Wisconsin pioneers program for church property redevelopment grants

Churches in Wisconsin are now eligible for property redevelopment grants from a program organizers hope will spread to other states.

The Good Next Step Grant Program provides congregations with awards of up to $40,000 to create affordable housing or a mix of housing and community gathering spaces on existing parcels. Participants also receive expert support with architectural design, site development, zoning reviews and financial analysis.

“This program allows churches to buy those services to keep control of their land and use that land as they feel called to use it,” said Mark Elsdon, co-founder of RootedGood, a nonprofit group that provides training and productivity resources for faith-based groups, and organizer of the grant program launched in August...   ...more

Leo’s notes: A new grant program is helping Wisconsin churches turn underused land into affordable and workforce housing. By funding pre-development planning and pairing congregations with design and finance experts, the initiative empowers faith communities to shape local housing solutions. This is a reminder that housing progress often starts with trusted community anchors.