Author: Brian Buckner

May 1, 2025: Letter | AmeriCorps cuts affect thousands in Wisconsin

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Letter | AmeriCorps cuts affect thousands in Wisconsin

  • Bob Shogren

    Wisconsin National & Community Service Board

Dear Editor: At 6:20 p.m. Friday, April 25, we received notice that federal grants for the 25 active AmeriCorps programs in our state board’s portfolio were being terminated immediately, as well as planning grants for five organizations to develop programs through the Volunteer Generation Fund.

Closing these programs would halt service at more than 300 sites across Wisconsin, including schools, medical clinics and nonprofit organizations, as well as harming the hundreds of AmeriCorps members currently serving.

If these grant terminations take effect, thousands of students will suddenly lose tutoring and support programming. Hundreds of people with substance abuse disorders will lose their recovery coaches and thousands of people will lose programming at health clinics and organizations throughout Wisconsin.

Services provided to homeless youth and individuals with disabilities will be greatly reduced and hundreds of nonprofits will lose support in serving their communities. Planned conservation projects and summer programming for children that families depend on will no longer take place.

In the Madison area, this will eliminate service through nine AmeriCorps programs, including United Way of Dane County’s Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections, Partners for After School Success, Easterseals Wisconsin, DPI Farm to School, and several more organizations.

Contact your members of Congress to let them know these grants need to be reinstated. To find their contact information, click here.

April 30, 2025: By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Awards $26,130 to Local Youth Programs

Posted on by Brian Buckner

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Awards $26,130 to Local Youth Programs

High school leaders review and identify grants that will benefit youth-led organizations and youth programs

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.

Lighting the Way: Energizing Women at Madison Gas and Electric

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Lighting the Way: Energizing Women at Madison Gas and Electric

At the heart of Madison Gas and Electric’s commitment to community and connection are two women: Carolyn Schurch and Jane Rossing, co-chairs of the company’s women’s employee resource group (ERG): Women’s Network. For Carolyn and Jane, the drive to empower women is both personally and professionally motivated. Whether through mentorship, advocacy or simply sharing their experiences, they believe in the power of women helping women.  

That belief became action in November 2023 when the two collaborated to launch Women’s Network. What began as an idea quickly grew into a thriving employee resource group with over 60 members. Monthly gatherings promote personal and professional connection, while quarterly events focus on women’s health and development. 

“Madison Gas and Electric places a strong emphasis on community involvement,” said Carolyn and Jane. “We feel proud to be part of a culture that prioritizes giving back.” 

For Carolyn and Jane, philanthropic leadership is about giving money and more. “It’s about being intentional, having a strong belief in the cause and being thoughtful with where and how we contribute.” That ethos guides their work with the Women’s Network and in the community. 

Their efforts have been bolstered by their partnership with Women United at Work, a peer support network for local ERG leaders that has provided guidance and strategic support as they built their ERG from the ground up. “It provided us with a clear framework to move from a rough concept to a fully formed group. We also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and connect with other local ERG leaders – whether it’s networking, exchanging ideas or offering support.” 

Employee Resource Group leadership is often taken on by employees in addition to their full-time positions and responsibilities. Women United at Work partners leverage United Way’s planned activities so they can better balance their workloads and provide meaningful staff engagements…all while ensuring the most critical community needs are met.  

Personal and professional development events provide thoughtful time and space for staff at companies like MGE to set and achieve goals, while staff can connect with and build a supportive network of women who care about their community.  

Interested in Women United at Work? Click here.

Loyal Contributor Spotlight: Mark Koehl

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Loyal Contributor Spotlight: Mark Koehl

Many of our Tocqueville members started their journey with their very first professional paychecks, sparking a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.  

On June 10, we’re hosting our annual celebration for Loyal Contributors, those who have been making life-changing contributions to United Way for over 25 years. Many of our Tocqueville members started their journey with their very first professional paychecks, sparking a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. The impact of those collective investments has made local families, nonprofits and our entire community measurably and meaningfully stronger.  

Mark Koehl is one such loyal contributor, making his first gift to United Way of Marathon County in 1982 through his workplace giving campaign at Wipfli. He recalls starting his gift thanks to encouragement from leadership within the workplace. When Mark moved to Madison, he was invited by leadership at Wipfli to join Tocqueville.  

