About

Bayfield County Saving Early for Educational Dreams (SEED) is a local initiative inspired by a nationwide movement to help families start saving early for their their children’s future education and career training. Research shows that children with dedicated savings are more likely to pursue post-secondary education – and that their families often gain stronger financial literacy along the way.

Bayfield County SEED is administered by the UW-Madison Extension Bayfield County Office, approved by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, and generously funded by Northern State Bank as a two-year pilot program.

Our Vision
We envision a Bayfield County where every child can imagine a future of opportunity, strengthened by financial education and community support — planting the seeds for educational opportunities, one child at a time.

Community-Led
Bayfield County SEED is shaped by a dedicated volunteer advisory council, whose member bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to empowering local families. Current members include:

• Blake Ellefson, Northern State Bank
• Larry Fickbohm, Bayfield County Board Supervisor
• Jeff Holte, Bayfield County Board Supervisor
• Theresa LaChappelle, UW-Madison Extension Bayfield County
• Heidi Ungrodt, UW-Madison Extension Bayfield County
• Sara Wartman, Bay Area WIC
• Chelsea Wunnicke, Edvest – Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)

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To Participate

To be eligible for the SEED incentive, you must be a Bayfield County resident with a child born on or after July 1, 2025 and before July 1, 2027.

Questions on Eligibility? Learn more about our Eligibility Guidelines (PDF, 3pgs) or Contact the Extension Office, 715-373-3285 or seed@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov

If you qualify for the program and would like to claim your SEED incentive:

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Edvest

Edvest 529 is the State of Wisconsin’s Direct-Sold 529 College Savings Plan, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Families can open an Edvest 529 account to save for their child’s future education by visiting Edvest.com. Bayfield County qualifying families can start the account with their own money, or use the SEED funds as their starter deposit. Once the account is open, the account owner will receive statements from Edvest, and can make contributions of their own funds to help the account grow with the child.

In the future, funds can be used for a range of qualified education expenses, including:

• Tuition and fees
• Certain room and board expenses
• Books, computers, and equipment

Students can attend a 4-year or 2-year college, university, or technical college/trade school. The student can attend school in Wisconsin or out-of-state, and even some abroad. Additionally, qualified programs include Registered Apprenticeship programs, and recognized postsecondary credentials and credential programs.

More information for Wisconsin Taxpayers is here: DFI Educational Services

To learn more about Edvest, including videos, webinars, and to make an appointment with a College Savings Specialist: Edvest.com

Edvest Resources:

• WI 529 College Savings and Public Benefits (PDF, 2 pgs, 193KB)
• Edvest 529 FAQ Flyer (PDF, 2 pgs, 1181KB)

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FAQ’s

How do I know if I am eligible to receive the SEED incentive?

We have created an Incentive Eligibility Guideline (PDF,3 pgs) for you to check. If your circumstances are not listed, please feel free to contact the UW-Extension Bayfield County Office (715-373-3285) for more assistance.

Do we need to deposit our own money in the Edvest account to receive the SEED incentive?

No! If you do not wish to deposit your own money in the account, you can select “check” as the funding option. This allows you to open your Edvest account without making a contribution of your own money.
Once you claim your SEED incentive through Bayfield County Extension, the SEED funds will be added to your account to be the starter deposit. As an Edvest account owner, you can login and view your account balance at any time on Edvest.com. You will receive statements from Edvest and have the opportunity to add to your account later, if you wish.

I have not received my child’s social security number yet. Can I open the Edvest account and claim the SEED incentive?

No, you must wait to receive your child’s social security number in the mail before you can open your Edvest account.

Can a grandparent open an Edvest account for my child and claim the SEED incentive?

Yes, a non-parent/guardian can open an Edvest account for an eligible child, provided the parent or legal guardian gives permission. The child must be listed as the beneficiary on the account.

What can SEED money be used for?

The SEED incentive is deposited into an Edvest account, which can be used for a wide range of post-secondary educational expenses, including tuition, books, computers, required supplies, and room and board. The accounts are flexible, covering costs at four-year universities, two-year colleges, technical schools, and even registered apprenticeship and certificate programs – both in Wisconsin and out-of-state. Edvest Eligible Expenses and Withdrawals

Do the funds in my Edvest account count as assets for public benefits programs?

Yes, any funds in an Edvest account are considered assets of the family.
Some programs, such as FoodShare, WIC, and Head Start, are not impacted by assets in a 529 account.
Public Benefits Interactions – PDF

How can parents, extended family, or friends add to my child’s account?

Edvest makes it easy for others to contribute to your child’s account by direct deposit or a mailed in check. Find out more at Edvest Gifting Made Easy

Edvest 529 FAQ Flyer (PDF, 2 pgs, 1181KB)

Partner

Programs like SEED thrive when they’re deeply connected to the services and relationships that shape family and community life. Whether it’s helping spread the word, volunteering time, or making a donation, every contribution helps plant the seeds for a brighter future.
If your organization would like to learn more about partnering with this effort, please contact Heidi at the Bayfield County Extension Office at 715-373-3288.

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