United Way seeks to raise $18.1 million in 2021 Community Campaign

As it kicks off its 2021 Community Campaign, the United Way of Dane County has established a fundraising goal of $18.1 million, a $300,000 increase over last year’s goal. The campaign, which officially began today with a virtual kickoff event, established the fundraising goal after analyzing community data and engaging in conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders. 

Daniel Frazier, United Way of Dane County campaign co-chair and Madison market president of U.S. Bank, indicated the lingering effects of the pandemic will be a driver in this year’s campaign. Funds raised during last year’s campaign support 800 nonprofits, 52 local agency partners, and 112 local programs working on the community’s greatest needs in education, income, and health.

“History shows our community rises to the challenge, especially when we are in the midst of an emergency or have heightened needs,” Frazier says. “With the effects of the pandemic still lingering, we owe it to our neighbors to reimagine the long-term recovery of our community and build back better, and with the support of this community, we’re optimistic we can do it.” 

Ginger Zimmerman, president of Murphy Desmond S.C., serves as campaign co-chair. She invited every business and individual to be a part of the positive change the United Way seeks to create. “Last year, this community was unyielding in their support and showed us that there’s nothing we can’t make it through when we come together, but we can’t lose momentum now,” Zimmerman states. “While the problems we face are both old and new, the pandemic has only amplified them — your support is needed now more than ever.”

To learn more or donate to United Way’s Community campaign, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org. To learn more about last year’s results, visit 2020 Community Impact Report.