Madison, WI., July 1, 2025 – United Way of Dane County awarded the 2025 Micro-Investment Grants distributing a total of $22,450 to seven grassroots organizations. These seven recipients lead community-centered projects aimed at advancing youth activities, strengthening community engagement and/or increasing a sense of safety in Dane County communities. Recipients include groups and organizations with an annual operating budget of $75,000 or less.

This unique funding opportunity was designed to support organizations outside of United Way of Dane County’s traditional investment cycle, allowing United Way to invest in innovative, grassroot responses to community needs to help address systemic inequities. This year’s recipients were selected by a dedicated Micro-Investments Task Force, made up of members of the Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee (CEIC). By supporting community-driven solutions, United Way of Dane County helps create a Dane County where every voice is heard, and neighborhoods thrive.

“These grants provide innovative funding for exciting programs led by leaders that aren’t yet able to apply for traditional investments. Organizations such as Literacy Network, Centro and Operation Fresh Start, started with microgrants and we know these grants can make a significant difference,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO, United Way of Dane County. “We are excited to be supporting these grassroots organizations strengthening Dane County by providing culturally competent community, education and youth services.”

Recipients of these Micro-Investment Grants include:

• The Determination to Succeed Back2Schools Summit – Area: West Madison

• Young Moms of Madison (YMoM) – Area: South and East Madison

• Midwifery Care Packages & Connections – Area: Dane County

• Hope Explorers Club – Area: Stoughton, Bayview Modular Home Community

• Freedom Love Acceptance Therapy – Area: Sun Prairie

• No Boundaries Dance Team – Area: South and West Madison

• Northside Planning Council – Area: Madison’s North side within the Sherman Neighborhood

United Way knows that collective impact is the key to community well-being and the Micro-Investment Grant process is an example of working collaboratively with our community, network of local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to create solutions that address the most complex challenges that no single person or organization can solve alone.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Digital Media and Communications, United Way of Dane County at adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137

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About United Way of Dane County:

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever lives are impacted and well-being is at stake in our community, United Way is there. Our mission – to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives – is rooted in innovation and action. And through our network of caring connections, we solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. No matter the challenge, United Way’s comprehensive approach and community roots mean we can find a way forward. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibilities. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Visit unitedwaydanecounty.org to donate or learn more.

Madison, WI (April 30, 2024) – The By Youth for Youth (BYFY) committee, a collaborative program through the Dane County Youth Commission, United Way of Dane County, the City of Madison Community Development Division and UW-Extension Dane County’s Positive Youth Development Institute, awarded $26,130 to 10 local youth programs and projects.

BYFY’s funding priorities for 2025 were focused on addressing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, immigration, positive sense of self/self-image, mental health resources and services, family violence and sexual assault.

“By Youth For Youth participants are the next generation of community leaders and make a real difference in our community,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “These amazing teens learn about the challenges facing our community, collaborate and effectively communicate to accelerate impact and change lives. We are proud to be part of this partnership to convene Dane County’s youth leaders.”

“These projects are a powerful reminder that our students are not just future leaders—they’re leading right now,” said Cynthia Green, MMSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. “From addressing food insecurity to promoting cultural pride and sustainable practices, they’re creating real change in our schools and neighborhoods.”

Funding highlights:

“Middleton Meals Matter”, Middleton High School: This organization collaborates with local businesses to host food drives and fundraisers, which are then delivered to the WayForward food pantry. Fully led by youth, with both its board and volunteers comprised of students, Middleton Meals Matter seeks to address food insecurity by not only increasing youth community involvement but also enhancing the resources and financial support available to local food pantries that serve youth in need

“Imagine Club”, Oregon High School: This program focuses on menstrual equity and providing period products free of charge to students at Oregon High School. The program will work to reduce stigma related to menstruation, minimize the amount of time that students spend out of class/school and will serve students who lack access to adequate housing and personal care products more easily afforded by those who have stable living conditions and steady income.

“Equity Symposium”, MMSD West High School: This proposal will fund an event that offers over 50 workshops led by students, leaders, scholars and artists pioneering equity initiatives in the community. Students will gain an increased understanding of social issues they care about and awareness of equity work in the Madison area to inspire them to take action themselves.

Full List of Funded Organizations and Programs:

• Memorial High School (MMSD): “Mid-Winter Meals”
• MSCR/Meadowood Neighborhood Center: “Kitchen Wizards”
• Mendota Elementary (MMSD): “Mendota Market Expansion”
• Scholars Who Succeed Club at White Horse Middle School (MMSD): “Self-Care Center”
• Middleton High School: “Middleton Meals Matter”
• Rooted, Inc: “Season Extension”
• Oregon High School: “Imagine Club”
• West High School (MMSD): “Equity Symposium”
• Happy Feet of Madison: “Happy Feet”
• Lake View Elementary (MMSD): “Hmong American Day”

2024-2025 BYFY Committee Members:

