Wisconsin has over 108 grants for home repair and home improvement grants available to lower income homeowner families and individuals. This article provides you with all the main home repair programs offered throughout the state.
Updated: November 11, 2024
Budgeting for home repairs can be difficult. In Wisconsin, the 2025 Homeowners Repair Survey found almost 1/3 of homeowners have to delay them, and more than half delay repairs for financial reasons:
- 31% of Wisconsin homeowners have to delay home repairs.
- 63% of those homeowners delay them for financial reasons.
Having trouble funding home repair? You’re clearly not alone. The programs below may help you find those funds for your home.
Who provide grants for home repairs in Wisconsin?
There are 5 main sources of financial assistance for home improvement in Wisconsin:
- 1- Federal Programs : HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is the Federal housing agency providing programs and funds to the State, Counties and cities.
- 2- State of Wisconsin : Wisconsin Department of Housing and Community Development: (WHD) is a state agency offering funds to Counties, cities and local organizations in Wisconsin.
- 3- Counties and cities programs : The main organizations offering funds (over $88M) and programs to help Wisconsin with home repair, rehabilitation and improvement are at your county and city level.
- 4- Nonprofits & community organizations: Almost every city, towns and counties have non-profits helping homeowners with home repairs. More so for lower income and seniors homeowners.
- 5- Rural areas: Homeowners in rural areas have less resources but there are still often non-profits and the USDA is also helping rural homeowners with $271,000.
The important thing to keep in mind is that most programs can help with a broad range of home repairs. For example, there’s not only 1 roof program but many programs can help with roof repairs. That’s why we created the project’s summary below.
Jump to a project:
| Window (8) | Heating & HVAC (9) |
| Roof (7) | Foundation (7) |
| Electrical (7) | Bathroom (6) |
| Plumbing (7) | Remodel (7) |
| Sewer & water (5) | Asbestos & lead (5) |
Jump to a group:
| Seniors (9) | City & suburb (9) |
| Disabled (9) | Rural (5) |
| Veterans (7) |
FAQ
Can I get a $10,000 grant for home improvement?
What free grants for homeowners for repairs exist?
Who is eligible for government home improvement grant?
Confused about home improvement programs terms?
Who is eligible for government home improvement grant?
In general all homeowners are eligible for home improvement and repairs grants and assistance in Wisconsin (find them all below). In reality, because the needs are so big, some groups like seniors, veterans, disabled and low-income households are given priority. Even in those case, you need to apply as soon as possible because funds are limited.
So it’s often first arrived first served basis: apply early.
Each program has their own eligibility, so you need to verify with programs in your area to see info you meet the income eligibility level.
Wisconsin general eligibility by income and locations:
| Cities & Suburbs | Rural | |
|---|---|---|
| Low income | HUD, WAP, Cities & Counties programs, State, Disasters, Community Organisations, | USDA, WAP, Cities & Counties programs, State, Disasters, Community Organisations, |
|
Medium/High income |
Home Improvement Loans, State, Disasters, HUD | USDA, Home Improvement Loans, State, Disasters. |
Important reminder: Programs such as cities or counties assistance programs determine eligibility based on the median income in your area. This means that even if you have a moderate income, you might qualify for these programs if you live in a wealthier area. In other words, it’s better to verify your edibility with each program first before thinking you won’t be able to receive funding for your project.
More Home Repair & Renovation Tips for Wisconsin’s Homeowners:
Funding Urgent Repairs : Find out how to quickly pay home repairs.
Common Home Repair Cost : Get an idea of the costs for common repairs.
Home Improvement Guide : Your complete guide to planning your next project.
Funding Home Improvements : Learn about financing options to support your renovation.
More Home Improvement & Repair Resources.
Can I get a $10,000 grant for home improvement?
Can you get a $10,000 grant for home improvement? Quick answer is yes. Find on this page all the information you need for home improvement programs by the State of Wisconsin, by cities and by counties. Learn: how much they provide, if you’re eligible and where to apply.
What free grants for homeowners for repairs exist?
In general in Wisconsin, free grants for home repair help homeowners with:
- – Make sure your home does not harm the residents’ health.
- – Make sure your home structure is sound and may not hurt its resident.
- – Help renovate or repair some major part(s) of your home.
- – Help seniors and disabled residents stay in their homes longer and safer.
So yes, government grants for home repairs do exist and you can find them on this page.
