Sources

Local grants and loans are often available for the rehabilitation of historic properties. An active downtown revitalization organization or a local Main Street Program might offer such assistance.

Museum Funding Source

The Institute of Museum and Library Services provides grants to museums that have been in operation for a minimum number of years and have at least one permanent paid staff member.

• Funding Commission Preservation Activities
• Preservation Commission Processes