Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation Program

The Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation (WIG:HEART) grant program funds competitive grants for innovative projects that develop transformational solutions to workforce challenges that impact the quality and availability of healthcare in Wisconsin's rural regions and communities across Wisconsin. Grants support healthcare industry employers in finding workers and help workers prepare for and connect to better, higher-quality, and more family-sustaining jobs.

Through this initiative, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will expand on the success of the Governor's $128 million Workforce Solutions Initiative grant program called the Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) program.

Up to $10 million will be available to non-profit organizations and governmental entities to support programs that will address key rural healthcare workforce challenges by bolstering workforce recruitment and retention, providing training and technical assistance for technology solutions, fostering collaboration, and developing appropriate care availability.

Eligibility requirements include:

Eligible lead applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and/or governmental entities located in and serving a rural or semi-rural county on the target area map on page three of the Grant Program Announcement (GPA).

• Grant funds must address key rural healthcare workforce challenges identified in the applicant’s application materials.
• Eligible applicants may apply for a minimum of $500,000 up to a maximum of $10 million across four years and submit all required exhibits.
• Lead applicants and any subgrantees must comply with federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, and requirements as specified in the GPA.
• Lead applicants must complete a Pre-Award Risk Assessment and Due Diligence Checklist to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

The four-year program is scheduled to run from Oct. 30, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2030. The current application is for Year 1 of the grant, which will run from Oct. 30, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027.

How to apply:

All applications must be submitted through the WIG:HEART online application system, including all required exhibits by 3 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

Completed applications will include:

• Application
• Exhibit 1: Budget – Year 1
• Exhibit 2: Budget – Years 2 to 4
• Exhibit 3: Timeline
• Exhibit 4: W-9 Form
• Exhibit 5: Due Diligence Checklist and Pre-Award Risk Assessment
• Exhibit 6: Letters of Commitment (All sub-recipients and partners identified in the application must submit a letter of commitment. The lead applicant must upload the letters in a single PDF.)
• Exhibit 7: Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)