Windows replacement (8 programs)
Windows are expensive; broken windows, no longer opening, warped frame, drafty and leaking air are a few among many common signs homeowners’ windows need repair or replacement. See also the Windows Replacement Guide for common window problems and replacements.
We have a separate resource explaining the programs for windows replacement in Wisconsin.
Window programs for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Cities & Counties programs, WAP, Community Organisations, Disasters
Window programs for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Cities & Counties programs, WAP, Community Organisations, Disasters
Window programs for medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Window programs for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Roof Replacement (7 programs)
Storm debris and damages, roof at the end of their lifespan, hail and wind are always signs of big expenses when it comes to a home roof. But not everyone has a sizable amount ready at any time to fix or replace its roof. See also our Guide to repair or change your roof.
Once it’s time to find a roofer, our community selection of Wisconsin’ best roofers can help.
Roof help for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Roof help for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Roof help for medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Roof help for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Foundation repair assistance (7 programs)
Cracks, uneven settling/heaving, soil conditions and drainage system issues are the most common problems requiring foundation repair.
Foundation help for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Foundation help for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Foundation help for medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Foundation help for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Electrical & plumbing assistance (7 programs)
Electrical: Faulty wiring, circuit breaker problems, and electrical panel issues are major concerns.
Plumbing: Leaky pipes, water heater malfunctions, and clogged drains are common plumbing problems.
Electrical and plumbing help for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Electrical and plumbing help for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Electrical and plumbing help for medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Electrical and plumbing help for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Heating & cooling, HVAC assistance (9 programs)
Furnace, boiler and HVAC malfunctions, thermostat problems, and ductwork leaks cause heating issues while AC compressor failures, refrigerant leaks, and airflow restrictions are major cooling problems.
Furnace and hvac programs for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Furnace and hvac programs for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Furnace and hvac programs for medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Furnace and hvac programs for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Asbestos, lead paints & pipes removal (5 programs)
Lead paint and asbestos are still one of the main health hazards in older homes. Removing them is costly and most local governments have a program to help homeowners remove this hazard.
Asbestos and lead programs for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Asbestos and lead programs for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Asbestos and lead programs for medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Asbestos and lead programs for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Sewer & water line repair or replacement (5 programs)
Fortunately, replacing water lines or sewers pipes is very costly. The programs below can help fund this repair or replacement depending on your income and where you live.
Water and sewer programs for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Water and sewer programs lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Cities & Counties programs, Community Organisations, Disasters
Water and sewer programs medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Water and sewer programs medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Home remodeling incentives (7 programs)
In some cases a home can be remodeled if they need major repairs as long as the cost is not prohibitive. Since the total amount varies by program you have to verify on this page for programs in your area.
Lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, Cities & Counties programs, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Bathroom remodel assistance (6 programs)
The programs’ goal is to bring bathrooms to sanitary and health standards. Improving the bathroom finishing can be done with your own funds or a loan.
Lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, Cities & Counties programs, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Medium and higher income in a rural area:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Home modifications for disabled (9 programs)
Having a disability creates issues in a home. Most funding resources let you upgrade and make modifications to your home to be able to live in it much longer. Ramps, bathroom and kitchen modifications, installation of grab bars, doorways enlargement, are all covered by accessibility programs.
Accessibility modifications for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, Cities & Counties programs, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Accessibility modifications for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Accessibility modifications for medium and higher income in a rural area:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Accessibility modifications for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Home modifications for Seniors (9 programs)
Most programs help you upgrade and make modifications to your home to be able to live in it much longer as a senior. Ramps, bathroom and kitchen modifications, installation of grab bars, are all covered by home adaptation programs for seniors.
Local Area Agency on Aging can also often help with some repairs.
You can find resources below and the curated resource for senior home modifications.
Senior home modifications for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, Cities & Counties programs, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Senior home modifications for lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Senior home modifications for medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Senior home modifications for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Cities and suburbs homeowners (9 programs)
Living in a city is often more expensive and there are home improvement programs available to city and suburban homeowners.
Home repair programs for lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, Cities & Counties programs, State, Community Organisations
Home improvement for medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Home Improvement Loans
Rural Homeowners (4 programs)
Homeowners in rural areas have to rely on less external resources but there are still resources available to them for home repair and improvements.
Rural homeowner with a lower income:
USDA, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Rural homeowner with a medium and higher income:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Disasters: FEMA in Wisconsin (10s if resources)
When the Federal Agency FEMA declares some area(s) of Wisconsin a disaster area, the area’s residents can then apply for financial aid.
