Link to PDF Here

MADISON, Wis. (August 21, 2026) — On August 20, United Way of Dane County brought together hundreds of volunteers and officially launched the 2026 Community Campaign with Day of Caring – a powerful day of volunteerism at Madison Marriott West.

Over 900 volunteers united for an afternoon of family- and team-friendly volunteering activities, learning more about our community’s needs and work to make a difference. Volunteers wrote notes of encouragement for local seniors and packed more than 21,000 ImPacks – essential care kits that directly support nonprofit partners with the most-requested essentials in our community, generating more than $66,000 in economic impact. ImPacks were distributed to United Way nonprofit partners including Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Porchlight, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and WayForward Resources. Through this volunteer mobilization and nonprofit partnerships, United Way is able to provide local families with the resources they need now; the campaign generates funds for programs leading to healthy, thriving lives and building well-being across Dane County.

“Day of Caring connects hundreds of volunteers and shows what our combined impact makes possible,” Jeff Tubbs, Executive Vice President at Findorff and United Way 2026 Campaign Chair said. “It’s so energizing to see so many people and organizations from across Dane County show up for our community, and I can’t wait to carry this energy forward and see what we make possible with this year’s campaign.”

During the event, United Way announced the 2026 fundraising goal of $19 million. The goal was built by analyzing community data, understanding the community’s greatest needs and effective responses and leading conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders about how they want to support a coordinated approach to solving community problems.

“What makes Day of Caring so inspiring is that you can see the impact taking shape in real time. Every ImPack created and every hour volunteered represents support for a neighbor who needs it. Today shows that when Dane County comes together, we don’t just talk about helping our community, we roll up our sleeves and make it happen,” Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County said. “As we carry this excitement forward, we’re grateful to Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation, whose generous donation ensures 100% of individual, undesignated giving to our Plan for Community Well-Being — a plan built with our community, for our community to address its greatest needs — goes directly to impact.”

Day of Caring is presented by Summit Credit Union with generous support from:

• Event sponsors: American Family Insurance, Hiebing, Madison Marriott West, Serve Wisconsin and UW Credit Union
• Partner sponsors: ATC, Cummins and Findorff
• ImPack Sponsors: Thompson Investment Management and NGL
• Media partner: WKOW
• In-kind sponsors: EZ Office Products and Miron Construction
• Donation drive hosts: HDR, SSM Health and Summit Credit Union
• Campaign Partner Sponsor: Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adam Mumm, Director of Communications for United Way of Dane County at adam.mumm@uwdc.org or (608) 416-0401.

###

About United Way of Dane County:
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

Campaign Partner Sponsor:
A donation from longtime supporters Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation acts as a powerful catalyst – amplifying the impact of donors’ generosity. Every penny of individual and undesignated gifts goes directly toward resolving the greatest needs in our community – a rare and remarkable advantage that few organizations can offer. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

The post August 21, 2026: United Way of Dane County Launches 2026 Community Campaign appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

Struggle is Closer Than You Think. With Your Help, Support Can be Too.

In Dane County, struggle doesn’t always look the way you’d expect. It’s a teenager quietly coping. An older adult looking for resources. A family falling further behind. Struggle isn’t always visible, but it’s here. And so is the work to address it.

That is why we are asking you to participate in the 2026 United Way of Dane County Community Campaign. With your support, we:

• Respond to urgent local needs with agility and care
• Invest in education, health, housing and financial stability
• Strengthen families and neighborhoods

Together, we’re building a Dane County where everyone can thrive.

Join the community of people creating change. Donate today to ensure 100% of your undesignated individual gift goes directly to

the greatest needs in our community. You’re not just giving. You’re changing lives.

Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Give Today!

The post Struggle Is Closer Than You Think appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Community

At United Way, we strive to help young people realize their full potential. That’s why we bring together community partners and invest in proven strategies that foster connection, belonging, leadership and academic success with youth at risk of disconnecting.

At United Way, we strive to help young people realize their full potential. That’s why we bring together community partners and invest in proven strategies that foster connection, belonging, leadership and academic success with youth at risk of disconnecting.

Before joining United Way partner Operation Fresh Start (OFS), Rafael struggled to balance school, work and family responsibilities while finding the support he needed to succeed. Encouraged by relatives who had completed OFS’s Legacy program, he enrolled and quickly stood out for his determination, leadership and commitment. Through a combination of education, conservation work and leadership development, Rafael strengthened academic skills, built confidence and developed the social and emotional tools needed to thrive. He became a role model for his peers, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging others to succeed.

