Madison, WI (November 15, 2016) – Seven local, grassroots organizations will receive United Way of Dane County grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, totaling $25,000, to further their work in reducing racial disparities, engaging community members and bringing equity for all.

United Way offered $25,000 to small organizations that are working in the areas of equity, social justice, community organizing and volunteer management with the goal to broaden support to community and neighborhood-based groups beyond our traditional nonprofit partners. When this process began in July, 49 organizations submitted more than $232,000 in requests.

United Way’s Community Engagement Capacity Building Team (CE CBT) deliberated each proposal and awarded $25,000 to seven different organizations, which can now widen their impact with these one-time grants:

micro investments“Equity and social justice are among the most pressing issues our community faces today. These seven grassroots organizations are passionate about these areas and have the know-how on organizing the community and engaging volunteers,” said Nolan Brown, Co-Chair of United Way’s Community Engagement Capacity Building Team. “Our team of United Way volunteers believes these organizations can create a tremendous amount of change in our community and we are grateful to each organization for their critical work.”

The CE CBT is committed to engaging diverse individuals to gain leadership skills, involving the community to understand needs and create results, while also celebrating the impact that volunteers have in Dane County.

These grants will be used in 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. Each organization will report back to United Way’s CE CBT on progress and results.

About United Way of Dane County:
United Way of Dane County is committed to the vision of a Dane County where everyone can succeed in school, work and life. Our community’s Agenda for Change is six goals focused on three priority areas of Education, Income and Health – the building blocks of a stable life. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative work, we facilitate bringing the many voices of Dane County around a neutral table to find common ground and make progress, while providing organizations and individuals the opportunity to give, advocate and volunteer to change lives in Dane County.