GREEN BAY, WI – Associated Bank has granted NeighborWorks Green Bay a three‑year award totaling $150,000. The funding will be disbursed as $50,000 per year from 2026 through 2028 and is intended to expand the nonprofit’s home‑ownership counseling, education and maintenance services for local families.
Grant purpose and partnership
NeighborWorks President and CEO Noel Halvorsen said the grant reinforces a long‑standing partnership with Associated Bank and will help families make “smart decisions with their money and smart decisions about their housing.” Halvorsen noted that the nonprofit serves roughly 1,000 families annually, offering one‑on‑one conversations, budgeting guidance and information on down‑payment and closing‑cost assistance.
Programs for buyers and existing owners
The grant will support two primary tracks. First, it will fund counseling and education for prospective homebuyers, helping them navigate financing options and qualify for assistance programs. Second, the money will revive a pre‑COVID homeowner‑maintenance program that brings current owners together to learn about home upkeep, budgeting for repairs and prudent financial habits.
Local housing market context
Experts say the Green Bay housing market remains solid. The Wisconsin Realtors Association reported an 8.1% rise in existing‑home sales and a 6.8% increase in median home price between July 2025 and July 2026. While the share of homes listed under $350,000 fell from 68.9% in June 2021 to 46.2% in June 2026, the region is still considered affordable compared with national averages, according to Realtor Mike Kunesh.
Kunesh highlighted that rural counties such as Marinette, Kewaunee and Fond du Lac are seeing faster appreciation, and he contrasted the average net worth of renters—about $3,000—with homeowners—about $400,000—underscoring the long‑term financial benefits of home ownership.
Impact on the community
Halvorsen emphasized that the grant will help families who feel priced out of the market and those who already own homes but need guidance on maintenance and budgeting. By providing education and direct assistance, NeighborWorks aims to keep more families in stable, owner‑occupied housing, a cornerstone of strong neighborhoods.
The partnership with Associated Bank reflects a broader trend of local financial institutions supporting community‑focused nonprofits. As the grant takes effect, NeighborWorks plans to track the number of families assisted, the amount of down‑payment aid secured and the overall improvement in home‑ownership stability across the Green Bay area.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
