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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The post May 6, 2026: United Way of Dane County exceeds fundraising goals with $18 million appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

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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.

The post May 6, 2026: United Way of Dane County’s Community Fundraising Campaign Exceeds $18.1 Million appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

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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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Madison, WI (April 14, 2026) – United Way of Dane County has appointed 12 new board members to its 2026–2027 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 reflects the strength of Dane County with leaders who are deeply committed to sharing their time and expertise to mobilize the caring power of our community to help improve lives,” Renee Moe, President and CEO of United Way of Dane County, said. “Their leadership ensures we stay focused, accountable and responsive so that every donor dollar drives and multiplies impact where it’s needed most.”
We thank the following outgoing board members for their service:

• Bryan Chan, SupraNet Communications, Inc.
• Nicki Cooper, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
• Claiborne Hill, SEIU Wisconsin
• Dr. Silva Jackson, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, retired
• Barbara Harrington-McKinney, Community Leader
• Rachel Neill, Carex Consulting Group
• Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore, UnityPoint Health–Meriter
• Adam Stevenson, UW-Madison Law School
• Peter Vogel, Vogel Bros. Building Co.

2026 United Way of Dane County Board of Directors
New members bolded, Executive Committee members denoted with *

• *Jeff Keebler, Chair, Madison Gas and Electric
• *Kim Sponem, Vice Chair, Summit Credit Union
• *Karen Timberlake, Secretary, Children’s Wisconsin
• *Robert Durian, Treasurer, Alliant Energy
• Diane Ballweg, Endres Manufacturing Company
• Kalvin Barrett, Dane County Sheriff’s Office
• Larry Barton, Strang
• *Deborah Biddle, The People Company
• Joe Celentano, NGL Insurance Company
• Chris Copeland, TruStage
• *Baltazar De Anda Santana, Dane County Department of Human Services
• Anna Englehart, Allen Media (WKOW)
• *Dave Florin, Hiebing
• Eve Galanter, Community Leader
• *Noel Gallagher, Laborers Local 464
• Dr. Joe Gothard, Madison Metropolitan School District
• Linda Ketcham, JustDane
• *Paul Kundert, UW Credit Union
• Sean LaBorde, M3 Insurance
• Chandra Lewis, Harambee Doula Care & Holistic Services
• Nick Meriggioli, Community Leader
• Sandy Morales, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County
• Andry Negovani, By Youth For Youth Representative
• Ashley Quinto Powell, myVA Rocks
• Gisèle Sutherland, BMO Financial Group
• Bill Thousand, Clarity Technology Group LLC
• *Jeff Tubbs, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
• Jason Vangalis, Amazon
• Faleshuh Walker, Lashay The Artist
• Derek Wallace, County of Dane/AFSCME Local 720
• Jesi Wang, MetaStar, Inc.
• Bill Westrate, American Family Insurance
• *Jim Wheeler, Community Leader
• Cody White, Madison College
• Krissy Wick, Madison Public Library System
• *Jane F. (Ginger) Zimmerman, Murphy Desmond S.C.

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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. 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.

The post April 14, 2026: United Way of Dane County Announces 2026 Board of Directors appeared first on United Way of Dane County.

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Madison, WI — Starting in the 2026–27 school year, the Madison Metropolitan School District and United Way of Dane County are transitioning from their long-standing Elementary Schools of Hope and high school Achievement Connections tutoring programs, with student support continuing by other means.

The discontinuation of both programs is due to reduced federal support of AmeriCorps, the independent U.S. agency through which they are funded.

Across 28 years, literacy-focused Elementary Schools of Hope and math-centered Achievement Connections AmeriCorps members have connected nearly 23,000 community volunteers with more than 113,000 MMSD students, strengthening school-community relationships and improving student outcomes in the process. AmeriCorps members and volunteer tutors are trained on MMSD curriculum by district staff and provide individualized support to students.

“We are deeply grateful to United Way of Dane County, as well as the many volunteers who have supported our students through Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections,” said Cindy Green, Assistant Superintendent of Strategy And Innovation. “As our instructional practices have evolved, particularly in literacy, we are continuing to refi ne how tutoring is delivered to ensure it is closely aligned with what students are learning in the classroom and grounded in the Science of Reading and evidence-based approaches.”

Moving forward, MMSD will continue to prioritize literacy tutoring, building on ongoing partnerships with the Morgridge Center for Public Service and other local organizations to strengthen programs that provide consistent, targeted support for students that remains closely aligned with MMSD practices. In addition to community-based partnerships, many schools will continue to offer tutoring through existing programs, school-based initiatives and volunteer efforts. The district will support schools as they adapt and expand tutoring models to ensure continuity for students.

“Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections show what’s possible when a community rallies around student success,” said Renee Moe, United Way of Dane County’s president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to thousands of volunteers, dedicated educators and district leaders, students reached critical academic milestones, and we’ve built a partnership model that will continue to shape our work.”

United Way remains committed to supporting students and families across the learning continuum, from early childhood and family stability to out-of-school-time tutoring and
mentoring. Middle Schools of Hope, offered in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Madison, is not funded by AmeriCorps and will continue.

Districtwide, MMSD engages more than 5,000 volunteers each year, many of whom support literacy and student learning. Moving forward, volunteer tutoring will continue to play an important role with an emphasis on training, coordination and alignment with district instructional practices. To learn more about opportunities to tutor and otherwise get involved in improving student outcomes, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

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. 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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