United Way of Dane County

What United Way of Dane County does

United Way of Dane County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1922 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, serving Dane County through community impact programs, donor stewardship, and direct service delivery. The organization operates four primary program areas: Schools of Hope (literacy tutoring), Achievement Connections (math mentoring), Journey Home (reentry support), and the HIRE Initiative (workforce development), organized under a Plan for Community Well-Being framework. Direct-service infrastructure centers on the 211 helpline — a 24/7 community information and referral service operating in 300+ languages, now accessible via a mobile application on iOS and Android and through physical self-service kiosks deployed at Madison-area community locations. The HealthConnect program provides health insurance premium assistance as a contracted intermediary with Wisconsin health systems and carriers.

Revenue is generated through a tiered donor model rather than product sales. Individual giving is organized into named societies — the Tocqueville Society ($10,000+ annual gifts, 275 households, $77.6M cumulatively invested since 1990), Lead United ($1,000+ annual gifts, 1,500 households), and Women United (1,200 members) — alongside the newer LINC affinity network for young professionals. Corporate revenue flows through the Business Volunteer Network, which has 80+ Champion Partners including American Family Insurance, Alliant Energy, Epic, Exact Sciences, and UW Health, and through 500+ workplace giving campaigns. The affiliated United Way of Dane County Foundation holds $10.5M in assets across 150 named funds, including the newly introduced Tocqueville Legacy Circle for endowed gifts of $250,000 or more. The underlying technology stack is operational rather than innovative: an Andar Software SQL donor database, the 211 referral database, and a volunteer management platform, with no documented AI/ML components.

Strategic posture emphasizes incremental expansion of existing channels — digital extension of 211 via mobile app, physical kiosk buildout, language-access expansion for Spanish-speaking residents, and donor-pipeline diversification through LINC and the Tocqueville Legacy Circle — rather than new-market entry or platform-level innovation.

Name

United Way of Dane County

Legal name

United Way of Dane County

Website

https://unitedwaydanecounty.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Way of Dane County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1922 that serves Dane County, Wisconsin through the 211 helpline, HealthConnect insurance assistance, education and workforce programs, and a tiered donor and corporate partnership network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Other Individual and Family Services (62419), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

Keywords

• Community fundraising services
• Social services referral
• Workplace giving campaigns
• Health insurance assistance
• Volunteer mobilization programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual contributions through annual campaigns, monthly giving, one-time gifts, and tribute donations. 100% of designated gifts go directly to community programs. The Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation covers administrative costs for undesignated individual gifts.
2. Corporate Workplace Campaigns: Employee payroll deduction campaigns through ePledge platform. Companies run annual campaigns with Loaned Executive support, campaign toolkits, and corporate matching programs.
3. Donor Networks Memberships: Leadership giving circles including Lead United ($1,000+), Women United ($1,000+), Tocqueville Society ($10,000+), and Step-Up Program ($500+ with matching).
4. United Way Foundation: Endowment and planned giving vehicle with $10.5 million in assets and 150 named funds. