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MADISON, Wis. (May 19, 2026) – In April 2026, the By Youth for Youth committee awarded $26,130 to 9 local youth programs and projects. By Youth For Youth is a committee of Dane County high school students that make local investment decisions to support youth-led programs and projects in Dane County. The BYFY program is a collaborative effort between UW-Madison Extension’s Positive Youth Development Institute, the Dane County Youth Commission, the City of Madison and United Way of Dane County. Funding for BYFY is provided through a combination of City, County and United Way funds, with a special thank you to the Madison Civics Club for awarding the BYFY program with a generous endowment in support of continuous youth leadership.

This year’s BYFY cohort included 24 Dane County high school students from 9th to 12th grade, spread across the County from 11 different high schools including Belleville, Cambridge, Edgewood, Madison Country Day, Middleton, MMSD (East, La Follette, Memorial, West), Sun Prairie and Waunakee.

By Youth For Youth’s chosen funding priorities for 2026 focused on addressing mental health (anxiety, depression, suicide ideation & self-harm), positive experiences inside and outside of school (belonging, equity & inclusion, bullying), food security (food access, nutrition for low-income youth), immigration (accessing services & resources), sexual assault prevention (accessing services & resources) and climate change.

Funding highlights:

• Wisconsin Heights School District: BYFY is proud to fund the “Closegap Initiative,” supporting the training and implementation of a daily digital check-in for students that enables early mental health intervention in school settings.
• Oregon High School: BYFY is proud to fund the “Run-Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness Month” event hosted by the Imagine Club, a youth-led educational fundraiser supporting survivors of sexual violence. Proceeds are donated to local organizations in Dane County.
• Rooted, Inc.: BYFY is proud to fund the “Rooted in Community Gardens” project, where youth update and fix existing garden beds that are used for local families to grow their own personal produce

Full List of Funded Organizations and Programs:

• Dairyland Dancing Diamonds: “Nourish & Flourish Initiative”
• Wisconsin Heights School District: “Mental Health Closegap Initiative”
• Rooted Inc.: “Rooted in Community Gardens”
• East High School’s WAVE Club: “Menstrual Equity Project”
• Oregon High School’s Imagine Club: “Run-Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness Month”
• Cardea: “American Heart Association & National Alliance on Mental Illness 5K Run”
• Elver Park Neighborhood Center: “Team Building Through Art Experiences”
• Meadowood Neighborhood Center: “Plates with Purpose”
• MTZ Charitable Organization: “Planted with Purpose”

Supporting partner statements:

“By Youth For Youth gives the next generation of community leaders an opportunity to make a real impact at a young age. 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 mobilize Dane County’s up and coming thought leaders.” – Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County

“By Youth For Youth is a one-of-a-kind youth program, and the City of Madison is proud to partner with them. 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.” – Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison

“We are honored to provide funding to By Youth For Youth each year. 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.” – Melissa Agard, Dane County Executive

2025–2026 BYFY Committee Members:

Zoha Adnan, Madison Country Day

Hannah-Kay Amuzu-Gassou, Edgewood High School

Fatima Romero Alvarado, Madison La Follette High School

Amogh Avadhani, Middleton High School

Brandon Ballweg, Waunakee High School

Brooke Ballweg, Waunakee High School

Ruth Bawithadim, Sun Prairie West High School

Aditya Behara, Middleton High School

Jailen Clark, Madison La Follette High School

Denise Espirito Santo Dias, Waunakee High School

Sophia Downs, Cambridge High School

Hanshika JaiPravinKumar, Sun Prairie West High School

Angelina Li, Waunakee High School

Sharon Medina, Madison West High School

Andry Negovan, Madison Memorial High School

Kobe Ni, Waunakee High School

Christian Rubio Robledo, Madison La Follette High School

Frances Schaller-Davis, Madison East High School

Jinal Shah, Middleton High School

Lily Shapiro, Madison West High School

Evelyn Soukup, Waunakee High School

Jill Thompson, Cambridge High School

Faith Waefler, Belleville High School

Yesenia Naomy Villagomez, Madison La Follette High School

By Youth For Youth Staff:

Nathan Beck, City of Madison

Taylor Seale, UW-Madison Extension

Michelle Van Asten, United Way of Dane County

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Tocqueville Spring Conversation: Coming Together for Community Impact

Thank you to everyone who attended our first Tocqueville Conversation of the year on April 29, generously hosted by Findorff. Members and guests gathered for a discussion around the measurable impact we achieved in our community in 2025 and the opportunities ahead.  

