United Way of Dane County

Madison, WI (February 26, 2025) – Thanks to more than 13,000 individuals and nearly 500 businesses across Dane County, our community was able to raise $17.3 million during the 2024 Community Fundraising Campaign.

On Tuesday, United Way of Dane County hosted a Community Celebration, with more than 500 community members joining us at the Monona Terrace. At this event, we celebrated the community’s generosity, giving thanks to hundreds of partners for making real, measurable change
possible in Dane County.

“I’m always awe-struck by the incredible generosity of our community,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “I’m grateful to every community member who trusts us with their hard-earned dollars, knowing we will multiply them and be accountable stewards. We know times are uncertain and challenging, and there are so many options for where to invest your money. By giving to United Way, you’re amplifying your impact and advancing solutions. Thank you for being a part of the Power of Caring. Working for All.”

“United Way of Dane County is the unifying force that brings together hundreds of local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, families, donors and volunteers to address big-picture issues no one person or organization can solve alone,” says Larry Barton, President and CEO, Strang, Inc., 2024 United Way of Dane County Campaign Chair. “I’m so grateful to have had the chance to lead this campaign, and thankful to every individual and organization who trusted us with their generosity this year. Because of you, we can create greater impact in Dane County.”

Thanks to the leadership of Larry Barton and success of our community campaign volunteers and donors, we’re empowered to continue addressing our community’s greatest needs. Through our Plan for Community Well-Being, we’re investing in local nonprofits working on family well-being in holistic and multigenerational ways – focusing on investing in and leading impact in the areas of youth opportunity, financial security and healthy community. And this year marks our first cycle funding local nonprofits that align with this plan.

“When people come together for good, we are greater. That’s why we partner with nonprofits across the community to address issues at every level, from expanding affordable housing to ensuring more children learn to read. We are proud to invest in known outcomes with a diverse group of
nonprofit partners, including services delivered by partners who haven’t always had access to various funding streams in Dane County. It is through these partnerships that we will amplify our community’s collective impact.” Says David Sweitzer, 2024 United Way of Dane County Vision
Council Chair.

At United Way, we’re so grateful to all who were able and willing to donate their time and/or dollars in 2024. Your gift, no matter the size, builds a future where everyone can thrive.

We’d like to give special recognition to the companies who contributed $100,000+ through corporate gifts, employee giving and special events:

• American Family Insurance
• TruStage
• Partners in Giving: State, UW-Madison and UW Health Employee Combined Campaign
• Exact Sciences
• Zimbrick, Inc.
• Christensen Associates
• J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
• Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP
• UW Credit Union
• BMO
• Madison Gas and Electric
• Sub-Zero Group Inc.
• Alliant Energy
• TASC
• M3 Insurance
• First Business Bank
• Hy Cite Enterprises, LLC
• Summit Credit Union
• National Guardian Life Insurance Company
• Bankers’ Bank
• WPS
• Hooper Corporation
• West Bend Specialty

To see a full list of campaign partners visit our website.

Thank you to our Celebration event sponsors, including: Presenting Sponsor, UW Credit Union; Community Sponsors, Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric and Hiebing; Partner Sponsors, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., Johnson Financial Group and Summit Credit Union; Media Sponsors, WKOW and Backyard Dream Productions; and Table Sponsors, American Family Insurance, Ascendium Education Group, BMO, First Business Bank, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, Hausmann Group, M3 Insurance, McClone Insurance and National Guardian Life Insurance
Company.

2024 United Way Campaign Award Recipients
To see a full list of award recipients, honorable mentions and additional volunteer recognitions, visit our website.

Accelerating Impact Award: American Family Insurance, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., TruStage, CAMECA Instruments, Inc., Godfrey & Kahn, SC, Church Mutual Insurance Company.
Celebrating companies who grew their financial impact most (through overall dollar amount and percentage) to create positive change in our community.

The Power of Many Award: Park Bank, Springs Window Fashions, Summit Credit Union.
Recognizing companies who grew their employee participation the most, engaging more people in supporting our community.

Innovation Award: Bankers’ Bank, Cummins, National Guardian Life Insurance Company.
Recognizes companies who are most committed to raising awareness and resources through new and creative strategies.

Advocate in Action Award: Karen Kallerud
Celebrating a campaign volunteer who is passionate about giving back, enthusiastic about engaging others in learning about our community and inspire everyone to give, advocate and volunteer.

Collaboration Award: Saving Our Babies (a coalition of healthcare providers, public health and nonprofits established by the Dane County Health Council focused on eliminating the racial birth
disparities impacting Black mothers and babies in Dane County).
Recognizing United Way partners who serve our community and facilitate collaborative action leading to meaningful change.

Give United Award: Atmus, Vesta.
Celebrates companies who joined our United Way family in 2024 with a first-time gift or employee campaign, investing in our community.

Affinity for Community Award: Summit Credit Union, Women United Council (for Women United at Work).
Celebrates community partners who are creating opportunities for employees to lead in their careers and through their philanthropy with United Way’s Lead United, Women United and LINC networks.

If you have questions or would like to set up an interview, please contact Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications, United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 or Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org. 

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About United Way of Dane County

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.