Media Resources
The latest news from and about United Way of Dane County
For media inquiries or questions, please contact:
Ashley Reynolds, Director of Communications
email: ashley.reynolds@uwdc.org mobile: 608-416-0401
For images of previous United Way events, visit our Flickr page. (Caption: Photo Courtesy of United Way of Dane County)
Not a media inquiry? Visit our Contact Us page.
Press Releases and Media Alert
Madison, WI – February 17, 2021 – UW Credit Union will invest $1.5 million to address racial inequities in Madison and Milwaukee through a new fund launched in partnership with United Way of Dane County and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.
The UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity will address the barriers to economic mobility for people of color, with a focused goal of funding transformational programming solutions in Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and/or Washington counties. Specifically, programs that increase financial stability and improve educational outcomes.
“The UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity is an extension of our brand mission, “Here for Every You,” said Sheila Milton, UW Credit Union Vice President of Diversity Equity, and Inclusion. “This fund is about investing in our neighbors in a tangible, meaningful way. This includes improving the financial wellbeing and capability of our Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) community members.”
Dane Workforce Housing Fund Reaches $11.8 Million in Investment Support
Fund seeks to address the workforce housing crisis in Dane County.
Madison, WI (Nov. 12, 2020) – The Economic Stability Council (ESC), made up of a group of local employers and funders, is excited to announce it has exceeded its goal of raising $10 million from local businesses to address the Dane County workforce housing needs. The fund, established and managed by Madison Development Corporation, is intended to be a long-term strategy that will help create and sustain more workforce housing units in Dane County and keep them affordable for at least 15 years. FULL PRESS RELEASE
Fabiola Hamdan Receives Women United Philanthropy Award
Women United Breakfast Celebrates Women in Philanthropy
Madison, WI (October 2, 2020) – Fabiola (“Faby”) Hamdan was honored with the Women United Philanthropy
Award at United Way’s virtual Women United Breakfast, which took place on Wednesday, September 30. FULL PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Download PDF HERE
August 14, 2019
WORKING FOR ALL WEBINAR: COMMUNITY RESPONSE & RECOVERY
MADISON – On Tuesday, August 18, United Way of Dane County will launch the first installment of
the Working for All webinar series, starting with the topic of Community Response & Recovery.
Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County, and Paul Kundert, President and CEO
of UW Credit Union and 2020 Campaign Chair, will share an update on the current needs and
resources in Dane County.
The webinar will be followed by a private virtual Media Meet & Greet with Renee Moe and Paul
Kundert, where they answer your questions about information shared during the webinar.
Join us to learn how United Way is bringing our community together to address racial disparities
and support recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic and how you can help.
WHAT: United Way of Dane County Working for All Webinar & Media Meet and Greet
WHEN: Tuesday, August 18 | Register below
• 12:30 – 1:00 pm: Virtual Program/Working for All Webinar- Register
• 1:00 – 1:30 pm: Virtual Media Meet & Greet- Register
WHERE: Virtual Zoom Webinar | Register at Eventbrite with links provided.
If you would like to set up a separate time for an interview, please contact
Karen Burch, VP of Community Engagement & Marketing at (941) 713-0850.
To learn more about United Way of Dane County, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org
Over One Third of Wisconsinites Struggling to Make Ends Meet Financially
Third United Way of Wisconsin ALICE® Report shows many faced financial insecurity before COVID‐19
MADISON, WI—July 27, 2020—34 percent of Wisconsin’s 2.4 million households are struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, child care, food, transportation, and internet access. The astounding statistic was revealed in the state’s third ALICE report, released today by United Way of Wisconsin in partnership with United For ALICEand local United Ways across the state. FULL PRESS RELEASE
Media Advisory
Application for Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund Open MADISON, Wis. –United Way of Dane County has officially opened the application for organizations to apply for dollars raised through our Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund. More than 840 donors have invested more than $1.4 million since the fund launched March 13 to provide financial relief for individuals and families affected by COVID-19.
WHAT: Organizations invited to apply for funding
WHEN: Friday, March 27 through Friday, April 3
WHERE: https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/covid-19-fund-process/
FUNDING PRIORITIES:
• Eviction/homelessness prevention
• Food/meals for older adults and children
• Flex fund (flexible dollars to respond to other crises that individuals, families or nonprofits experience)
P.S. United Way of Dane County is still actively recruiting volunteers for projects that have been deemed *safe and *“essential” by local government, including food delivery drivers. Help us recruit volunteers by sharing this link and clicking “volunteer now”: https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/
Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund Announcement
Madison, WI (March 20, 2020) – As Dane County faces one of the biggest public health crises in its history — businesses reducing workforce or closing leaving some without incomes, school closings leaving parents searching for childcare, food and housing services bracing for new complexities in their work, and health care workers preparing for a spike in patients — leaders in our community are taking action.
Today United Way of Dane County, Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Selfless Ambition and other area organizations announced a collaborative effort to provide financial relief for those hit hardest by the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. Community members and businesses have already raised more than $885,500 for the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund.
Funds will be split into two approaches:
1. Short-term emergency, focused on individual and families’ immediate needs. This fund is operated by Boys & Girls Club and Selfless Ambition and fundraising closes on March 20. Grant decisions will be made by May 15 and will be directed to:
• Medical supplies for those impacted by this virus
• Meals for kids due to school closures
• Local shelters as they assist families and individuals
• College students in need of temporary housing and meals
• Senior citizens in need of meals, transportation and medical assistance
• Hardship funding for nonprofits for individuals and families
2. Long-term response and recovery, focused on providing resources to nonprofits, individuals and families. This fund is operated by United Way of Dane County and will remain open for the foreseeable future. This fund is focused on:
• Food/meals for older adults and children
• Eviction prevention
• Homelessness prevention
• Flex fund (flexible dollars to respond to other crises that individuals, families or nonprofits experience)
Long-term recovery needs will continue to be assessed as more data about the impact of the crisis become available.