Renee Moe, United Way of Dane County President & CEO, provided a foundation for the current moment our community faces, followed by a presentation on community level data by Vice President of Community Impact, Jody Bartnick. These results illustrated how unrestricted gifts are leveraged for broader impact and highlighted the critical role Tocqueville members play in strengthening our community. 

The group then moved into small‑group discussions where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with United Way Community Impact directors around Financial Security, Healthy Community and Youth Opportunity. We reflected on the data and explored how community challenges and solutions are showing up in workplaces and partnerships across Dane County. 

Here are some of the highlights from those conversations: 

Financial Security: 

This group discussed preventing evictions while addressing long-term housing stability. Participants discussed Women & Wealth, workforce pathways and affordable housing efforts, celebrating strong program success while examining how to better support families still struggling. The conversation emphasized balancing immediate needs with systemic solutions through coordinated tools, partnerships and community investment. 

Healthy Community: 

Personal stories reinforced that navigating health care is complex for many, even those with resources, and that strong case management and attention to social determinants of health like neighborhood safety are essential for better outcomes. The group discussed how fear, particularly around immigration enforcement, is preventing some families from accessing health care, affecting both patients and frontline providers. Participants emphasized the need for culturally relevant, trusted care.   

Youth Opportunity: 

Participants explored how youth success is measured, including questions about racial disparities in academic achievement outcomes. The group discussed alternative pathways for students who may not thrive in traditional school settings and how changing tutoring models affect families and students. The shared conclusion was that the community must do more to support diverse paths to success for young people, including supporting out of school time and reducing school mobility. 

Deep Dive on 2025 Results and 2026 Trends: 

This discussion focused on using data to reduce duplication across nonprofits while addressing growing needs amid shifting donor engagement. Participants considered strategies to better reach younger and remote workers and expand beyond traditional workplace campaigns. Collaboration and innovation were seen as key to sustaining long-term impact. 

These conversations reinforce a shared belief: when more people have what they need to succeed, our entire community is stronger. 

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Madison, WI (May 6, 2026) – United Way of Dane County announced today that the 2025 Community Fundraising Campaign exceeded its goal, raising $18.1 million to address the community’s greatest needs. The result reflects the collective commitment of more than 13,000 individuals 7,000 volunteers and nearly 500 businesses across Dane County – a show of generosity that United Way President and CEO Renee Moe called an important moment for Dane County.

“Dane County’s donors and businesses didn’t just meet this moment, they led. At a time of shifting public funding, and rising costs of living creating growing demand for services, our community continues to show extraordinary commitment to one another,” Moe said. “Because of compassionate and strategic donors, we are able to lead at the scale this moment demands — driving measurable results and strengthening our community for the long term. Your generosity fuels United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being, so all children graduate from high school ready for success, all families can build to financial well-being and all neighbors have access to healthcare that helps them perform well in school and work and life.”

A Meaningful Investment
Thanks to the leadership of Kim Sponem, President and CEO of Summit Credit Union and 2025 Campaign Chair, along with the dedication of United Way’s Campaign volunteers and donors, our community was able to exceed the goal of $17.5 million, ultimately raising $18.1 million during the 2025 Community Fundraising Campaign. While this number does not meet the full scale of community need, it is a meaningful investment of voluntary support that makes measurable impact.