• Aditya Behara Middleton
• Adriana Villagomez La Follette (MMSD)
• Amelia Kozler Cambridge
• Andry Negovani Memorial (MMSD)
• Angie Barrera-Gonzalez La Follette (MMSD)
• Arjuna Grady Verona
• Audree Brunke Memorial (MMSD)
• Dahjenae Lavell La Follette (MMSD)
• Diego Miranda-Naxi La Follette (MMSD)
• Emma Granquist Cambridge
• Esther Ko Memorial (MMSD)
• Faith Waefler Belleville
• Hanshika JaiPravinKumar Sun Prairie West
• Jana Alhuniti Memorial (MMSD)
• Laylee Farrar Cambridge
• Kobe Ni Waunakee
• Lily Johnson Sun Prairie West
• Olivia Morsbach Edgewood
• Reya Khatri Middleton
• Rishab Kotte Sun Prairie West
• Rishith Umesh Sun Prairie West
• Ruitan Luo Sun Prairie East
• Ruth Bawithadim Sun Prairie West
• Sophia Downs Cambridge
• Suin Lim Memorial (MMSD)
• Uriel Nikiema Edgewood
• Yesenia Villagomez LaFollette (MMSD)

For media inquiries and/or to schedule 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 By Youth For Youth:

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) is a volunteer committee of Dane County high school students that makes investment decisions for youth-led programming and initiatives in Dane County. BYFY members identify critical issues impacting youth in Dane County, establish funding priorities, review grant proposals and recommend funding from County and City grants to support projects developed and implemented by youth to serve youth.

Three sponsors provide the funding for BYFY projects: United Way of Dane County, Dane County Youth Commission and the City of Madison Community Development Division. United Way of Dane County is the fiscal agent for both City and County funds. University of Madison-Wisconsin Extension provides administrative and programmatic oversight in partnership with the City of Madison and United Way of Dane County.

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.

Madison, WI (April 7, 2025) – United Way of Dane County has appointed eight new board members to our 2025-2026 Board of Directors. The Board is made up of community leaders who guide United Way in their mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives.

“Our Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated and influential leaders across the community who volunteer their time and expertise to help build a better Dane County for all,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “This group of inspiring individuals holds us accountable to the highest standards, making sure every donor dollar is well-spent and our work meets the most critical needs of our community.”

We thank the following outgoing board members for their service:

• Chief Shon Barnes, Madison Police Department
• Nolan Brown, Zendesk
• Mark Koehl, Community Leader
• Hon. Rev. Everett Mitchell, Dane County Circuit Court
• Lisa Peyton, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
• Tim Ryan, Lake Ridge Bank
• Jay Sekelsky, Zermatt Investors, LLC
• Scott Strong, RISE Wisconsin
• David Sweitzer, TruStage

2025 United Way of Dane County Board of Directors
New members bolded, Executive Committee members denoted with *

*Jane F. (Ginger) Zimmerman, Chair
Murphy Desmond S.C.

*Jeff Keebler, Vice Chair
Madison Gas and Electric Company

*Karen Timberlake, Secretary
Children’s Wisconsin

*Robert Durian, Treasurer
Alliant Energy

Kalvin Barrett
Dane County Sheriff’s Office

Larry Barton
Strang

*Bryan Chan
SupraNet Communications, Inc.

Nicki Cooper
The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

Chris Copeland
TruStage

*Baltazar De Anda Santana
Community Leader

*Dave Florin
Hiebing

*Noel Gallagher
Laborers Local 464

Dr. Joe Gothard
Madison Metropolitan School District

Claiborne Hill
SEIU Wisconsin

Dr. Silvia Jackson
WI Department of Corrections, retired

Linda Ketcham
JustDane

Rishab Kotte
By Youth For Youth Representative

*Paul Kundert
UW Credit Union

Sean LaBorde
M3 Insurance

Barbara McKinney
Community Leader

Sandy Morales
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County

Rachel Neill
Carex Consulting Group

Ashley Quinto Powell
my VA Rocks

Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore
UnityPoint Health-Meriter

*Kim Sponem
Summit Credit Union

Adam Stevenson
UW-Madison Law School

*Gisèle Sutherland
BMO Financial Group

Jeff Tubbs
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.

Pete Vogel
Vogel Bros. Building Co.

Derek Wallace
County of Dane/AFSCME Local 720

*Jesi Wang
MetaStar, Inc.

Bill Westrate
American Family Insurance

Krissy Wick
Madison Public Library System

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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.

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.

United Way of Dane County announces line up for 24th Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert

Madison, WI (January 21, 2025) – An afternoon of live, local music returns on Sunday, February 16, 2025, for the 24th Annual United Way Bluegrass Benefit at the Barrymore Theatre. The show features bands of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. with support by WORT-89.9 FM, Isthmus and Sugar Maple Music Festival. Audrey Martinovich and Stephanie Benicek of Audio for the Arts provide sound and recording services.

“It’s a community event. It’s a place people can bring their kids at this time of year and have a great time for a great cause,” remarks Dave Kinney, an Oscar Mayer retiree and bluegrass fan who coordinates the annual benefit concert with musician Bob Batyko. Kinney was a United Way Loaned Executive for 12 community fundraising campaigns and remains a dedicated donor and volunteer.
Batyko is liaison to the bands and will play with two acts at this year’s show.

The annual event began as a family-friendly activity to build community during the winter and has continued to offer bluegrass fans, families and United Way advocates that opportunity over 24 years. Tickets are available at the door the day of the show. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and a maximum of $20 per family. Kids under age 5 are admitted for free.

The musical groups donating their talents on February 16 include:
1:00 pm The Grazers
1:45 pm SpareTime Bluegrass
2:30 pm David Landau, The King of Kids Music
3:00 pm They Talk TOO Much with special guests
3:45 pm Sorry Mountain
4:30 pm The Sandhill Strangers

For media inquiries and interview requests, 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.