CENTRAL WISCONSIN COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL INC

What CENTRAL WISCONSIN COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL INC does

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Inc (CWCAC) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1966 under the Economic Opportunity Act and operating continuously for 58 years across five Wisconsin counties—Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, and Sauk—with a central administrative office in Wisconsin Dells. The agency delivers 12 distinct anti-poverty programs spanning housing (Rental Housing Development, Homeless Unit, Rapid Rehousing, 1915(i) Medicaid Housing Support), food security (18 food pantries including 12 sub-contracted TEFAP outlets, FoodShare enrollment, Senior Stockbox), energy and weatherization (WHEAP, DOE-funded Weatherization Assistance), transportation (Wheels-2-Work 0% auto loans across six counties, Silver Ride for seniors), workforce development (Enhanced Skills Program), small-business credit (Micro Business Development Loans), homeownership (Down Payment Assistance Loans), and fiduciary services (VA Fiduciary, POA, Social Security Representative Payee).

The operating model is community-led rather than commercial: 69 full-time staff support 10 areas of operation, a 15-member tripartite board governs the agency, and referrals flow through United Way 2-1-1, No-Wrong Door partners, schools, hospitals, and county human services. CWCAC holds regulatory designations that function as structural barriers to entry, including HUD and Wisconsin Department of Commerce recognition as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and Emergency Feeding Organization (ERA) status for the five-county region. There is no proprietary technology platform; service delivery relies on county offices, partner pantries, in-home visits, and PayPal-based online donation and loan-payment processing.

Revenue is dominated by federal and state grants—LIHEAP, DOE Weatherization, FTA 5311 Formula Grants, USDA TEFAP, Wisconsin DHS, Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of Energy/Housing/Community Resources, and Wisconsin DWD—supplemented by modest loan interest and administrative fees, rental income from 15+ affordable housing properties, United Way and community fund grants, and individual donations channeled through My Giving Circle and the annual Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train food drive. The operating budget exceeds $9 million, and pricing is either free (eligibility-based grants) or below-market (Down Payment Assistance at 2.5%, Wheels-2-Work at 0%, Micro Business Loans at 6% on $1K–$10K principal).

Name

CENTRAL WISCONSIN COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL INC

Legal name

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Inc

Website

https://cwcac.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Inc is a 1966-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering 12 anti-poverty programs—housing, food, energy, transportation, workforce, and small-business credit—to low-income households across five Wisconsin counties, funded primarily by federal and state grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Services / Community Action Agency

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF), Down Payment Assistance (DPA) & Homebuyer Subsidy Programs (FSALAKAE), Housing Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention & Loss Mitigation Programs (FSALAKAM)

Keywords

• Community action agency
• Anti-poverty programs
• Affordable housing services
• Energy assistance programs
• Microfinance lending

Headquarters

HQ city

Wisconsin Dells

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Federal Funding: Primary revenue stream from federally funded programs including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), U.S. Department of Energy weatherization funds, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Formula Grants, and Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Also receives state funding through Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Department of Administration Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources, and Department of Workforce Development.
2. Program Fees and Loan Interest: Revenue from loan programs including 2.5% interest on Down Payment Assistance loans ($250 administrative fee), 6% fixed rate on Micro Business Development Loans ($1,000-$10,000), and rental income from affordable housing apartments. Wheels-2-Work program charges $250 administrative fee with 0% interest loans.
3. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, local service groups, churches, and private citizens. Nominated for grant funding through My Giving Circle. Annual fundraiser features Canadian Pacific Railroad Holiday Train.
4. United Way and Community Fund Support: Funding from United Way of Dodge County, Baraboo United Fund, Wisconsin Dells Area United Fund, United Way of South Wood & Adams County, and local United Funds used specifically for rent assistance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CWCAC is a community action agency operating anti-poverty programs across five Wisconsin counties, delivering direct social services including financial assistance (down payment assistance loans, micro business loans, 0% interest auto loans), housing services (homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, affordable rental properties, Medicaid housing support), food security (food pantries, TEFAP distribution, FoodShare enrollment, Senior Stockbox), energy assistance (WHEAP heating/electric aid, home weatherization), workforce development (Enhanced Skills certificate training in CNA, Phlebotomy, HVAC, Welding, EMT), and fiduciary/representative payee services. Operations are grant-funded and delivered at no or low cost to income-eligible households at or below 150–200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Product overview