You can find if your area is declared a disaster area by FEMA here then if it is, claim disaster assistance with the federal government. If you’re impacted by a disaster, you may be able to claim housing, financial, food, medical, etc.
SBA (4 programs)
Veterans Home Repair & Rehab (7 programs)
The VA provides grants and VA renovation loans to adapt their housing to their needs when they have a disability. And naturally, veterans are also eligible to all existing home improvement programs:
Veteran with a lower income living in a city or suburb:
HUD, Cities & Counties programs, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Veteran with a lower income living in a rural area:
USDA, State, Community Organisations, Disasters
Veteran with a medium and higher income in a rural area:
USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
Veteran with a medium and higher income in a city or suburb:
HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans
HUD (Urban Housing Department) (2 programs)
HUD is the federal agency funding Wisconsin’s Housing agencies, Counties and Cities. HUD have many programs from home buyer help, renter help, homeowners funding among many for home repairs and improvements.
2 loans programs helps people renovate, rehabilitate or improve their home (mobile homes included). Both are loan insurances for Wisconsin’s homeowners who couldn’t otherwise get a loan:
Rehabilitation and repair loan (insurance): Known as “Title I Property Improvement Loan Program”, it helps you if you have not enough equity for a traditional loan, and the FHA (part of HUD) insure your loan for your lender.
- – House Loan amount limit: $25,000
- – Mobile home Loan amount limit: $25,090
203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance: This a special FHA loan that allows you to finance both the purchase or refinancing of a house and the cost of renovations into a single mortgage.
- – Limited 203k: Projects less than $35,000.
- – Standard 203k: Projects over $35,000.
In both Title 1 and 203(k), the money for the renovations is put in an escrow account and is only released to the contractor when the work is completed and inspected by a qualified professional. This helps ensure that the renovations are done properly and that the money is used for its intended purpose. It protects both the lender and you, the homeowner.
Wisconsin Department of Housing (WHD) (1 program)
This Department have 1 home improvement directly helping homeowners.
Owner-occupied rehabilitation: Eligible costs are energy-related improvements, accessibility improvements, lead-based paint hazard reduction, and repair of code violations.
Habitat for Humanity (36 programs)
Through their volunteers, Habitat rehabilitates houses for families and people in need in Wisconsin with 36 local chapters with their own home programs. They may be able to help with home repairs and updates to make your home safer. This organization relies on you, or some neighbors if you’re elderly, to put some of the work into your home repairs. You can apply through Habitat to learn about help available in your area.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores (29 resources)
ReStores provide discounted used, surplus building materials, appliances and furniture.
Rebuilding Together (3 programs)
Community Action Partnership of Wisconsin (CAP) (18 resources)
These 18 nonprofits across Wisconsin offer many services to their residents. They usually offer home repair assistance programs, WAP and LIHEAP for low and moderate income homeowners.
Find your area CAP by looking on this map. Then contact your closest agency to see the programs they have for homeowners like you.
Veterans Home Repair (0 program)
The State no longer offers a grant and loan program for veterans for home repairs or modification. We recommend you verify to be certain they is the organisation contact info since information may have changed.
Most local non-profits and county programs will help veterans modify or repair their home.
Weatherization Assistant Program (WAP)
WAP is Federal funded but managed locally. It helps improve or change windows for energy efficient ones at no cost. It also pays for attic insulation and ventilation, repair or replace broken heating, cooling and water heaters, and much other small work to improve your home energy efficiency.
| Spent per Home | Homes Weatherized | Budget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin |
$8,000 |
7,573 | $79M |
Find the program detail and contact your local organization managing WAP.
WIHEAP: This program is mostly to help pay your heating and cooling cost but it may also help fix, repair or replace broken windows for energy efficient ones.
Find more info about the program eligibility and apply online for WIHEAP.
Home Repair for Seniors in Wisconsin (1 program)
Wisconsin’s Department of Aging offer many services to seniors. You can find the list here.
Question: Are home repairs for senior citizens free?
Answer: Yes, usually, but it’s often different for each program. Some programs are 100% free while some others require a contribution and in other cases. In most cases they are free if the senior has a low income. You find your programs and your eligibility with the programs on this page.
