Category: Press Releases

April 30, 2004: By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Awards $25,630 to Local Youth Programs

Posted on by Brian Buckner

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Awards $25,630 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 $25,630 to 11 local youth programs and projects.

BYFY’s funding priorities for 2024 were focused on addressing mental and physical health, immigration, sexual violence, poverty (including food insecurity and homelessness) and climate change.

“By Youth For Youth gives the next generation of community leaders an opportunity to make real impact at a young age,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “These inspiring teens are learning how to collaborate, communicate effectively and accelerate results, all in order to help more people and change more lives. We are proud to convene Dane County’s up and coming thought leaders.”

“We are honored to provide funding to By Youth For Youth each year,” shares Joe Parisi, Dane County Executive. “This program provides Dane County high school students the experience of allocating tangible funds that positively impact youth county-wide. It’s a unique and wonderful experience for youth interested in making a difference in their communities.”

Funding highlights:
Rooted, Inc. & Badger Rock Neighborhood Center: Rooted connects farms and youth education programs to promote equitable access to land and fresh food. Rooted’s Badger Rock Urban Farm supports healthy food access to surrounding neighborhoods and offers year-round programs to Badger Rock Middle School students. Funding for an Aquaponics system combines fish and plants to extend the harvest throughout the year, produce is used for cooking classes and sold at low costs.

Horizon High School: Horizon High School supports students in recovery from substance use disorders and mental health issues. This program would create an in-school food pantry, urban garden and nutrition education programs to help students experiencing food insecurity. Program efforts include promoting healthy food choices and physical activity. Avicenna Society of Madison: This project funds the online, independent English tutoring costs for Afghan refugee students through verified sites such as Preply, TeacherOn and Afghan Youth Empowerment Camps. As Afghan refugee students, the specific needs are: receiving support from tutors who speak Pashto and Dari, tutors who can be reached without driving/transportation required, tutors who can meet at specific times of the day to accommodate the time they spend at school/work/taking care of their families, tutors who can work with special needs/disabled youth and tutors who are women.

Full List of Funded Organizations and Programs:
• Horizon High School – Reduce Poverty & Enhance Food Security; Mental Health Program
• East High School – Food Equity Club Rooted/Badger Rock Neighborhood Center – Rooted in Aquaponics
• Elver Park Neighborhood Center – Summertime Teaching Minds & Feeding Mouths
• Middleton High School – Green Team Garden Club
• Dual Language Immersion/La Follette High School – Storytelling: Migrant Scholars for a Better Future
• On Paper – Scholarships for Documented Dreamers
• Bayview Foundation – Bayview Lunch Club
• Avicenna Society of Madison – Afghan Refugee Housing Support; Afghan Refugee Students: independent English Study

2023-2024 BYFY Committee Members:
Laila Ahmed, Madison West High School
Jana Alhuniti, Madison Memorial High School
Jada Braaksma, Madison Memorial High School
Sophia Downs, Cambridge High School
Emily Gomez, Belleville High School
Emma Granquist, Cambridge High School
Lola Hernandez, Madison Memorial High School
Reya Khatri, Middleton High School
Aliza Kruger, Sun Prairie West High School
Kelly Lor, Madison West High School
Ruitan Luo, Sun Prairie East High School
Olivia Morsbach, Edgewood High School
Uriel Nikiema, Edgewood High School
Naomi Shah, Middleton High School
Kamilah Solache, Madison West High School
Abby Stringer, Waunakee Community High School
Adriana Villagomez, Madison LaFollette High School
Yesenia Villagomez, Madison LaFollette High School
Faith Waefler, Belleville High School

The BYFY program is currently reaching out to alumni who can share about their experience in the program in its 30 years of developing youth leadership! If you are a BYFY alumni, please consider filling out our survey at this link.

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.

About By Youth For Youth:
By Youth For Youth (BYFY) is a volunteer committee of Dane County high school students that make 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
For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

 

April 1, 2024: United Way of Dane County Now Accepting Applications for 2025-2026 Investment Cycle

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Now Accepting Applications for 2025-2026 Investment Cycle

MADISON – (April 1, 2024) At United Way of Dane County, we’re proud to invest in and partner with agencies that support our Plan for Community Well-Being – a plan built with our community, for our community. This vision for a brighter future focuses on increasing individual and family wellbeing so that everyone in Dane County can lead healthy, happy and secure lives – making our entire community stronger and better positioned to thrive.

Our Plan for Community Well-Being includes strategies and investments that aim to help local families and individuals overcome barriers and access the building blocks of well-being – a quality education, a family supporting job and health supports. Because we know that when we connect the dots across these areas, we can most effectively address the root causes of issues facing our community, interrupt systems and provide direct services to families experiencing disparities.