CWCAC operates as a community action agency offering a coordinated portfolio of social service programs designed to lift people out of poverty and into self-sufficiency. The organization provides 12 distinct programs including financial assistance products (down payment assistance loans, micro business development loans, Wheels 2 Work car loans), housing services (rental housing development, homeless prevention/rapid rehousing, Medicaid housing support, weatherization assistance), food security programs (food pantries, TEFAP, FoodShare, senior stockbox), energy assistance (WHEAP home energy program), workforce development (Enhanced Skills Program), and fiduciary services (conservatorships, power of attorney, Social Security representative payee). These programs operate across five Wisconsin counties (Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, Sauk) with a central administrative office in Wisconsin Dells, serving low-income individuals and families through a coordinated service delivery model.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wheels-2-Work: Auto loan program designed to help income eligible families and individuals obtain affordable and dependable vehicles.
• Silver Ride Program
• 1915(i) Medicaid Housing Support

Products and services

• Down Payment Assistance Loans Second mortgage loan program providing first-time home buyers with $1,000–$10,000 in fixed 2.5% interest rate loans in whole $1,000 increments to cover down payment and closing costs, with repayment terms of one year per $1,000 borrowed and a maximum purchase price of $275,000. For income-eligible buyers at or below 80% of County Median Income in Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, and Sauk counties.
• Food Pantry / TEFAP / FoodShare / Senior Stockbox Emergency food assistance program operating a network of food pantries across five counties, distributing USDA commodities through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and providing Senior Stockbox and FoodShare enrollment assistance to households at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level.
• Enhanced Skills Program Workforce development program helping employed low-income adults (18+, at or below 150% FPL, working minimum 20 hours/week) acquire short-term certificate skills in CNA, Phlebotomy, HVAC, Welding, EMT, Massage Therapist, and Personal Trainer to increase income and access employer-sponsored health insurance. Contract partnership with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development since November 2005.
• Fiduciary / Power of Attorney / Social Security Representative Payee Financial management and fiduciary services including conservatorships, federal fiduciary appointments from the Department of Veterans Affairs for beneficiaries who are mentally ill, incompetent, or legally disabled, power of attorney for finances, and Social Security Representative Payee services across multiple Wisconsin counties.
• Home Energy Assistance (WHEAP) Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) providing heating and electric utility assistance, emergency fuel, furnace repair and replacement, and energy conservation counseling to low-income households in Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, and Sauk counties.
• Homeless Unit Homeless prevention and assistance services including crisis assistance, emergency food and shelter, Project Chance rapid rehousing, Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), HOME-ARP supportive services, and youth homeless programs (Project Chance, Pathway Home) serving Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, and Sauk counties.
• Micro Business Development Loans (MBDL) Micro loan fund program providing $1,000–$10,000 at a fixed 6% interest rate to start-up, newly established, or growing small businesses in South Central Wisconsin counties with annual sales under $100,000 and 10 or fewer employees, secured by 100% collateral with job creation requirements.
• Rental Housing Development (RHD) Affordable rental housing development and management program operating 15+ apartment complexes including senior housing, family housing, and disabled-accessible units — properties include Wisdom & Grace Village, Gift of Years, Kenwood, Kirkwood, Pine Grove, Bill Gomoll Family Senior Village, Fait Family, John Wenum, Charlie Krupa, Holly Heights, Rolans Senior Village, Wood Hollow, Wyona Lake, and Beaver Dam apartments — across Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, and Sauk counties.
• Weatherization Assistance Home weatherization program reducing energy consumption through attic insulation, wall insulation, furnace replacement, air leak repairs, and energy-efficient appliance installation, available at no cost to homeowners or renters at or below 200% poverty level who have applied for WHEAP, funded by U.S. Department of Energy, LIHEAP, and state Public Benefits funding.
• Wheels-2-Work Car Loans 0% interest auto loan program providing $3,000–$8,000 (24–48 month terms based on income, $250 administrative fee at signing, 2.5%–5% down payment to dealer) to income-eligible individuals at or below 150% FPL for vehicle purchase to maintain employment, serving Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, Juneau, and Sauk counties. Funded under Federal Transit Administration 49 U.S.C. §5311 Formula Grants for Other than Urbanized Areas (CFDA 20.509).
• Silver Ride Program Transportation assistance program designed to help low-income seniors and disabled adults gain access to safe, reliable transportation in rural communities through affordable vehicle loan opportunities and support services.
• 1915(i) Medicaid Housing Support Medicaid-funded housing support program helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness or living in shelters find, move into, and maintain stable housing through the Wisconsin 1915(i) Medicaid state plan option (BadgerCare benefits), serving Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, and Sauk counties as a registered Wisconsin Department of Health Services provider.