Home Modification and Repair: This program promotes the safety and well-being of adults in their homes; designed to increase accessibility, reduce the risk of injury, and improve older adults’ ability to stay at home; it may also include the purchase of certain assistive devices. It’s managed locally by your local Area Agencies on Aging.
Wisconsin Rural Residents (1 program)
The USDA provide home improvement loans and government grants to low-income homeowners in Wisconsin’s rural areas.
WI homeowner amounts:
Grant (average): $6,698
Loan (average): $8,851
Who may apply for this program?
To qualify, you must:
- – Be the homeowner and occupy the house
- – Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
- – Have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income
- – For grants, be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan
What is an eligible area?
Applicants may check the address of their home to determine eligibility.
How may funds be used?
- Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize housing or remove health and safety hazards
- Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards
How much money can I get?
- – Maximum loan is $40,000
- – Maximum grant is $10,000
- – Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in payment assistance
What are the terms of the loan or grant?
- – Loans can be repaid over 20 years
- – Loan interest rate is fixed at 1%
- – Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more
- – Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500
- – Grants must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years
- – If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan and grant combination
Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications for this program are accepted through your local USDA’s RD office all year round
How long does an application take?
Approval times depend on funds availability in your area.
Programs by County & City (26 programs)
Wisconsin counties have approved home repair and government grant programs. Most major cities also have similar help for homeowners. Cities and counties received over $88M ($62M CDGB + $26M HOME) last fiscal year to help residents with various programs.
If you don’t see your county or city below you should contact it directly and ask them if the city have a home repair program.
Milwaukee County (1 program)
Home Repair Program: Provide financial assistance in the form of a loan to low-income, owner-occupants of single-family homes to make necessary home repairs (does not include the city of Milwaukee).
Common repairs include hot water heaters, furnaces, sewer laterals, roofs, siding, trim, windows, porches, foundations, plumbing, electrical, lead remediation and accessibility modifications.
City of Milwaukee (2 programs)
Strong Home: Programs offer loans up to $25,000 to homeowners in Milwaukee. For homeowners over 62 or lower income deferred payment is possible. Interest rate is based on income: 0% for lower income, 3% for other income. Term is 15 years or until the house is sold. 25% of the loan can be forgiven after 10 years of the homeowner occupying the home. Eligible work: plumbing and electrical work, roof and siding, windows, structural issues, and heating and water systems.
Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP): Grant program to pay for major home repairs such as building code violations.
Dane County (2 programs)
Minor Home Repair: Grant program making necessary repairs for qualified homeowners in Dane County (excluding the city of Madison).
Major Rehabilitation: Program is a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan paid when the home is sold. Eligible repairs include roofing, siding, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, safety concerns, and accessibility modifications.
City of Madison (2 programs)
Minor Home Repair: Program offers low cost home repairs and accessibility modifications for qualified homeowners. Homeowners pay the cost of materials and $15.00 per hour per person for labor.
Major Rehabilitation: Program is a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan paid when the home is sold. Eligible repairs include roofing, siding, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, safety concerns, and accessibility modifications.
Waukesha County (2 programs)
Homeowner Rehabilitation: Program provides no-interest deferred loans to low-to-moderate income households for home repairs. Eligible repairs include roofs, mechanical systems, plumbing, windows, foundations, siding, and accessibility improvements. The loans are available for households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income.
Rehab program: Offers homeowner rehabilitation deferred loan to help low and moderate-income households buy and repair homes. The rehab loan is a no-interest deferred loan. Repairs must meet HOME Consortium Code Requirements.
Brown County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Racine County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Outagamie County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Winnebago County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Kenosha County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Rock County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program.Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Marathon County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Washington County (1 program)
HOME Consortium: Program provides low-interest rehabilitation loans for maintaining the quality of existing housing stock. Eligible households earn 80% or less of the area median income. Repairs include mechanical systems, roofing, plumbing, windows, and accessibility improvements.
Sheboygan County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
La Crosse County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Eau Claire County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Ozaukee County (1 program)
Program name: Offers home rehabilitation loans to low and moderate-income households. Repairs must address health and safety issues and meet code requirements.
Walworth County (0 program)
The county has no official home repair or improvement program. Look at local non-profits for home repairs help, State program and federal programs.
Confused about home improvement programs terms?
It can be confusing to understand the terms. Lots of different organizations have different words for the same type of help programs: home improvement grant, home repair grants, programs, free grants, relief service, repair assistance, etc. They are all synonyms of programs designed to help low and moderate income homeowners repair and fix important elements of their house.