High school leaders review and award City, County and United Way funds that will benefit youth-led organizations and youth programs in Dane County.
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.
People are also reading…
“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.”
2026 Micro-Investment Grant recipients
- 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.
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.
