Author: Adam Mumm
August 21, 2026: United Way of Dane County Launches 2026 Community Campaign
United Way of Dane County Launches 2026 Community Campaign
MADISON, Wis. (August 21, 2026) — On August 20, United Way of Dane County brought together hundreds of volunteers and officially launched the 2026 Community Campaign with Day of Caring – a powerful day of volunteerism at Madison Marriott West.
Over 900 volunteers united for an afternoon of family- and team-friendly volunteering activities, learning more about our community’s needs and work to make a difference. Volunteers wrote notes of encouragement for local seniors and packed more than 21,000 ImPacks – essential care kits that directly support nonprofit partners with the most-requested essentials in our community, generating more than $66,000 in economic impact. ImPacks were distributed to United Way nonprofit partners including Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Porchlight, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and WayForward Resources. Through this volunteer mobilization and nonprofit partnerships, United Way is able to provide local families with the resources they need now; the campaign generates funds for programs leading to healthy, thriving lives and building well-being across Dane County.
“Day of Caring connects hundreds of volunteers and shows what our combined impact makes possible,” Jeff Tubbs, Executive Vice President at Findorff and United Way 2026 Campaign Chair said. “It’s so energizing to see so many people and organizations from across Dane County show up for our community, and I can’t wait to carry this energy forward and see what we make possible with this year’s campaign.”
During the event, United Way announced the 2026 fundraising goal of $19 million. The goal was built by analyzing community data, understanding the community’s greatest needs and effective responses and leading conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders about how they want to support a coordinated approach to solving community problems.
“What makes Day of Caring so inspiring is that you can see the impact taking shape in real time. Every ImPack created and every hour volunteered represents support for a neighbor who needs it. Today shows that when Dane County comes together, we don’t just talk about helping our community, we roll up our sleeves and make it happen,” Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County said. “As we carry this excitement forward, we’re grateful to Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation, whose generous donation ensures 100% of individual, undesignated giving to our Plan for Community Well-Being — a plan built with our community, for our community to address its greatest needs — goes directly to impact.”
Day of Caring is presented by Summit Credit Union with generous support from:
- Event sponsors: American Family Insurance, Hiebing, Madison Marriott West, Serve Wisconsin and UW Credit Union
- Partner sponsors: ATC, Cummins and Findorff
- ImPack Sponsors: Thompson Investment Management and NGL
- Media partner: WKOW
- In-kind sponsors: EZ Office Products and Miron Construction
- Donation drive hosts: HDR, SSM Health and Summit Credit Union
- Campaign Partner Sponsor: Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation.
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adam Mumm, Director of Communications for United Way of Dane County at adam.mumm@uwdc.org or (608) 416-0401.
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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. 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. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.
Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.
Campaign Partner Sponsor:
A donation from longtime supporters Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation acts as a powerful catalyst – amplifying the impact of donors’ generosity. Every penny of individual and undesignated gifts goes directly toward resolving the greatest needs in our community – a rare and remarkable advantage that few organizations can offer. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.
August 20, 2026: United Way hosts “Day of Caring” to address affordable housing and other community issues
United Way hosts “Day of Caring” to address affordable housing and other community issues
MIDDLETON, Wis. (WKOW) — Volunteers and community members joined for the United Way of Dane County “Day of Caring” Thursday, which kicks off the start of the 2026 campaign season.
People put together thousands of “ImPacks,” or essential care kits for local families.
August 20, 2026: Record volunteer turnout for United Way’s Day of Caring
Record volunteer turnout for United Way’s Day of Caring
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A record number of volunteers turned out in Dane County Thursday for United Way’s annual “Day of Caring.”
United Way said 1,100 people showed up for the event.
Volunteers spent the afternoon at the Madison Marriott West packing thousands of care kits for local families in need.
The kits, called “ImPACKs,” are filled with paper products, menstrual hygiene items and healthy snacks.
August 20, 2026: United Way deserves your support today | Our view
United Way deserves your support today | Our view
United Way of Dane County helped 1,081 students improve at school last year.
It helped 1,259 families find or keep stable housing.
The more than century-old nonprofit subsidized insurance premiums so 454 individuals had healthcare coverage.
Overall, the agency counts 67,850 people touched in significant ways by its work during 2025. This included job seekers, parents struggling to find childcare, older adults who need food and released prisoners looking for fresh starts in society.