“Serving as Campaign Chair was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when leaders, organizations and communities align around a shared purpose,” Sponem said. “Exceeding this goal isn’t just about what we accomplished in this campaign; it’s about building momentum for the future. The need is great and the opportunity is there to help one another build stability and help people prepare for a brighter future when needed. United Way is uniquely positioned to evaluate and support programs of nonprofit entities to address four major areas of need including advancing financial security.

Sponem has long championed initiatives that help people build financial confidence and resilience values deeply aligned with United Way’s mission.

“These dollars represent more than generosity,” Sponem added. “They represent a shared understanding and responsibility to strengthen our community for people to have the opportunity to succeed. I’m incredibly proud of Dane County and confident in what we can continue to achieve together.”

Impact of a Transformational Gift
This year’s campaign was energized by a historic 10-year, $10–$15 million commitment from the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation — the largest multi-year philanthropic commitment in United Way of Dane County’s history. The gift ensures that 100% of undesignated individual donations directly address the greatest needs in the community in the areas of youth opportunity, financial security, healthy community and community resilience.

“Dan and Patti’s gift challenged the assumption that giving directly creates more impact than giving through United Way,” said Ginger Zimmerman, 2025 United Way Board Chair and President/Managing Shareholder at Murphy Desmond S.C. “By underwriting United Way’s administrative costs, which are already highly efficient, and multiplying the impact of every donor dollar, they aimed to inspire broader community participation, especially for younger and new donors. We know people want to make a difference, and United Way offers a simple, effective way to do that through a strategic, results-driven approach. Dan and Patti’s leadership sparked additional giving that helped us exceed our campaign goal, allowing United Way and partner nonprofits to deliver even greater impact in 2026.”

Because of increased giving, more dollars are being invested in effective strategies and urgent needs. Undesignated giving, a cornerstone of the Rashke’s belief in trust-based philanthropy was up by almost $1.5 million, allowing United Way to invest the funds where they are needed most. United Way of Dane County thanks every volunteer and donor who supported the 2025 campaign, and encourages additional participation from individuals, businesses and families this year.

A special thank you to United Way’s partner nonprofits, businesses and volunteers. Together, we continue to build a stronger Dane County where everyone can thrive.

If you have questions or would like to set up an interview, please contact Adam Mumm, Communications Director, United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 Adam.Mumm@uwdc.org.

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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.

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[Madison, WI, May 5, 2026] –  In Dane County, Wisconsin, a powerful truth is emerging: when coordinated, culturally aligned, maternal care starts early and stays consistent, birth outcomes for Black mothers and babies improve. Such are the findings of an initial evaluation report on local efforts to address Dane County’s longstanding racial birth disparities.

For the past eight years, the Dane County Health Council (DCHC) and the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW) have led the Saving Our Babies Initiative—a groundbreaking cross-sector collaboration aimed at eliminating the Black low-infant birth weight crisis and to broadly improve Black maternal and child health. Together with ConnectRx Wisconsin (CRx), an innovative care coordination model launched in 2022, the work is demonstrating measurable gains.

To date, the ConnectRx program has conducted more than 18,500 screenings, generated 4,525 referrals to critical community resources, and supported 515 births—including 332 with doula care. Among participants, 94% of births reach optimal gestational age and 93% of babies are born at a healthy birth weight—outcomes that now exceed countywide averages. These outcomes provide one of the strongest early demonstrations that community-driven, coordinated care works.

Findings from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Reproductive Equity Action Lab—analyzing over 31,000 births between 2022-2024, including 350+ births among ConnectRx Wisconsin participants—confirm that the program is reaching families with the highest needs and driving measurable improvements in outcomes. Preliminary evaluation results also offer clear lessons about what is working:

• ConnectRx Wisconsin is reaching families with the highest need. On average, CRx participants navigate three or more major social challenges and are connected to multiple community resources to address needs like financial strain, housing instability, and food insecurity.
• Early connection and sustained participation change outcomes. Pregnant patients who enrolled in CRx in the first trimester saw significantly better outcomes; and preterm birth rates were cut by more than half compared to Black birthing people not enrolled in the program.
• Longer participation is linked to stronger outcomes: Findings also suggest that longer participation, 6-7 months or longer, is linked to stronger outcomes, reinforcing the importance of enrolling early and staying connected throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Findings also highlight ongoing needs and challenges:

