Lead United
Invested. Compassionate. Impactful.
Our Purpose
We cultivate community-minded individuals to Lead United in their workplaces, in our community and through their philanthropy. Our local network of leaders is invested, compassionate and focused on understanding Dane County’s critical issues and achieving professional growth. Help us make a real, measurable change and maximize the full potential of every neighbor.
Our Impact
We create real, measurable change in our community by taking action to promote equity and strengthen United Way’s vision of a Dane County where everyone can succeed in school, work and life. The dollars invested by Lead United members help to tackle Dane County’s toughest issues in the areas of Education, Income and Health – the building blocks of well-being.
Join Us
Lead United members develop lasting relationships within our community, inspiring and enacting positive change. When we band together, talent and skills are maximized, and our community grows stronger and more vibrant. Donate $1,000 or more per household to become a member of Lead United.
Membership Benefits
- Real, measurable change in our community through your annual investment
- Connections with committed and engaged community leaders and professionals
- Deeper understanding of critical issues in Dane County and how you can make a difference
- Invitations to special events and curated volunteer opportunities providing a personalized experience
- Professional growth through educational events and opportunities to develop your leadership skills
Join the Lead United Council
Are you interested in becoming more engaged with Lead United? The Lead United Council helps engage members through communications, exclusive events and connecting one-on-one with other members. Learn more and fill out an interest form here.
In 2023, we accomplished the following:
Education
The impact on local students and families participating in education programming in 2023:
elementary school and middle school students improved academic performance. Learn more about United Way and education here.
Income
The impact on individuals participating in income
programming in 2023:
gained employment at $15+/hour. Learn how United Way is working to improve financial stability in Dane County.
Health
The impact on Dane
County residents participating in health programming in 2023:
people received health insurance coverage through our HealthConnect premium
assistance program Learn more about United Way and health here.
Lead United Step-Up Program
Donors who give $1,000 or more each year are members of Lead United, but you can become a member today through the Lead United Step-Up Program, committing to grow your annual gift to $1,000 or more over the next three years.
Thank you to our partners at Strang, Vogel Bros. Building Co., Dave Jones Plumbing and Heating, Madison Gas and Electric and J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. for generously donating the matching funds to help inspire the next generation of leaders in philanthropy, ensuring our community is better positioned to thrive in the years to come.
How to Join:
Step 1: Make a gift of $500 or more and join the Lead United Step-Up Program. Your gift will unlock matching funds to make up the difference and amplify your impact to reach $1,000.
Step 2: Commit to a gift of $750 in year two, unlocking matching funds to boost your impact to $1,000.
Step 3: Commit to a gift of $1,000 or more in year three, supporting real, measurable change for local families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lead United is a United Way of Dane County donor network, made up of individuals committed to leading in the community and achieving professional growth. These leaders are invested, compassionate and focused on understanding Dane County’s critical issues and creating real, measurable change. Through volunteer, educational and networking opportunities, Lead United members develop their professional skills and networks.
Lead United was formed in 2020, built upon the foundation of Rosenberry Society and Key Club. We removed barriers, such as age restrictions, and combined the efforts of both groups into one unified network of donors.
Lead United was created to cultivate our community’s philanthropic leaders and strengthen our vision of a Dane County where everyone can succeed in school, work and life. United Way is committed to supporting and developing Dane County’s community and business leaders – Lead United is a key element in this work.
Donate $1,000 or more per household to become a member of Lead United.
No, Rosenberry Society and Key Club have merged and are now Lead United.
Yes! The events may be a little different, but we will continue to incorporate fun ways to connect with others who are invested in both giving back to the community and professional growth.
Of course! Volunteering is a great way to deepen your connection to partner agencies of United Way of Dane County, expand your network and have fun while making a difference in our community.
No, everyone is included! Donate $1,000 or more per household to become a member of Lead United, joining other professionals and community leaders at various points in their careers.
Create real, measurable change. The dollars invested by Lead United members help to tackle Dane County’s toughest issues in the areas of Education, Income and Health – the building blocks of well-being.
Feel good about giving back to our community and develop a stronger sense of purpose.
Understand the impact of your donation – see how your dollars are amplified through United Way’s initiatives.
Deepen your understanding of critical issues within our community, how our nonprofit partners are addressing them and what you can do to help.
Attend unique events and volunteer opportunities with others who are looking to make a difference.
Build your network by gaining access to professionals and community leaders and developing lasting relationships with others invested in the mission of United Way.
Achieve professional growth through educational events and opportunities to develop your leadership skills.