Madison, WI – This week, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) notified local governments statewide of Innovation Grant program awards, and will distribute $14.5 million on Friday, June 26, 2026, representing the first. Innovation Grant payments.
The Innovation Grant program, created under 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 and updated by 2025 Wisconsin Act 15, provides $300 million to support local governments and tribal nations in transferring certain services and duties to another eligible entity.
In the first round, the approved innovation plans impact 81 local governments across 11 service categories including public safety, emergency services, and public works, among others. $72 million will be allocated towards 35 grant applications and their associated service transfers (i.e., innovation plans). These monies are distributed over the next 3-5 years based on length of their service transfer and maintained program eligibility. The first annual payment of $14.5 million will be paid this Friday, June 26, 2026.
With over $220 million in funding remaining, DOR plans to launch a second application round in fall 2026 to allow additional local governments and tribal nations to apply for an Innovation Grant.
Additional information, including a list of grant recipients, can be found on DOR’s Innovation Grants webpage. For any questions regarding the Innovation Grant program, contact the Wisconsin DOR at lgs@wisconsin.gov.
