The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) has awarded six grants to nonprofit organizations advancing financial education initiatives across Wisconsin. The mission of the WBF, the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, is to promote financial literacy and capability through education, scholarships, grants, and research. The grants will be presented at the WBF Gala on September 24, 2026, at the Goodman Community Center’s Brassworks Building in Madison.
The following organizations were chosen to receive grants based on their alignment with WBF’s mission and their program’s impact on Wisconsin communities:
Asset Builders — The statewide high school Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl competition was awarded $5,000, marking WBF’s sixth year of support. WBF also partners to help recruit volunteers from the banking industry to serve as quizmasters, judges, and scorekeepers at the regional and state tournaments.
EconomicsWisconsin — The statewide middle and high school Stock Market Game was awarded $5,000. Over a ten-week competition period, students work in teams of one to five players, managing a mock $100,000 investment account and making stock trades based on their own research. Along the way, they learn key economic concepts such as supply and demand, scarcity, and opportunity cost.
Catholic Charities — The organization received a $5,000 grant to expand access to financial counseling and housing education in seven underserved rural counties across northeastern Wisconsin. The grant will help train and support a HUD-certified housing counselor who will provide no-cost one-on-one counseling and community workshops, bringing trusted financial guidance to residents with limited local resources.
Literacy Network — The organization received a $5,000 grant to develop and deliver financial literacy curriculum for adult English language learners. The new lessons will help participants build practical skills in budgeting, managing debt, understanding major purchases, and navigating everyday financial decisions as they work toward greater economic stability.
River Valley Charities — The organization received a $5,000 grant to expand its Financial Literacy Program, which provides free, one-on-one financial coaching to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Funding will help formalize the program by strengthening outreach, developing educational resources, and training volunteers to provide personalized guidance on budgeting, debt management, savings, and housing stability.
Community Action Coalition-South Central Wisconsin — The Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center, which offers free financial counseling to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Jefferson County, received a $5,000 grant. The funds will help expand personalized services that have already assisted clients in increasing savings, reducing debt, improving credit scores, and achieving long-term financial goals.
The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations on an annual basis, with the next application cycle occurring in the spring of 2027. To learn more about WBF, please visit wisbankfoundation.org.