Working to solve our community’s greatest issues requires long-term investments. With that in mind, Impact Grants awarded through this process will be two-year grant commitments spanning from January 2025-December 2026.

Our Request for Proposal (RFP) Process is launching today, April 1, 2024, with applications due by May 17, 2024.

This RFP encourages organizations doing outstanding work in the areas of Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Healthy Communities to apply for funding aligning to our collective vision. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

For media inquiries, please contact Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications, United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 or Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org. For specific questions regarding the application process and/or funding inquiries, email impact@uwdc.org.

About United Way of Dane County
For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

March 26, 2024: United Way of Dane County Announces 2024 Board of Directors

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Announces 2024 Board of Directors

Madison, WI (March 26, 2024) – On Tuesday, February 20, United Way of Dane County appointed our 2024 Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of community leaders who guide United Way in our mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives.

“Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about United Way’s social impact leadership,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “These inspiring individuals push us to be our best and hold us accountable to the highest standards, making sure our work meets the ever-evolving needs of our community and best serves our partners in change and local families.”

2024 United Way of Dane County Board of Directors

New members bolded, Executive Committee members denoted with *

*Paul Kundert, Chair
UW Credit Union

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

*Karen Timberlake, Secretary
Children’s Wisconsin

*Tim Ryan, Treasurer
Lake Ridge Bank

Chief Shon Barnes
City of Madison Police Department

Larry Barton
Strang

Nolan Brown
Zendesk

Bryan Chan
SupraNet Communications, Inc.

Robert Durian
Alliant Energy

Dave Florin
Hiebing

Noel Gallagher
Laborers Local 464

Claiborne Hill
SEIU Wisconsin

Dr. Silvia Jackson
Wisconsin Nonprofit Agencies

Jeff Keebler
Madison Gas and Electric Company

Mork Koehl
Community Leader

Sean LaBorde
M3 Insurance

Barbara McKinney
Community Leader

Hon. Rev. Everett Mitchell
Dane County Circuit Court

Rachel Neill
Carex Consulting Group

Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore
UnityPoint Health-Meriter

Jay Sekelsky
Zermatt Investors, LLC

Kim Sponem
Summit Credit Union

Adam Stevenson
UW-Madison Law School

Renee Moe
United Way of Dane County

Gisele Sutherland
BMO Financial Group

David Sweitzer
TruStage

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

Lisa Peyton-Caire
The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

Scott Strong
RISE Wisconsin

We would like to thank the following outgoing board members for their service:

  • Jacquelyn Boggess, Center for Family Policy and Practice
  • Christine Dahlhauser, Baker Tilly US, LLP
  • Fabiola Hamdan, Dane County Department of Human Services
  • Ross McDuffie, National Trust for Local News
  • Christine Negovani, By Youth For Youth Representative
  • Ananth Seshadri, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Economics
  • Dr. Martha Stacker, Dane County Department of Human Services
  • Dulce Vlisides, Madison College
  • Amber Walker, CarMax

In February, The Board also approved new and renewed members for the 2024 United Way of Dane County Foundation Board of Trustees — Christopher Cain, Foley & Lardner, LLP; Jennifer Hannon, Godfrey & Kahn, SC; Kirsten Houghton, SVA; Greg Rademacher, Buttonwood Partners, Inc.; Teo Trandafir, UW Credit Union. To learn more about the United Way of Dane County Foundation, visit our website.
For media inquiries, please contact Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications, United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 or Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org.

About United Way of Dane County:
For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

March 4, 2024: The Community’s Campaign Raises $16.8 Million with United Way of Dane County

Posted on by Brian Buckner

The Community’s Campaign Raises $16.8 Million with United Way of Dane County

Madison, WI (March 4, 2024) – Thanks to more than 16,000 individuals and 500 businesses across Dane County, our community was able to raise $16.8 million during our 2023 Community Fundraising Campaign.

On Friday, 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 endlessly grateful for the generosity of our community,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “Through all the changes and challenges of the past few years, you’ve stepped up to help us build a future where more residents have what they need to lead healthy, thriving and successful lives! As our community continues to grow and change, United Way remains committed to mobilizing Dane County’s caring power. We’re going to build on this year’s success to invite more residents to make positive change together.”

“In Dane County, we’re so fortunate to have many local organizations and programs doing incredible work. But we’re better together!” says Pete Vogel, President & CEO of Vogel Bros. Building Co.; 2023 United Way of Dane County Campaign Chair. “We’re so grateful to every individual and organization who have chosen to invest in United Way. Thanks to you, we’re able to coordinate efforts across the community – strengthening our nonprofit ecosystem to respond to the most critical needs and invest in long-term systems change.”

