What ADVOCAP does

ADVOCAP is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) Community Action Agency (EIN 39-1053365) founded in 1966, designated to serve Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago Counties in Wisconsin as part of the national network of nearly 1,000 Community Action Agencies established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The organization delivers a portfolio of 13 program lines organized into five functional categories: Housing (affordable rental units, homeless prevention with Housing First/Coordinated Entry, weatherization and WHEAP utility assistance); Health and Wellness (mental health counseling via Collaborative Wellness, Opportunity Center walk-in case management, senior nutrition); Education (Head Start preschool, GED/HSED adult education, Skills Enhancement Program); Business and Employment (Business Development with SBA microloans, Work N Wheels auto loans, Childcare Incubator); and Food and Nutrition (home-delivered meals, congregate meals, TEFAP, community gardens). Service delivery is conducted through five county offices (Fond du Lac HQ, Oshkosh, Neenah, Berlin, Markesan), partner sites including Sacred Heart School, and mobile channels, supported by 101-250 paid staff and 369 volunteers contributing over 86,000 hours annually.

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit operating model combining (1) government funding — Community Services Block Grant, SBA, Administration for Children and Families, Wisconsin state program funding, WHEAP — with (2) private foundation grants from the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, Otto Bremer Trust, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Fond du Lac Area Foundation, and others, (3) individual and corporate donations (Charity Navigator Four-Star rated), and (4) modest program revenue such as 30% of income toward rent for housed participants. Services are delivered at no cost or sliding scale to low-income individuals and families meeting program-specific eligibility thresholds (e.g., 150% of federal poverty guideline for Skills Enhancement). In 2025, ADVOCAP supported 7,795 individuals and 3,860 families, up from over 6,000 individuals and 3,000 families in 2024.

Underlying technology is conventional nonprofit administrative infrastructure: program-tracking databases, coordinated entry case management, and standard CRM/marketing tools — there are no proprietary technology products. The organization is actively expanding capacity: the Opportunity Center opened November 2024, the Childcare Incubator broke ground in December 2025 for late-2026 opening, mental health counseling launched in December 2025, and a Forward Service Corporation partnership was announced to extend Green Lake County services. Recent strategic recognition includes the 2025 Downtown Legacy Award, Fond du Lac County People of the Year, consecutive Best Preschool community-choice awards, and a perfect Focus Area 2 federal monitoring review from the Administration for Children and Families.

Name

ADVOCAP

Legal name

ADVOCAP, Inc.

Website

https://advocap.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

ADVOCAP is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) Community Action Agency founded in 1966 that delivers anti-poverty programs — housing, Head Start preschool, GED education, nutrition, mental health, business development, and childcare incubation — across Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago Counties, serving roughly 7,800 individuals and 3,860 families annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Other Community Housing Services (624229), Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) & Backyard Homes (IMAFABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Personal Care & ADL Assistance (bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility) (HLADAGAA), Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction Financing (FSALAHAL)

Keywords

• Community action services
• Anti-poverty programs
• Affordable housing assistance
• Workforce development training
• Early childhood education

Headquarters

HQ city

Fond Du Lac

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: ADVOCAP receives federal and state funding including Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), U.S. Small Business Administration grants, Administration for Children and Families funding, and Wisconsin state program funding.
2. Private Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations including Basic Needs Giving Partnership (U.S. Venture Open), Otto Bremer Trust, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Fond du Lac Area Foundation, and others.
3. Individual & Corporate Donations: ADVOCAP accepts monetary donations, planned giving, stock gifts, and in-kind donations. EIN: 39-1053365. Charity Navigator Four-Star rated.
4. Program Revenue: Some programs generate revenue through modest fees or cost-sharing with participants (e.g., 30% of income toward rent for housed individuals).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ADVOCAP is a nonprofit Community Action Agency providing anti-poverty programs across Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago Counties in Wisconsin. It delivers affordable housing, homeless prevention, Head Start preschool, GED/HSED adult education, workforce development, business development with SBA microloans, nutrition services, mental health counseling, transportation, and weatherization assistance through five county office locations.

Product overview

ADVOCAP is a Community Action Agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of social services across Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago Counties in Wisconsin. The organization provides 13 distinct programs organized into service categories including Housing (Affordable Housing, Homeless Prevention, Home Energy+ Services), Education (Head Start Preschool, GED/HSED Program, Skills Enhancement Program), Health & Wellness (Mental Health Counseling, Nutrition Services, Opportunity Center), Business & Employment (Business Development, Childcare Incubator, Transportation), and Volunteering. Services are delivered through multiple office locations and are designed to help individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Head Start: ADVOCAP's preschool education program for children from families with low incomes, providing comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services in Fond du Lac and Green Lake Counties.
• Childcare Incubator
• Opportunity Center
• Skills Enhancement Program
• GED/HSED Program
• Business Development Program