After 20 years of Tocqueville membership, Mark sees giving as essential to the ability of United Way to continue to meet the greatest needs in Dane County. He said, “I have been very fortunate in my life and see Tocqueville as a small means of paying back.”  

Mark and his wife Jessica Schwantes have both spent their lives in Wisconsin and made it a priority to give back to the community they love. All of the activities of the community and all of the friends he’s made, make Dane County the best place Mark has lived and the place he will always call home. Mark understands that while Dane County is a great community, there are many of our neighbors who are in need of assistance with basic needs of housing, health care, education and food. Both Mark and Jessica appreciate the strategic approach United Way takes to address difficult community issues and increase the impact of their gifts. 

Mark and Jessica have also held a variety of volunteer roles at United Way. Mark started volunteering with United Way on an allocations committee in Appleton, eventually becoming leader of allocations when he joined the Board. He also served on the Board at United Way Fox Cities. Since moving to Dane County, he’s served on both the United Way of Dane County Foundation Board of Trustees and the United Way of Dane County Board, serving as Treasurer. Today, Mark serves on the Finance Committee, Equity Committee and the Affordable Housing Fund Committee. Jessica is the current Tocqueville Cabinet Vice Chair.  

As Mark shared, “when everyone in our community can live the best life they desire, then the entire community is better.” 

Thank you to Mark and all our loyal contributors for making such a transformational impact in our community. 

April 30, 2025: State joins lawsuit to block Trump administration cancellation of AmeriCorps

Posted on by Brian Buckner

State joins lawsuit to block Trump administration cancellation of AmeriCorps

A coalition of 25 states, including Wisconsin, sued the Trump administration Tuesday to block the cancellation of AmeriCorps programs across the country.

The cancellation has upended plans at more than two dozen organizations in Wisconsin that have engaged AmeriCorps members in community service work, and stranded scores of participants in the midst of one-year stints in the program.

“I was completely blindsided,” Parker Kuehni told the Wisconsin Examiner on Tuesday. The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate with a degree in global health was in his second year with AmeriCorps, working at a Madison free health clinic and preparing to start medical school in June when he learned Monday morning that the program was canceled.

Created by Congress in 1993 as the Corporation for National and Community Service, its official name, AmeriCorps has deployed community service workers across the country in the decades since. AmeriCorps members are usually recent college graduates who join the program for a year or two. They teach in schools, assist with disaster relief and take on a host of other roles.

April 2025: Introducing our 2025 Community Campaign Chair: Kim Sponem

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Introducing our
2025 Community
Campaign Chair:
Kim Sponem

We’re excited to announce Kim Sponem as this year’s Community Campaign Chair! Kim has been CEO/President of Summit Credit Union since 2002 – Wisconsin’s largest credit union with a mission to help women and their families build financial security. Kim leads by example in creating a culture of philanthropy and community at Summit, inspiring her employees to give back through their annual campaign, which has resulted in $2.1 million over the last 30 years!

Additionally, Kim has been a United Way supporter since the very beginning of her career. She has held several volunteer roles at United Way since the early 2000s. Most recently, Kim serves as a United Way Board Member and has served on our Women and Wealth Building Delegation.

We’re so grateful for her commitment to our community and honored to have her leading this year’s campaign!

April 2025: Championing Change Through Volunteerism

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Championing
Change
Through Volunteerism

Volunteers transform communities. And at United Way, we know that building community well-being is a team project. That’s why we’re always working to engage community members, nonprofit partners and local businesses in volunteerism – mobilizing the caring power of our community to create lasting change for our neighbors.

This National Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating those who generously give their time and the impact they make to help change lives in Dane County!

5,296 Volunteers in 2024

ImPacks created by our volunteers, provide essentials to local individuals and families. Our nonprofit partners let us know what is most needed. When families have access to essential supplies, our entire community is healthier and stronger. In 2024, employees at 55 local companies created nearly 40,000 ImPacks for neighbors in need – creating over $132,000 in economic impact.

We’re so grateful for each and every one of you.

Want to get or stay involved this year?

Visit VolunteerYourTime.org
View our 2024 Volunteer Recognition List

Renee’s Reflection: Mobilizing Caring Power for Community Resilience

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Renee’s Reflection: Mobilizing Caring Power for Community Resilience

Our early April Tocqueville Conversation sparked an enlightening discussion on the ways we come together and address urgent needs when people face their hardest times – both as individuals and as a united community. We talked about the Community Resilience pillar of the Plan for Community Well-Being, and learned that a resilient community means more than responding to disasters and tragedies, it also means empowering our community to help and building civic leadership to avoid disasters in the future. 

