United Way Invests $25,000 in Local Nonprofits and Community Organizations

 (Aaron Hathaway/Madison Commons)

United Way of Dane County announced this fall a $25,000 investment grant to be divided between seven local organizations working in areas of social equity, community organizing and civic engagement.

Positive Women for Change, the Northside Planning Council and the Community Immigration Law Center are among the seven awarded organizations, who  received grants ranging from $1,200 to $5,000. The grant renews United Way of Dane County’s support for groups that build leadership capacities in disadvantaged communities, and especially among communities of color.

“As our communities face increasingly uncertain futures, it’s more important than ever to keep social justice and equity as two of our topmost priorities,” said Nolan Brown, Co-Chair of United Way’s Community Engagement Capacity Building Team.

Another grantee, The Middleton Outreach Ministry received $1,200 to support their work with local business, schools, and religious communities. The Ministry provides free food, clothing and housing assistance to disadvantaged communities in Madison, and is using the grant to expand its training services.

Executive Director Ellen Carlson said the grant was used to fund a training program to help  their volunteers better serve the needs of individuals with mental illnesses.

"We're just really thankful that United Way sees the importance of the work we're doing in the community, and is able to use the funds that the community provides them to make these important things happen," Carlson said.