Wisconsin Bankers Association Announces $50,000 in Financial Literacy, Housing, and Economic Development Grants

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that seven grants totaling $50,000 have been awarded to support housing, economic development, community investment, and financial, cyber, and housing literacy in Wisconsin.   

“Financial literacy and housing assistance give individuals and families in our state the foundation they need to succeed,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We are proud to provide this grant opportunity that allows banks and non-profit organizations to strengthen their programs. Together, we can empower Wisconsin’s citizens toward homeownership and brighter financial futures.” 

The selected projects include:  

• AbbyBank, Abbotsford, Wis. — Awarded $5,000 
  • AbbyBank plans to expand their financial literacy, cybersecurity, and fraud education that targets low- to moderate-income individuals and communities. The program is designed to improve financial capability, promote safe banking practices, and empower individuals to better protect themselves from fraud and cyber threats. AbbyBank will develop a First-Time Homebuyer Guide and a Home Refinance Guide to compliment and expand upon the Small Farm and Small Business Start-Up Guides introduced in 2025. 
• Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc, Wis. — Awarded $10,000 
  • Bank Five Nine will provide home buyer seminars through Housing Resources Inc (HRI) and United Community Center (UCC). The seminars are dedicated to helping low- to moderate-income families buy a home, covering topics such as credit, mortgages, home shopping, and managing finances. HRI and UCC help families select insurance professionals, real estate brokers, and lenders. The program allows families to find a home that fits their budget and provides them with the tools to remain in their home long term. 
• CBI Bank & Trust, Beloit, Wis. — Awarded $10,000 
  • CBI Bank & Trust will use the grant funds to support its Special Purpose Mortgage program by providing financial assistance for down payment and closing costs to qualified borrowers in Wisconsin. The program expands access to homeownership for individuals who may not qualify for conventional financing, particularly those from historically under-served groups. Any remaining funds will be used for financial literacy programs and promotion of the Special Purpose Mortgage program. 
• The Equitable Bank, Wauwatosa, Wis. — Awarded $10,000 
  • The Equitable Bank will partner with Better Stewards, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization that serves under-resourced communities, to promote strategic housing stability and financial capability. Grant funds will expand Beyond the Keys, a structured post-purchase financial education and coaching initiative that supports first-time homeowners during the critical first 12–24 months after closing. The program hosts workshops on budgeting, escrow management, property taxes, and insurance. The initiative will scale to serve more people and further strengthen financial stability and reduce mortgage delinquency risk. 
• Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Waterloo, Wis. — Awarded $5,000 
  • Farmers & Merchants State Bank plans to host a series of educational seminars and events throughout 2026 focused on financial literacy, housing education, and long-term economic well-being. The funding will also support the bank’s youth-focused initiatives throughout the year that will educate young people on topics like saving, bank services, and making sound financial decisions. 
• Port Washington State Bank — Awarded $5,000 
  • Port Washington State Bank will partner with St. Vincent de Paul to launch a structured financial education program centered on the Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World workshop, a 16-session course designed to help individuals and families build financial stability. The program will guide participants through identifying barriers, developing financial tools, setting goals, and creating long-term plans for economic independence, while also providing small stipends to encourage participation. The initiative ultimately aims to move beyond short-term assistance and equip participants with the knowledge to achieve lasting financial stability. 
• Waumandee State Bank — Awarded $5,000 
  • Waumandee State Bank will offer fraud prevention and financial literacy classes across the communities it serves. Grant funding will support the development and purchase of educational and supplementary materials to enhance outreach efforts. These resources will provide residents with accessible, practical tools to strengthen financial knowledge, improve housing preparedness, and increase awareness of fraud prevention strategies.