I loved seeing so many of you at our most recent Tocqueville Conversation, learning about the work you’re driving to make our community more resilient.   

As we discussed during our conversation, when people are in crisis it’s challenging to know where to go for help. And, with so many opportunities to help, it’s hard to know where to make the most impact. United Way is proud to understand the big picture and mobilize the most effective resources to make a meaningful, measurable difference.  

On that tragic morning in December, an hour after the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS), I received a call from Mayor Rhodes-Conway to help. Our team at United Way jumped into action, with 211 ready to take calls, and staff assigned to support ALCS staff and set up a fund to support the school, its teachers and student families.  

By that afternoon, we’d connected with school leadership and mobilized the ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund which has now raised $609,000. These funds support the families who lost loved ones and those needing medical care, as well the long-term mental well-being of students, faculty and the larger ALCS community as they navigate impacts we haven’t even seen yet. Thanks to your continued support of United Way and our talented team, 100% of the dollars raised will go directly to the ALCS community. In addition to the fund, we coordinated offers of mental health services and in-kind donations, set up on-site resource fairs and partnered closely with local emergency response agencies. 

A resilient community means more than responding to disasters and tragedies – it means listening to and understanding the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, building connections and designing the efficient and effective social support structures to avoid disasters in the future. That includes ensuring that more people know how to help effectively. 

There are two additional ways we do our Community Resilience work. First, by connecting people to resources they need most when they find themselves in personal crisis through our 211 service, and second, by creating opportunities for community members to volunteer their time to support their neighbors.  

Our 211 call center connects people with resources 24/7, a service that United Way of Dane County has provided for over 35 years. As external forces impact people’s lives, they increasingly turn to 211 to help get them through challenging times.   

In 2024, we saw increased calls across our seven-county coverage area. In particular, we heard from 31% more neighbors in need of housing and 58% in need of utility payment assistance. For each of the over 26,000 calls for support, our 211 staff were there to provide empathetic, professional support to connect our neighbors with the resources they urgently need.  

Additionally in 2024, we mobilized 5,296 volunteers through youth volunteerism, our Business Volunteer Network, ImPacks for corporate teams, READI (retired employees are dedicated individuals) and matching nonprofit volunteer opportunities with individuals, families and teams looking for projects through our web portal. Another 599 volunteers generously invested their time directly with United Way of Dane County committees, including many of you who serve on the Tocqueville Committee! 

We are lucky to live in a community brimming with caring power. I am consistently in awe of the commitment and generosity that you all add to our collective work. Not only do you invest your dollars, but you give your time as well. And you set an example for the next generation.  

As you know, philanthropy is deeply personal. When we connect personally to a problem in the community, it unlocks a deeper well of motivation to give back.  

None of this would be possible without your continued support, investment and trust in United Way. Thank you.

April 7, 2025: United Way of Dane County Announces 2025 Board of Directors

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Announces 2025 Board of Directors

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.

March 2025: Investing in our Plan for Community Well-Being

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Investing in our Plan for Community Well-Being

The $17.3 million generously donated by our community in 2024 is already hard at work in our community!

In January, United Way’s Board of Directors approved how the dollars will be invested across our community. Investment recommendations were made by Community Solutions Teams and Vision Council volunteers after reviewing nonprofit proposals for services aligned to Plan for Community Well-Being strategies and goals, advancing solutions for our community’s greatest needs. The Board also approved donor designations to nonprofits of donors’ choice. 

We’re proud to continue uplifting family well-being in holistic and multigenerational ways – focusing on investing in and leading impact in the areas of:  

  • Youth Opportunity – helping young people realize their full potential.  
  • Financial Security – building financial stability and strength.  
  • Healthy Community – improving health and well-being for all.  
  • Community Resiliency – addressing urgent needs today and advancing a better tomorrow. 
Learn More

While we’re so proud of what we’re able to accomplish through these investments, we acknowledge the needs far outweigh resources available. That’s why we’re calling on every Dane County resident to continue being one of the ones to change lives! Please visit our website to encourage your network to help, and make your 2025 donation today.