By Rose Oswald Poels
I am pleased to announce that applications for the annual Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) grants are now open! The mission of WBF is to empower financial decisions through education, scholarships, and research.
Every year, WBF offers a limited number of grants to registered non-profit organizations and government instrumentalities (such as schools and libraries) that host programs which align with our mission to promote financial literacy across Wisconsin. In certain cases, WBF may extend funding to other organizations whose work directly furthers the Foundation’s mission in other related ways.
The Foundation was proud to award seven grants last year to organizations advancing financial capability. Funded programs included statewide competitions like the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl and The Stock Market Game, to classroom initiatives such as Eastbrook Academy’s educator training program and Faith Christian School’s senior economics business challenge. I encourage interested applicants to view our webpage to learn more about projects WBF has supported in the past and how your initiative or that of an organization you work with may align.
Applications will be evaluated based on project quality and innovation, audience reach, feasibility, and the overall impact of the Foundation funding. Awarded amounts range from $500 to $5,000, with final decisions made by the WBF Board of Directors based on annual priorities and available funding.
The application period opened Tuesday, April 28, and closes on Thursday, May 28 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be notified of decisions by Friday, July 3.
We honor WBF grant recipients in person at our annual Foundation Gala, which will be held Thursday evening, September 24, 2026, in Madison. It is always exciting and interesting for attendees and donors to hear how their support directly powered these projects and the many lives impacted for the better.
Please share this opportunity with an organization that is leading efforts to promote financial literacy in Wisconsin. Thank you all for your continued commitment to promoting financial literacy across our communities!