With support from OFS staff and the opportunities made possible through United Way, Rafael expanded his vision for the future, discovering pathways beyond what he once thought possible. Inspired to serve his community, he is now pursuing a career as an EMT and firefighter. As a young father, he is focused on creating a strong future for his daughter while continuing his education at Madison College.

Rafael’s story is one example of what’s possible when a community comes together to support young people. Through our Plan for Community Well-Being, United Way helps create pathways to success by connecting youth with education, opportunities and support they need to succeed in school, work and life. When young people thrive, families are stronger and our entire community is better positioned to thrive.

Please note that names and photos for this story have been changed to protect the privacy of those featured.

The post Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Community appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

The post August 10, 2026: United Way of Dane County’s Day of Caring returns Aug. 20 in Middleton appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

The post August 6, 2026: United Way of Dane County invites community to annual “Day of Caring” volunteer event appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

Inspired by Impact,
Committed to Giving Back

For Kurt Hedstrom, giving back through United Way of Dane County is both personal and purposeful.

A longtime supporter through Hooper’s workplace campaigns, Kurt deepened his involvement by joining the Lead United Council in March 2026. His connection to United Way’s mission began years earlier when his family benefited from a United Way-supported health service during a pivotal time in their lives.

“Seeing firsthand the impact United Way can have on families inspired me to give back and support its mission,” Kurt said. “Joining Lead United was a natural next step, allowing me to play a larger role in supporting an organization that has made such a positive difference in our lives.”

Kurt is especially passionate about youth-focused services, including health, educational and activity-based programs. As a parent whose son benefited from health services and as a longtime youth coach, he has witnessed the importance of ensuring these resources are available to every young person in the community.

He believes meaningful change happens when people work together. Through his involvement with United Way, Kurt hopes to raise awareness about available services while helping advance initiatives that strengthen Dane County.

“Volunteering has reinforced my appreciation for the powerful impact United Way programs have on families throughout our community,” he said. “Seeing the gratitude and positive outcomes these programs create has been both inspiring and rewarding.”

Kurt’s mindset is simple: leading by example through community service and helping those who need it most.

The post Inspired by Impact, Committed to Giving Back appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

The post August 4, 2026: United Way to host annual Day of Caring Aug. 20 appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

Link to PDF Here

MADISON, Wis. (July 21, 2026) – United Way of Dane County awarded the 2026 Micro-Investment Grants distributing a total of $26,700 to seven grassroots organizations. These seven recipients lead community-centered projects aimed at advancing youth activities, strengthening community engagement and/or increasing a sense of safety in Dane County communities. Recipients include groups and organizations with an annual operating budget of $75,000 or less.

This unique funding opportunity intentionally supports organizations outside of United Way of Dane County’s traditional investment cycle, allowing United Way to invest in innovative, grassroot responses to community needs to help address systemic inequities. This year’s recipients were selected by a dedicated Micro-Investments Task Force, made up of members of the Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee (CEIC). By supporting community-driven solutions, United Way helps create a Dane County where every voice is heard, and neighborhoods thrive.

“Some of Dane County’s most impactful ideas begin at the neighborhood level, led by people who see a need and take action. These Micro-Investment Grants help emerging organizations turn their vision into meaningful results for youth, families and communities,” Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County, said. “We are proud to support these grassroots leaders as they strengthen connections, expand opportunities and create lasting change for our neighbors throughout Dane County.”

Recipients of these Micro-Investment Grants include:

• Know Your Learner Language – Area: South Madison
• Mad Town Elite Youth Football – Area: City of Madison
• The Urban Arts Project – Area: Madison’s Westside Neighborhoods of Allied Drive, Meadowood, Orchard Ridge, Prairie Hills and surrounding communities
• Pinoy Sama–Summer 2026 – Area: Marquette and Brentwood / Northport Corridor in Madison
• Building a Recovery Community – Area: Dane County
• Community Healing & Domestic Violence Support Initiative (Community Healing Circles) – Area: East Side of Madison (Sherman Avenue / Northside Area)
• Expanding Educational Opportunities for Alternative High Schools – Area: Madison / Sun Prairie

United Way knows that collective impact is the key to community well-being, and the Micro-Investment Grant process is an example of working collaboratively with our community, network of local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to create solutions that address the most complex challenges that no single person or organization can solve alone.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adam Mumm, Director of Communications for United Way of Dane County at adam.mumm@uwdc.org or (608) 416-0401.

The post July 21, 2026: United Way of Dane County Announces $26,000 in Micro-Investment Funding to Grassroots Organizations in Dane County appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

The post July 8, 2026: Cap Times’ Evjue Foundation gives $2.4 million to Madison-area causes appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

Connecting Women,
Strengthening Community

The post Connecting Women, Strengthening Community appeared first on United Way of Dane County.