UEDA Member Highlights

BizTimes Nonprofit Excellent Award nominations announced! Congratulations to UEDA members on their recognition as finalists. We are proud to celebrate the outstanding work of Associated Bank, named a finalist for Corporate Citizen of the Year; Darryl Johnson of Riverworks Development Corp., a finalist for Nonprofit Executive of the Year; Community Advocates, recognized in the Large Nonprofit Organization of the Year category; and Acts Lending, a finalist for Social Enterprise of the Year.

Congratulations to Community First (District 740, Tecumseh Landing) and Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development (Heritage Lofts at Lincoln), on their recent award of 2026 Housing Tax Credits from WHEDA. This year’s cycle awarded $14.3 million Federal and $8 million State tax credits towards housing development.

Kurt Paulsen, Professor of Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, was recently featured in a statewide housing affordability analysis examining the growing gap between home prices and incomes in Wisconsin. Paulsen highlights how decades of underbuilding, combined with strong job and population growth, have contributed to rising housing costs in both the Milwaukee and Madison metro areas. His insights help underscore the importance of expanding housing supply and advancing solutions that make homeownership more attainable for Wisconsin residents.

Prime Financial Credit Union, celebrates the graduates of its Financial Literacy And Matched Earnings (FLAME) program! Through savings incentives, one-on-one financial coaching, and financial education, participants built stronger financial futures while working toward goals like homeownership, credit improvement, and long-term financial stability.

WUWM aired their “Keys to Homeownership” showcase, which featured Mayor Cavalier Johnson and UEDA members Community Development Alliance (CDA), Milwaukee Community Land Trust (MCLT), VIA CDC, and Acts Housing.



Guest House of Milwaukee is actively seeking individuals, families, businesses or community organizations to sign up for meal service volunteer opportunities. Call 414-881-8216 or email marycappon@guesthouseofmilwaukee.org for more information.

Small Business & Nonprofits

Data Dream 2026 Award now accepting applications. Opportunity offers Milwaukee-area nonprofits to receive approximately $10,000 in pro bono data services from Data You Can Use. Organizations can receive support for projects involving evaluation, data visualization, research, and staff training to strengthen their impact and decision-making. Applications are due June 30.

6th Annual Rev-Up MKE. This pitch competition organized by Near West Side Partners if for entrepreneurs to secure capital, resources and a powerful community network to grow. Apply by July 5, 2026.

Froedtert Hospital Community Investment Fund is accepting applications for proposals that are advancing community health. View application information. Interest forms are due July 6-17.

Nonprofit Lift released another post in their Voices of Impact series- Attorney Melissa Scholz shares how nonprofit staff and boards can adapt and navigate an uncertain climate. Learn more.

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction have launched a new $300,000 grant program to expand financial literacy education statewide. Public and private schools, community-based organizations, and partnerships may apply for grants of up to $7,500 to support innovative financial literacy programs, educator development, and student engagement initiatives. Applications are due July 15, 2026.

Young Founders: Boss Moves with MPL Entrepreneur-in-Residence Angelique Sharpe: Monday, July 20 | 12:30-2:30pm

Did you know that ages 18-24 are the prime time to bet on yourself? Learn more and register here.