Willma's Fund
What is Willma's Fund?
Willma's Fund is a rental assistance program by OutReach providing financial aid to LGBTQ+ people in Dane County, WI to help relieve or prevent homelessness.
Willma’s Fund provides onetime support towards rent and security deposit payments only. We can provide up to one monetary gift per year, per client. Payments are made directly to clients’ landlord or leasing agency, and clients must have a current, signed lease.
Intake Process
Willma’s Fund operates on a limited monthly budget and cannot guarantee assistance. The Fund opens at 12:00 PM (noon) on a designated opening day once per month, usually the Third Tuesday.*
To receive full consideration for funding, please call OutReach at 608-255-8582 on the monthly opening day, during business hours (12:00 – 6:00 PM). A team member will record your information. If we are able to offer you rental assistance, Willma’s Fund staff will return your call to complete a quick intake. Due to the volume of inquiries, we cannot guarantee a call back. We do not do walk-in or email intakes.
If you reach us when the fund is closed for the month, we will record your inquiry and advise that you call back when the fund reopens.
*The Willma’s Fund monthly opening date may shift in the rare event of a holiday or other conflict. Check OutReach’s website and/or social media platforms for updates.
The 2025 Willma’s Fund opening dates are: 1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 4/15, 5/20, 6/17, 7/15, 8/12 (2nd Tuesday in August due to Magic Pride Festival closures), 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, and 12/9 (2nd Tuesday in December due to winter holiday closures).
Willma's Fund History
The Fund is named for longtime Madison drag performer and activist Willma Flynn-Stone, who founded the program in 2011 to specifically address LGBTQ+ homelessness.
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Funded originally by drag shows by Willma herself and other entertainers, Willma’s Fund has grown significantly and now receives grants, private donations, and additional community support. We are proud to have given away over $350,000 in aid to LGBTQ+ clients.
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Click here to support our work on this ever-pressing issue! We are always seeking donations and grateful for your help.