That’s a lot of impact — with more to come this year and next.
August 20, 2026: United Way of Dane County hosts ‘Day of Caring’ to kick off campaign season
United Way of Dane County hosts ‘Day of Caring’ to kick off campaign season
United Way of Dane County is hosting its annual Day of Caring on Aug. 20 at Madison Marriott West from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Struggle Is Closer Than You Think
Struggle is Closer Than You Think. With Your Help, Support Can be Too.
In Dane County, struggle doesn’t always look the way you’d expect. It’s a teenager quietly coping. An older adult looking for resources. A family falling further behind. Struggle isn’t always visible, but it’s here. And so is the work to address it.
That is why we are asking you to participate in the 2026 United Way of Dane County Community Campaign. With your support, we:
- Respond to urgent local needs with agility and care
- Invest in education, health, housing and financial stability
- Strengthen families and neighborhoods
Together, we’re building a Dane County where everyone can thrive.
Join the community of people creating change. Donate today to ensure 100% of your undesignated individual gift goes directly to
the greatest needs in our community. You’re not just giving. You’re changing lives.
Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.
Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Community
Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Community
At United Way, we strive to help young people realize their full potential. That’s why we bring together community partners and invest in proven strategies that foster connection, belonging, leadership and academic success with youth at risk of disconnecting.
At United Way, we strive to help young people realize their full potential. That’s why we bring together community partners and invest in proven strategies that foster connection, belonging, leadership and academic success with youth at risk of disconnecting.
Before joining United Way partner Operation Fresh Start (OFS), Rafael struggled to balance school, work and family responsibilities while finding the support he needed to succeed. Encouraged by relatives who had completed OFS’s Legacy program, he enrolled and quickly stood out for his determination, leadership and commitment. Through a combination of education, conservation work and leadership development, Rafael strengthened academic skills, built confidence and developed the social and emotional tools needed to thrive. He became a role model for his peers, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging others to succeed.
With support from OFS staff and the opportunities made possible through United Way, Rafael expanded his vision for the future, discovering pathways beyond what he once thought possible. Inspired to serve his community, he is now pursuing a career as an EMT and firefighter. As a young father, he is focused on creating a strong future for his daughter while continuing his education at Madison College.
Rafael’s story is one example of what’s possible when a community comes together to support young people. Through our Plan for Community Well-Being, United Way helps create pathways to success by connecting youth with education, opportunities and support they need to succeed in school, work and life. When young people thrive, families are stronger and our entire community is better positioned to thrive.
Please note that names and photos for this story have been changed to protect the privacy of those featured.
August 10, 2026: United Way of Dane County’s Day of Caring returns Aug. 20 in Middleton
United Way of Dane County’s Day of Caring returns Aug. 20 in Middleton
MIDDLETON (WKOW) — United Way of Dane County is hosting its annual Day of Caring on Aug. 20 at Madison Marriott West, bringing together hundreds of volunteers to assemble thousands of care kits for local families.
The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 1313 John Q. Hammons Drive in Middleton. This marks a change from previous years, when the event was held outdoors in all kinds of weather.
Volunteers will assemble ImPacks — bags filled with items most requested by Dane County families and nonprofit partners. This year’s event includes assembling 4,000 paper product ImPacks, 3,000 menstrual hygiene ImPacks and 2,000 healthy snack ImPacks.
Volunteers can also write notes of encouragement to seniors to provide older adults in the community a sense of connection. The event aims to produce 1,000 notes of encouragement to include with ImPacks.
The assembled care kits will be distributed to United Way nonprofit partners including Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Porchlight, The Road Home of Dane County, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and WayForward Resources.
August 6, 2026: United Way of Dane County invites community to annual “Day of Caring” volunteer event
United Way of Dane County invites community to annual “Day of Caring” volunteer event
The United Way of Dane County is calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and make a difference during its annual Day of Caring, one of the largest volunteer events in Dane County. The event will kick off the organization’s 2026 Community Campaign on Thursday, Aug. 20, 1-3 p.m. at the Madison Marriott West, 1313 John Q. Hammons Drive in Middleton.
The annual event will bring together hundreds of volunteers from across the community to assemble thousands of ImPacks — essential care kits filled with the items most frequently requested by United Way’s nonprofit partners. The kits will be distributed to local families and individuals facing financial hardship throughout Dane County.