A Storied History - From the Land to Its People

In 1934, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration established the Wisconsin Rural Rehabilitation Association to purchase FHA guaranteed farm loans to stimulate the agriculture economy following the Great Depression.

In the 1970's, the Wisconsin Rural Rehabilitation Corporation Board of Directors recognized the need to continue to invest in the land, but also the people who were striving to rekindle and expand a vibrant agricultural enterprise and a prosperous rural Wisconsin.  Board members who represented  leaders from Wisconsin's agricultural businesses, the University of Wisconsin, State Government and key agricultural youth organizations such as FFA and 4-H, rededicated the organization to "rehabilitating individuals and families as self-sustaining human beings" by launching a comprehensive educational support program. 

In the 1970's, the Board recognized the need to also invest in the people who were striving to rekindle and expand a vibrant agricultural enterprise and a prosperous rural Wisconsin.

In the 1990's, the organization updated its name to the Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc. to more properly reflect its expanded scope and service. 

In response to an interest from individuals and corporations to invest and expand the organization's work, the Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc. converted from a 501(c)(4) into a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. As a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, the Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation can accept tax-deductible gifts and contributions. 

Learn more about making a gift to WROF.