Products and services

• Affordable Housing Provides affordable rental units to help low-income individuals and families achieve housing stability.
• Business Development Offers business plan writing, technical assistance, SBA microloan application assistance, and training in essential business management skills for low-income entrepreneurs.
• Childcare Incubator Provides startup space and business development resources for new and existing childcare providers, with business coaching, licensure support, and curriculum assistance.
• GED/HSED Program Helps adults prepare for GED/HSED exams through flexible resources and one-on-one assistance, available at no cost for adults 18 and older in Fond du Lac and Winnebago Counties.
• Head Start Preschool Full-day, center-based preschool program for children ages 3-4 promoting school readiness through cognitive, social, and emotional development with nutritious meals, transportation, and family support.
• Home Energy+ Services Includes WHEAP utility bill assistance, weatherization assistance, and Home Energy+ services to help reduce home energy costs for low-income households.
• Homeless Prevention Uses Housing First approach and coordinated entry (No Wrong Door) to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic abuse access housing and support services.
• Mental Health Counseling Confidential in-person counseling sessions offered through partnership with Collaborative Wellness, including individual, couples, and family therapy with a trauma-informed approach.
• Nutrition Services Provides home delivered meals, congregate meals, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and community gardens to support food security for seniors and individuals in need.
• Opportunity Center Provides personalized support and resource navigation for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or other barriers, offering assistance with basic needs, shelter, employment, mental health, and housing.
• Transportation Includes Work N Wheels program for auto loans, driver fines assistance, and senior/disabled/veteran transportation services to help individuals access employment and essential appointments.
• Skills Enhancement Program Assists low-income individuals in gaining essential skills for job advancement in high-demand fields such as business, logistics, medical careers, manufacturing, welding, and childcare, with support for tuition, books, childcare, and mileage.
• Volunteer Services Offers volunteer programs including RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program), Foster Grandparent program, Senior Friends, and volunteer driver programs for transportation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,795 individuals and 3,860 families supported in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Holy Family Catholic CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to relocate Head Start program to Sacred Heart School in Fond du Lac. Six classrooms serving Head Start and 4K children, combining faith formation space with early childhood education services.
• Collaborative WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed therapists from Collaborative Wellness offer confidential, in-person counseling sessions at ADVOCAP's Fond du Lac office to expand mental health access. Addresses findings from 2025 Community Needs Assessment identifying mental health as top unmet need.
• WISCAP (Wisconsin Community Action Program Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide association of Community Action Agencies. ADVOCAP participates in annual Advocacy Day, Poverty Matters Conference, and receives programmatic support and networking.
• Ignite Small Business (Envision Greater Fond du Lac)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService partner for business development providing entrepreneurship support and resources for small business startup.
• Wisconsin Department of Workforce DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner providing workforce development resources, job training support, and employment services integration.
• Signature Homes by Adashun Jones Real EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partner leading development of childcare incubator facility. Partnered with ADVOCAP since project inception providing real estate and construction expertise.
• Brooke Industries, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner2025 Community Service Award recipient. Stores TEFAP food commodities monthly for 5 local pantries and 6 shelters throughout Fond du Lac County, strengthening emergency food network.
• Bridging Brighter SmilesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2025 Community Service Award recipient. Provides no-cost, on-site dental services to Head Start children in Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties including screenings, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.
• Neuhaus AutomotiveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2025 Community Service Award recipient. Partner in Work N Wheels program helping ADVOCAP participants access affordable vehicles and repair services.
• Loaves & FishesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2024 Community Service Award recipient. Vital food organization serving over 30,000 meals annually in Fond du Lac since 1982, welcoming anyone without questions.
• Green Lake County Health DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2024 Community Service Award recipient. Partner for Head Start Prairie View Center providing blood lead testing and helped secure funding for Farm to Early Care and Education program.
• Wisconsin WarmersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2024 Community Service Award recipient. Group of 30 volunteers creating quilts and handmade items donated to local schools, hospitals, and nonprofits in Winnebago County.
• Festival FoodsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollection site partner for Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive. Also funder of childcare incubator project.
• Fox Valley Workforce Development BoardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional workforce development partner providing employment training resources and support integration.
• Excel EngineeringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering firm partner supporting childcare incubator construction project development.
• Forward Service CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Lake County providing shared office space to increase access to employment and training supports.
• Marian UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial Work students from Marian University's Understanding Poverty class tour Opportunity Center for educational exposure to poverty challenges and support systems.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Couleecap, Inc. Designated Community Action Agency serving Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon Counties in western Wisconsin. Most structurally comparable peer — same federal CSBG designation, same tripartite board governance, same anti-poverty program mix (housing, Head Start, weatherization, food).
• Lakeshore Community Action Program (Lakeshore CAP): Wisconsin Community Action Agency serving Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan Counties. Direct same-state peer with overlapping program mix including Head Start, housing, and emergency services, and shares WISCAP membership with ADVOCAP.
• Central Wisconsin Community Action Council (CWCAC): Wisconsin CAP serving Adams, Juneau, Marquette, Portage, and Waushara Counties. Comparable anti-poverty agency offering housing, weatherization, Head Start, and workforce programming under the same federal framework.
• Indianhead Community Action Agency (ICA): Wisconsin Community Action Agency serving Burnett, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties. Closely analogous mission, governance, and program portfolio to ADVOCAP as a fellow rural-tri-county Wisconsin CAP.
• Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin: Regional nonprofit providing workforce development, skills training, and community services in the same Wisconsin geography as ADVOCAP. Comparable on the employment/business development service line and the social enterprise model.
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay: Faith-based social services provider serving eastern Wisconsin, including portions of the ADVOCAP service area. Comparable across case management, housing stability, and emergency assistance programming.

Broad incumbents

• WISCAP (Wisconsin Community Action Program Association): Statewide association of Wisconsin Community Action Agencies. ADVOCAP is a member and participates in WISCAP advocacy days and conferences. Functions as the umbrella/incumbent coordination layer above ADVOCAP.
• National Community Action Partnership: National membership association for the nearly 1,000 Community Action Agencies across the U.S., of which ADVOCAP is a member. Establishes the nationwide framework, training, and federal advocacy context for ADVOCAP's operations.

Regional players

• Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac: Local Habitat affiliate serving the same Fond du Lac County. Adjacent on the affordable housing line of work and a natural co-funding/co-referral partner rather than a direct competitor.
• United Way of Fond du Lac County: Community-funder backbone organization in ADVOCAP's home county. Functions as a potential upstream funder and convener rather than a competing service provider; relationship-driven peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ADVOCAP
• Facebookfacebook.com/advocapwi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/advocap
• Instagraminstagram.com/advocapinc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ADVOCAP