For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the caring power of our community to create lasting, generational change. By working with our hundreds of nonprofit and community partners, we aim to be a catalyst for systemic change, helping more families and individuals get what they need in the areas of early childhood, education, income and health so that they may lead healthy, thriving and secure lives that meet their own defined goals.

Benefits to Our Community – and to Your Company

Sponsorship plays an important role in the expansion of support for Dane County families, and helps people understand, experience and feel connected to our work. Your generosity helps United Way to:

• Increase resources for our community, instead of covering the costs of events and advertising.
• Maintain our nationally recognized effectiveness ratio of spending 86% of funds on programming and only 14% on administrative costs – while the average nonprofit spends 35% on overhead expenses. 
• Engage with new and diverse stakeholders, increasing community will and resources.
• Deepen understanding of the core issues facing Dane County and drive stakeholders to action.

As a sponsor, your brand becomes an integral part of our events, and you have an opportunity to connect with a dynamic audience passionate about solving Dane County’s toughest needs. Choose from our range of sponsorships, each designed to maximize your visibility.

Community Campaign Catalyst – Help us raise $18+ million to invest in Dane County families.

Support our annual campaign efforts and reach business, nonprofit and community leaders.

Community Celebration March 1, 2024 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Monona Terrace

This event thanks everyone who makes an impact through giving, advocating and volunteering. Help us recognize the generous support of donors, volunteers and nonprofit and corporate partners, share campaign results and look ahead to the next year of impact and innovation in Dane County. 

• Audience & Reach: 700+ business, nonprofit and community leaders in Dane County who are committed to the promise that Dane County should be the best place to live for all, with a reach of 25,000+ through communications.
• Sponsorship Levels: $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 ($25,000 exclusive presenting sponsorship for 2024 and 2025 has been claimed)

*Sponsorship for Community Celebration in February 2025 is also available.

Loaned Executive Program: Build Ambassadors July – November 2024

One of the most comprehensive professional development programs in Dane County is at United Way! Loaned Executives work as an extension of the United Way team for four months and finish the program with a fresh, new set of high-demand skills – including business planning, customer relationship management and public speaking. You can loan an employee by providing a leave of responsibility from day-to-day job duties (with a continuation of compensation, benefits and expenses) for 17 weeks on a full-time or part-time basis. If you are unable to loan an employee, you can sponsor a Loaned Executive for $14,000. Please contact us at campaign@uwdc.org for information.

Lead United: Accelerate Impact

Invest in our community’s future leaders and our potential for support. This local network of leaders is invested, compassionate and focused on understanding Dane County’s critical issues and achieving professional growth. Lead United members give $1,000 or more each year. Help support engagement and recognition of this important and growing donor group through quarterly events or the Lead United Step-Up Program.

Lead United Step-Up Program

Inspire tomorrow’s leaders and grow membership in Lead United by providing matching funds for the Lead United Step-Up Program. Donors who commit to increasing their annual gift to $1,000 or more over the next three years will unlock these matching funds and become members of Lead United right away.

• Audience & Reach: 1,600+ current and prospective Lead United members, community-minded individuals who lead in their workplaces, in our community and through their philanthropy, with a reach of 25,000+ through communications
• Step-Up Program Sponsorship Levels: $25,000 (exclusive presenting), $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000. Consider strengthening your support with a multi-year pledge.

Lead United Events October 24, 2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm | Location to be announced

Small Plates, Big Impact is the signature annual event for members of Lead United, celebrating their collective impact and sharing how their support makes a difference in our community. Help us thank and inspire this growing donor network as they make real, measurable change.

• Audience & Reach: 1,600+ current and prospective Lead United members, community-minded individuals who lead in their workplaces, in our community and through their philanthropy.
• Event Sponsorship Levels: $10,000 (exclusive presenting), $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000
• Your sponsorship will also be recognized at additional Lead United events throughout the year. 

Marketing: Inspire Action

Help us broaden awareness of our work and engage more people in giving, advocating and volunteering. Reach new and diverse audiences and promote your brand through media and digital platforms. Options include digital and print – driving people to support United Way and accelerate positive change in our community.

• Audience & Reach: 25,000+ Dane County residents through email communications and website.
• Sponsorship Levels: $25,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500.

Holiday Wish List November 1 – December 31, 2024 | www.VolunteerYourTime.org The premier resource for holiday volunteerism and donations, the Holiday Wish List gives people in our community the opportunity to share the giving spirit and help others during the holiday season. Help us promote these opportunities and address urgent needs facing families today.

• Audience & Reach: 25,000+ Dane County residents through email and social media.
• Sponsorship Level: $2,500

Immediate Impact – Put your marketing budget to work in our community.

Directly support family well-being and mobility from poverty while reaching community-minded individuals.

Community Kickoff August 2024 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Location to be announced

Help us launch our community’s campaign! This family-friendly event kicks off our annual fundraising efforts and demonstrates The Power of Many. Working for All. Attendees will learn about challenges in our community, how they can get involved and participate in creating Paper Product Packs to be distributed to local families through our nonprofit partners.

• Audience & Reach: 700+ people following their passion for volunteerism and looking to learn about and connect with our community, with a reach of 25,000+ through communications.
• Sponsorship Levels: $15,000 (exclusive presenting), $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.

Women United Brunch September 13, 2024 | 8:30 – 11:00 am | Location to be announced

An inspiring morning celebrating the caring power of women and banding together to support our cause! We honor the Women United Philanthropy Award recipient and learn about the impact of United Way’s programs.

• Audience & Reach: 300+ current and prospective Women United members, a diverse circle engaging women as a powerful philanthropic force, with a reach of 25,000+ through communications. 
• Sponsorship Levels: $20,000 (exclusive presenting), $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, $1,500 and in-kind donations.

LINC Volunteer Engagements February, July, October and November 2024

Help us mobilize the caring power of our community year-round! LINC (Lead. Impact. Network. Change.) is introducing a new generation of philanthropists to United Way with a unique “philanthroparty” model – blending hands-on volunteering with a social twist. Attendees learn about issues facing our community and personally make a difference through volunteering.

• Audience & Reach: 250+ early career professionals who want to make a difference through unique volunteer engagements and events, with a reach of 25,000+ through communications.
• Sponsorship Levels: $10,000 (exclusive presenting), $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.