“United Way of Dane County knows that the well-being of our children and families impacts the overall health of our community,” says Fabiola Hamden, Immigration Affairs Supervisor, Dane County Department of Human Services; United Way of Dane County Volunteer Leader. “And the only way we can overcome barriers is by working together towards collective impact. Our Plan for Community Well-Being – a plan built with our community, for our community – focuses on increasing family well-being so that everyone in Dane County can lead healthy, thriving and secure lives. United Way truly is the unifying force that brings together nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, families, donors and volunteers to address big-picture issues no one person or organization can solve alone.”

At United Way, we’re so grateful to all who were able and willing to donate their time and/or dollars in 2023. Your gift, no matter the size, is making lasting change for real neighbors! 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
  • Partners in Giving: State, UW and UW Health Employee Combined Campaign
  • Exact Sciences
  • TruStage
  • M3 Insurance
  • Alliant Energy
  • TASC
  • Hy Cite Enterprises, LLC
  • First Business Bank
  • Zimbrick, Inc.
  • Christensen Associates
  • UW Credit Union
  • Baker Tilly US, LLP
  • BMO
  • J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
  • Madison Gas and Electric
  • Sub-Zero Group Inc.
  • WPS Health Solutions
  • Summit Credit Union
  • Bankers’ Bank
  • U.S. Bank
  • Hooper Corporation
  • National Guardian Life Insurance Company
  • West Bend Specialty
  • Meridian Group, Inc.

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, Hooper Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric; Partner Sponsors, American Family Insurance, Hy Cite Enterprises, Johnson Financial Group, Summit Credit Union, TruStage and Vogel Bros. Building Co.; Media Sponsor, WKOW; and Table Sponsors, Alliant Energy, Ascendium Education Group, BMO, First Business Bank, Hausmann Group, M3 Insurance, McClone Insurance and National Guardian Life Insurance.

2023 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: Hooper Corporation, Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Inc., UW Credit Union, Vogel Bros. Building Co., JustDane, MetaStar, Inc. and Strang.
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: Hausmann Group, Truity Partners LLC and Urban Land Interests LLC.
Recognizing companies who grew their employee participation the most, engaging more people in supporting our community.

Innovation Award: Hy Cite Enterprises, LLC, WEA Member Benefits and Zimbrick, Inc.
Recognizes companies who are most committed to raising awareness and resources through new and creative strategies.

Advocate in Action Award: Jason Hiller, Hausmann Group; Luke Hunley, Exact Sciences; Andrea Whitcomb, TruStage; and Kaye Martin, Madison Gas and Electric.
Celebrating campaign volunteers who are passionate about giving back, enthusiastic about engaging others in learning about our community and inspire everyone to give, advocate and volunteer.

Collaboration Award: TPK Consulting, Effectability LLC and Core Endeavors Coaching and Consulting; Vogel Bros. Building Co., Stevens Construction Corp. and Hooper Corporation.
Recognizing United Way partners who serve our community and facilitate collaborative action leading to meaningful change.

Give United Award: Catalent and EUA.
Celebrates companies who joined our United Way family in 2023 with a first-time gift or employee campaign.

Affinity for Community Award: All Comfort Services, Murphy Desmond S.C. and TruStage.
Celebrates companies 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.

About United Way of Dane County:

For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

December 19, 2023: United Way of Dane County Calling on Community to Participate in End-of-Year Giving Campaign

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Calling on Community to Participate in End-of-Year Giving Campaign

Madison, WI (December 19, 2023) – On September 18, 2023, United Way of Dane County kicked off the 2023 Community Campaign, announcing a goal of $18.1 million for Dane County neighbors. This goal fuels nonprofits across Dane County doing critical work to respond to poverty, pandemic effects and instability. We have raised $9.6 million and need your help. We’re calling on every Dane County resident to make a year-end gift to help us create more opportunities for our neighbors.

“At United Way of Dane County, we know there are a lot of great services and programs in our community. But we’re better together,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “When you give to United Way, you’re amplifying opportunities for children to succeed in school, adults to get good-paying jobs, families to have affordable housing and everyone in our community to have access to quality health care. In short, you’re helping to uplift family well-being – making our community a better place to live, for all.”

For more than 100 years, United Way has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. And we’re innovating forward with the Plan for Community Well-Being – a plan built with our community, for our community. This vision for a brighter future focuses on increasing individual and family well-being so that everyone in Dane County can lead healthy, thriving and secure lives – making our entire community stronger and better positioned to thrive.

