DFI, DPI Launch Grant Initiative to Strengthen Financial Literacy Education
Schools and community-based organizations can receive grants of up to $7,500
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced a $300,000 competitive grant program to help support the expansion of financial literacy education statewide. Public and private schools, community-based organizations and consortia may apply for Personal Financial Literacy Innovation Grants of up to $7,500 to promote innovation in teaching personal financial literacy. Funding for the grant program is being provided by the DFI through settlement dollars for financial literacy education.
“The personal financial literacy skills students develop in our schools play a critical role in their success after high school,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “Financial literacy does more than just set students up for financial well-being, it also helps them develop critical-thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills. As we engage educators, employers, and communities in developing the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate, these are some of the same durable skills we consistently hear are essential for success after high school. This grant program and the partnership between the DPI and the DFI are shining examples of how we can ensure all Wisconsin students have meaningful, innovative financial literacy instruction.”
Grants may be used to engage students as active participants in financial literacy program development, foster cross-grade collaboration, explore school and community partnerships, and create professional development opportunities for educators. The program also supports implementation of the Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy in the classroom, as well as compliance with Wisconsin Act 60, which requires students to earn a one-half credit of personal financial literacy to graduate.
“Through this collaborative effort, we are helping educators introduce new and creative financial literacy programs across Wisconsin,” said DFI Secretary Wendy K. Baumann. “These grants will help thousands of students expand their financial knowledge and become better prepared to make sound financial decisions as adults. We sincerely thank our educators, schools, and community organizations for taking time during their summer breaks to craft applications aimed at helping students learn personal financial literacy skills.”
The grant application and additional information are available on the DPI’s Personal Financial Literacy webpage. The deadline to submit completed applications is July 15, 2026.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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