Innovation Grant – Available to Apply

February 10, 2026

To: Counties, municipalities, tribes

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue, State and Local Finance Division is reminding you that the Innovation Grant application (Form SL-405) is available. We encourage you to apply for this substantial grant.

Innovation Grant (IG)

• Application period – now through March 31, 2026
• Who can apply? – Wisconsin counties, municipalities and tribes
• Applying for the grant – e-file the IG application (Form SL-405) within MyDORGov
• Award funds – there is a total of $300 million in funds available statewide – a county, municipality, or tribe may receive up to $10 million each year

Questions we've been receiving…

• What supporting documents are acceptable to show transferor/transferee prior calendar year costs?
  • Copy of the contract/agreement with supporting documents
  • Supporting documents include:
    • Ledger or payroll details
    • Cost spreadsheets backed by invoices
    • Summary page explaining the innovation plan
    • Supportive evidence of efficiency improvement
  • Review detailed requirements
• By what date do we need the transfer to be effective to receive a first round IG payment?
• Transfer must be effective on or before the first distribution date of June 30, 2026
• For a transfer effective during 2026, what expenses are used to measure compliance with the 115% cost increase limitation?
  • Transfers prior to July 1, 2026 – actual expenses incurred from the effective date of the service transfer through the end of the calendar year are considered for the 2027 certification of the 115% cost limitation requirements
  • Future year certifications – are based on actual expenses for the full calendar year

Available resources

Review the resources located on our website, which include:

• Common questions
• Factsheet
• Project examples
• And more…

Schedule a consultation with DOR staff