But, while we’re confident in the progress we’re making with our partners in the areas of education, income and health, we know needs far outweigh the resources available. Too many people are struggling to meet their basic needs, and too many kids are falling behind in school. In fact:

  • 10.8% of our population lives in poverty (58,000+), which would fill ¾ of seats at Camp Randall.
  • Only 42.9% of third grade students are reading at grade level, which would fill The Sylvee with kids who are reading at or below basic levels.
  • Food and rent assistance calls are up 80% over this time last year.
  • Rent prices in the Madison area are increasing faster than any other of the nation’s top 100 cities.

“United Way coordinates efforts across the community, collaborating with hundreds of local nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, families and donors to address big-picture issues no one person or organization can solve alone,” says Pete Vogel, President and CEO of Vogel Bros. Building Company, 2023 United Way Campaign Chair. “When United Way doesn’t meet their campaign goal, the whole community feels it. Less dollars in means less dollars multiplied to help real neighbors lead healthy, thriving lives. So, this holiday season, I encourage you to give – any amount you can, according to your means – to help us reach our goal and build a brighter future, together.”

There’s still time to make a difference! Please consider making a tax-deductible, year-end gift before midnight on December 31 so we can create more opportunities for real families right here in Dane County.

Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more and make a donation today. For media inquiries and/or to schedule an interview with members of our campaign team, please contact Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications, United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 or Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org.

 

About United Way of Dane County:

For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

October 17, 2023: United Way of Dane County Releases 211 Wisconsin App

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Releases 211 Wisconsin App

Madison, WI (October 17, 2023) – Earlier this morning United Way of Dane County held a press conference officially launching their new 211 Wisconsin App. This app was developed to broaden the awareness of and access to services in our community.

United Way of Dane County 211 provides 24/7 live, local assistance to every neighbor in Dane County and nearby communities (including Columbia, Sauk, Iowa, Rock, Green and Lafayette Counties). From finding food to paying rent, or connecting to addiction treatment or services for older adults (and so much more), 211 hosts the most comprehensive health and human services database of curated agencies in Dane County and across Wisconsin, and provides real-time, up-todate information on needs. Last year alone, United Way of Dane County 211 made 41,176 referrals to community resources and spent 170,500+ minutes serving clients.

“211 does so much more than connect people to agencies,” says Ed Wall, Director of 211, United Way of Dane County. “Our specialists are trained to identify root causes of a client’s problem – and provide callers with a wide range of available resources that meet all their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text or email. And the development of the 211 Wisconsin App enables us to reach more people who need services – allowing us to support more individuals and families who are working to lead healthy, happy and thriving lives.”

With over 18 months in development and testing, the 211 Wisconsin App is poised to increase access to the thousands of 211 resources available. The app can be downloaded to your mobile device. And, for those who do not have access to a mobile device, we’ve placed kiosks around the county to help make sure 211 services are accessible for everyone. See here for a full list of community locations that have a tablet installed.

“Our center is so fortunate to be one of the partner agencies that will house one of the new 211 kiosks,” says Arturo Ambriz, Executive Director, Lussier Community Education Center. “We feel that it will be heavily utilized as it will be prominently displayed at our lobby creating more interest on what 211 is and offers. Currently folks who use 211 at our center are recommended to do so by our amazing staff or word of mouth. With it being so user friendly, a wide range of individuals with varying technology backgrounds will be able to use it. Additionally, it will allow a bit of discretion for users by bypassing the need to ask for help in-person, which is a barrier in itself.”

The app was developed by United Way of Dane County and is meant to be very intuitive. From the welcome screen, the user is invited to browse anonymously or to register and bookmark the community resources that they may frequently use. We have also created a mapping feature that will show the user’s location and the resources closest to them.

The development and launch of this app was made possible by an extremely generous donation of $250,000 made by longtime donors Phil and Kit Blake. Additionally, United Way of Dane County has partnered with the other seven 211 centers in Wisconsin to assist in a state-wide rollout of the app. This collaboration helps ensure real-time help and resources are accessible to every Wisconsin resident in need.

“United Way of Dane County is proud to curate the most comprehensive health and human services database in our community, and to provide a caring, helping voice at the other end of the phone when neighbors need help,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO, United Way of Dane County.

“By partnering with the other centers across the state through the rollout of the 211 Wisconsin App, we’re enabled to make resources more readily available to every Wisconsin resident! That said, we know the needs far outweigh resources currently available. Please support your local United Way campaign by making a donation to help ensure that quality services are available when people call,” Moe says. “When more people have access to resources that they need in times of crisis through 211, and a coordinated approach to address the toughest human issues through United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being, our entire community is better positioned to thrive.”

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. 