• Need is outpacing capacity. As referrals increased, wait times for ConnectRx grew, especially in 2023, reinforcing the need to expand staffing capacity so families can enroll early enough to benefit fully from the program.
• This work is only beginning. Some findings are not yet statistically significant due to small sample sizes and relative infancy of the program. Generational change requires long-term commitment; clearer trends are expected as the program is sustained.
• Saving Our Babies and ConnectRx Wisconsin are one piece of the solution. Even with these strategies and solutions in place, broader inequities persist, underscoring the need to address systemic racism and structural barriers that shape birth outcomes.

Despite the challenges, partners point to a clear driver of progress: a model intentionally built on trust, access, representation, and the integration of both clinical and community care. ConnectRx Wisconsin recruits, trains, and supports doulas and Community Health Workers (CHWs) who reflect the lived experiences of the families they serve—many of whom are former participants. This culturally aligned workforce, working in tandem with clinical staff, is essential to rebuilding trust where systems have historically fallen short, strengthening engagement, and ensuring continuity of care.

“ConnectRx Wisconsin shows what is possible when healthcare systems and community partners work in true alignment,” said Eric Thornton, President of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, an anchor member organization of the Dane County Health Council. “By meeting families where they are and addressing the full range of needs impacting health, we are not only improving outcomes—we are restoring trust and dignity, and advancing equity in care.”

Together, these findings point to what must come next: expanding capacity so more families can enroll early, sustaining and investing in doulas and CHWs, and deepening partnerships between healthcare systems and community organizations. While the path forward is achievable, partners emphasize that scaling ConnectRx Wisconsin’s impact will require sustained, multi-year investment and philanthropic support to grow capacity, strengthen workforce infrastructure, and ensure early access – ultimately realizing the broader promise of the work.

“ConnectRx is one of Wisconsin’s most impactful efforts to undo longstanding birth disparities for Black mothers and babies — built by systems and community working as true partners,” said Lisa M. Peyton, CEO & President of the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. “The question is no longer if it works. It’s whether we will invest at the scale required to reach every family who needs it.”

For more information or to support the Initiative, please visit www.savingourbabieswi.org or contact Ariel Robbins: arobbins@uwhealth.org.

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About the Dane County Health Council:
The Dane County Health Council is a coalition of healthcare providers, government and nonprofits with a mission to eliminate gaps and barriers to optimal health and reduce disparities in health outcomes in Dane County. Council members include Access Community Health Centers, Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, Madison Metropolitan School District, Public Health Madison & Dane County, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, United Way of Dane County, UnityPoint Health – Meriter and UW Health.

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Thank You to Our United Way of Dane County Volunteers!

This National Volunteer Month, we’re proud to celebrate the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes to support our mission and strengthen Dane County. By lending their time, talents and passion, our volunteers help United Way unite our community towards a common goal to build a better Dane County for all. 

To every volunteer who has stepped up to serve, thank you. Your generosity and commitment are making a lasting impact to help change lives. 

View our 2025 Volunteer Recognition List

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Mobilizing Caring Power Through Volunteerism

United Way of Dane County is the intersection where the community meets to change lives. One of the ways we do this is by engaging community members, nonprofit partners and local businesses in volunteerism. This mobilizes the caring power of our community to make meaningful and lasting change.  

ImPacks created by volunteers provide essentials to individuals and families in our community. Our nonprofit partners let United Way know what is most needed. When families have access to essential supplies, our community becomes healthier and stronger. In 2025, employees at 62 local companies created over 100,000 ImPacks for neighbors in need, creating over $295,000 in economic impact. 

Learn About Corporate Engagement

Find a Volunteer Oportunity

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