Quantifiable outcome

• Participants in Rapid Rehousing program transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with stable employment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major and minor.

• Second Harvest FoodbankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly Mobile Food Pantry partnership distributing approximately 70lbs of fresh and non-perishable food per visit to Adams County residents at Adams Friendship Middle School. No ID or residency proof required.
• Canadian Pacific Kansas CitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Holiday Train event partnership. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train visits Wisconsin Dells annually in December, featuring live music (American Authors, Pynk Beard) and collecting non-perishable food donations for Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton Community Food Pantry.
• Renewal UnlimitedmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-Wrong Door agency partner for homeless intake and assessment. One of four participating agencies for coordinated entry system.
• Hope House of South-Central WImajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-Wrong Door agency partner for homeless intake and assessment. One of four participating agencies for coordinated entry system.
• PAVEmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-Wrong Door agency partner for homeless intake and assessment. One of four participating agencies for coordinated entry system.
• Central Coalition to End HomelessnessmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition membership for coordinated approach to preventing and addressing homelessness throughout the five-county service area.
• Walmart Spark Good RegistryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVehicle-related donation registry for Wheels-2-Work program supporters to donate practical vehicle-related items.
• My Giving CircleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrant funding nomination platform where CWCAC is nominated and community voting helps secure vital support.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency (West CAP): Wisconsin CAA serving Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties. Operates housing, energy, food, and self-sufficiency programs similar to CWCAC, with overlapping federal funding sources.
• Renewal Unlimited: Partner No-Wrong Door agency in CWCAC's coordinated entry network, providing homeless services, housing, and case management in overlapping Wisconsin counties. Directly comparable in service model and target population.
• CAP Services, Inc. Wisconsin Community Action Agency serving Portage, Waupaca, and Waushara counties with a similar portfolio of housing, energy, food, micro-business, and workforce programs. Comparable in funding mix, scale, and service model to CWCAC.
• Hope House of South-Central Wisconsin: Active partner of CWCAC as a No-Wrong Door homeless intake agency serving overlapping counties in south-central Wisconsin. Operates emergency shelter and homeless prevention programs with similar funding structures.
• Couleecap, Inc. Community Action Agency serving Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau (partial overlap), La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties. Operates housing, weatherization, food, and early childhood programs with a comparable rural Wisconsin footprint.
• Western Dairyland Economic Opportunities Council, Inc. Community Action Agency in western Wisconsin (Eau Claire and surrounding counties) running weatherization, housing, food, and Head Start programs. Closest structural analog to CWCAC's anti-poverty service portfolio in Wisconsin.

Broad incumbents

• Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP): State association that represents all 16 Wisconsin Community Action Agencies including CWCAC. Comparable as the umbrella organization coordinating federal funding advocacy, training, and program standards for CWCAC and its peers.
• Feeding Wisconsin: State association of Wisconsin food banks connected to the Feeding America network. Comparable as a broader umbrella organization aggregating USDA/TEFAP commodities and supporting food pantry networks similar to CWCAC's 18 pantries.

Regional players

• Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin: Regional food bank partnered with CWCAC through the Monthly Mobile Food Pantry program. Operates as a higher-level aggregation/distribution point for USDA and donated food across overlapping Wisconsin counties.
• Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin: State-level housing nonprofit focused on affordable homeownership in Wisconsin. Comparable to CWCAC's Down Payment Assistance and Rental Housing Development programs but with a distinct construction/sweat-equity model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/central-wisconsin-community-action-council-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 CENTRAL WISCONSIN COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL INC