About United Way of Dane County:

For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

June 8, 2023: United Way of Dane County Awards $25,000 in Micro-Investment Funds to Local Grassroots Organizations

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Awards $25,000 in Micro-Investment Funds to Local Grassroots Organizations

Madison, WI (June 8, 2023) – On June 7, 2023, United Way of Dane County awarded 2023 Micro Investment Grants. A total of $25,000 in grant funding was awarded to six grassroots organizations working to advance racial equity and/or social justice for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Southeast Asian or individuals and/or families of color in Dane County. Recipients include groups and organizations with an annual operating budget of $50,000 or less.

“These grants provide innovative funding for exciting programs led by leaders of color that aren’t yet able to apply for traditional investments. Organizations such as Literacy Network, Centro Hispano and Operation Fresh Start, started with microgrants and we know these grants can make a big 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 health-focused services.”

Recipients of these grant dollars include:

  • Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP
  • Backyard Mosaic Women’s Project
  • BLIPS (Black Leaders in Plain Sight)
  • Cultural Treasure
  • Miss Grand Hmong’s Scholarship
  • Reimagining Full Spectrum Doula Services

United Way knows that collective impact is the key to community well-being and the microinvestment grant process is an example of working collaboratively with our community, network of local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors, volunteers and families to address big picture issues that no one individual or organization can solve alone.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Karen Burch, VP Community Engagement and Marketing, United Way of Dane County at (608) 246-4366 or karen.burch@uwdc.org

About United Way of Dane County: For 100 years, United Way of Dane County has mobilized the caring power of our community to create lasting change for multiple generations. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors, volunteers and families to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

May 3, 2023: By Youth For Youth Group Awards $36,447 to Local Youth Programs

Posted on by Brian Buckner

By Youth For Youth Group Awards $36,447 to Local Youth Programs

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

Madison, WI (May 3, 2023) – 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 Institute of Positive Youth Development, awarded $36,447 to 13 local youth programs and projects.

BYFY’s funding priorities for 2023 were focused on mental and physical health, school programming and student support, youth experiencing poverty, youth experiencing food insecurity, youth experiencing homelessness, climate change, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and immigration.

“The By Youth For Youth program is a great way to engage the next generation of community leaders right here in Dane County,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “By working together to help identify and fund solutions to real issues our community is facing, these inspiring teens are learning how to collaborate, communicate effectively and accelerate results. All in order to help build community well-being.”

“By Youth For Youth is a one-of-a-kind youth program, and the City of Madison is proud to partner with them,” said Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison. “BYFY puts decision-making power in the hands of young people in real and structural ways, allowing participants to fund other youth programs, preparing them to be community leaders and participate in policy-making and funding decisions. BYFY supports young people in understanding and exercising the power they have to better their communities.”

Funding highlights:

Rooted – Eggcellent Chicken Coop: Thanks to generosity from the City of Madison supporting S.T.E.M. related youth projects, $5,000 goes toward the Badger Rock urban farm and youth garden educational chicken coop program. Youth will engage in hands-on learning about caring for and managing the chicken coop to provide organic eggs at a low cost to residents to address food security needs.

Bayview Foundation – Youth Advocacy & Support Program: $3,000 goes toward providing lowincome BIPOC and LGTBQ+ youth gender-specific spaces and activities to discuss youth issues and build community with their peers.

Avicenna Society of Madison – Afghan Kabul Cuisine Startup: $3,000 goes toward funding a Afghan cuisine startup restaurant that will help address poverty, food insecurity and employment opportunities for Afghan refugee youth in the Dane County area.

Full List of Funded Organizations and Programs:

  • Dear Diary of Madison – Students for Students
  • Cultural Connections Inc. – Club Express/Silk Screen Project
  • Bayview Foundation – Youth Advocacy & Support Program
  • McFarland Youth Center – Care Package Backpacks for the Homeless
  • Rooted – Eggscellent Chicken Coop
  • Memorial High School – Latinos Unidos/Latino Festival
  • Sun Prairie Westside Elementary, Student Safety Ambassadors – Empowering SP Students to Stop the Bleed
  • Madison East High School – Computer Lab Art & Photography
  • Briarpatch Youth Services – Teens Like Us/Briar Attire
  • Waunakee High School – Investing in Future Educators
  • Avicenna Society of Madison – Afghan Kabul Cuisine Startup; Aid to Afghan Children & Families; Libyan Refugee US Citizenship Needs

About By Youth For Youth:

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) is a volunteer committee of Dane County high school students that make investment decisions for youth-led programming and initiatives in Dane County. BYFY members identify critical public health 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, 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.

About United Way of Dane County

For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.