No administrative costs are being charged for either fund. An independent group of community, business and grassroots leaders will determine disbursements. More information can be found here.
We are grateful for the support of the hundreds of donors and businesses who have contributed to the fund so far. Lead gifts to the combined effort include the following:
$100,000 Dan and Patti Rashke TASC Family Foundation
$100,000 Madison Gas & Electric Foundation
$100,000 UW Credit Union
$ 75,000 Ascendium Education Group
$ 50,000 Kevin and Sheila Conroy
$ 50,000 Bob and Anne Trunzo
$ 50,000 Jim and Jessica Yehle
$ 50,000 John and Jo Ellen McKenzie
$ 50,000 American Family Insurance
$ 50,000 UW Health, UnityPoint Health–Meriter and Quartz
$ 50,000 Madison Teachers Inc.
$ 42,500 Alliant Energy
$ 30,000 Group Health Cooperative of South-Central Wisconsin, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital –
Madison, UnityPoint Health – Meriter and UW Health
$ 25,000 GE Healthcare
$ 25,000 Meicher Family Foundation
$ 38,000 from individuals and families in gifts of all sizes
United Way of Dane County is also actively recruiting volunteers to assist in COVID-19-related efforts. At Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s request, we are working to connect any healthy person willing to help agencies with volunteer power and material donations, for example volunteer matching EPIC employees with Meals on Wheels or TASC employees donating masks to Porchlight. Volunteerism priorities are:
• Food delivery
• Childcare for emergency care workers
• Temporary housing and food pantry staffing support
• Temporary housing and food pantry donations
Help now with safe volunteer opportunities and material donation needs specific to COVID-19 relief at www.volunteeryourtime.org.
We are committed to the care of our community and each other, and we always emerge stronger than before. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All.
To make a gift to the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/help4covid or text “help4covid” to 40403.
United Way of Dane County Media Archives
United Way empowers Madison mom to become community advocate
Grant a wish: How you can help area nonprofits this holiday season
Lunch(UP)date – December 3, 2020 (United Way of Dane County President & CEO Renee Moe)
United Way of Dane County receiving more calls for help
United Way of Dane County’s Holiday Wish List now live
Without a school building, Schools of Hope adapts its community tutoring program online
‘I’m always forever grateful:’ United Way of Dane County helps woman overcome abuse, homelessness
Needs outpace donations: Nonprofits worry ‘donor fatigue’ will hamper goals
Small, dedicated group of volunteers kickoff Goodman Center’s annual Thanksgiving drive
Calls to United Way increase by 400% during pandemic
Dane County nonprofit and developer announce new housing fund
DIGGING DEEPER: Getting youth back on the right track during a pandemic
‘There is hope;’ Madison woman overcomes homelessness with help from United Way
Catching up with civic stalwart Frank Alfano
Fabiola Hamdan Receives Women United Philanthropy Award
Packers Foundation awards $1 million in annual grants
City, Madison schools, United Way seek $400,000 in community donations for child care
Newly launched scholarship program would increase child care access
Plain Talk: The United Way’s fundraising campaign is more vital than ever
Madison police captain seeks ‘reasonable ideas’ to stem youth crime
City, Madison schools, United Way seek $400,000 in community donations for child care
Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools to make 5,000 supply kits
Campaign will provide thousands of Madison students with school supplies for online start
‘Wise-Witnesses’ Watch Over Protesters in Madison Crowds
NBC15 Protest Coverage- Interview with United Way Persident and CEO Renee Moe begins at 17:30
5,000 reasons a month to give to the United Way
United Way of Dane County Hopes New Community Campaign Can Raise 17.8 Million Amid Pandemic
Editorial: United Way of Dane County is the power of many, working for all
UW Credit Union finds a perfect match with United Way of Dane County
United Way of Dane County to donate 1,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to local organizations
United Way of Dane County to distribute PPE amid mask mandate
United Way of Dane County to pass out free PPE
New report detailing financial hardship in Dane County
United Way to give out free disposable masks
“One community together”: West High Area Collaborative helps Madison families with rent
Renee Moe: Calls for help are skyrocketing during the COVID-19 pandemic, so please help
Relief funds support nonprofits, just when their services are needed most
Giving back with United Way during the coronavirus pandemic
United Way Streamlines Website for COVID Volunteer Opportunities
Area agencies teaming up to help the hardest hit by coronavirus outbreak
Madison nonprofits challenge community to raise $1 million for COVID-19 response fund
Dane County nonprofits raise $900,000 to help residents affected by COVID-19 crisis
COVID19 emergency fund nears $1 million; committee and process named
Latino Professionals Association’s ‘Investing in Latinx Talent’ luncheon set for Friday
Dane County partnership formed to address racial disparity in healthcare
Catching Up: The Playing Field opens 2nd site to care for vulnerable Madison children
One year in, Urban Triage making an impact as it empowers Black families in Madison
Editorial: Rethinking Schools of Hope amid COVID-19
Collaborative Partnership Delivers Supplies to Child Care Providers
YMCA Puts $25K Relief Funding to Work in Emergency Child Care Programs
Specialized, Santa Cruz and Saris contribute to the COVID-19 fight
Madison Community Foundation- Resources for Nonprofits During the COVID-19 Pandemic
American Family Insurance, foundations pledge support to COVID-19 relief
Urban League announces COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Initiative
Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, March 25th Update
Challenging and Inspiring Times… Wisconsin Philanthropy Network
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s Statement on Food with Regards to COVID-19