WAUTOMA, WI, September 11th, 2025 – Forward Community Investments, Inc. (FCI) has provided an $8 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to support the development of a new 30,000-square-foot Wautoma YMCA in Wautoma, Wisconsin. In total, $18 million in NMTC allocation has been committed to this project, which will increase childcare capacity, expand community programming, and strengthen wellness resources in Waushara County.
The new Wautoma YMCA (also known as the Waushara County YMCA) will address several critical community needs. It will:
- Create 40–60 new childcare slots in a designated childcare desert,
- Expand food access in a federally recognized food desert, and
- Serve 1,800 residents annually, 25% of whom are expected to be low-income.
- Generate 30 new full-time jobs for the community.
A major highlight of the project is the inclusion of an aquatics center, made possible by lead donors Kyle and Lanie DeMars, which will provide water safety education and recreation for residents throughout the county.
“The New Markets Tax Credits have been a game-changer for the Wautoma YMCA,” said Ryan Zietlow, CEO of the Stevens Point Area YMCA, which will act as the partner location to the Waushara YMCA. “They allowed us to turn a dream into a reality by making this new facility financially possible. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about giving families, youth, and seniors in Waushara County a place to belong, to be healthy, and to thrive together. We are grateful for the partners who helped make this investment in our community’s future.”
Financing Partners
Alongside FCI’s $8 million NMTC allocation, Bremer CDE (a division of Old National Bank) provided $10 million in NMTC allocation, with Old National Bank serving as the NMTC tax credit investor.
The overall financing package for the project also includes a $4.25 million Wisconsin Non-State Grant, $500,000 from the City of Wautoma, $300,000 from the Otto Bremer Foundation, bridge financing from WoodTrust Bank, and significant philanthropic contributions, led by the DeMars family.
“This project exemplifies the power of partnership,” said Ryan Zerwer, President & CEO of FCI. “We are proud that our $8 million NMTC allocation played a role in making this vision possible, alongside the commitments of several other dedicated funders and community donors. Together, we are building a resource that will benefit families across Waushara County for generations.”
About Forward Community Investments
Forward Community Investments (FCI) is a statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to igniting the future of nonprofits, real estate entrepreneurs, and small business owners by providing financial support that allows them to thrive. Our work investing in the communities and neighborhoods that need it most promotes a future where all Wisconsin residents have access to the resources, partnerships, and capital needed to build a prosperous, self-sustaining future. For more information about FCI, visit www.forwardci.org.
Media contact:
Kirby L. Toon
Director of Capital Strategy
Forward Community Investments, Inc. Phone: (608) 204-8841 (office)
Email: kirbyt@forwardci.org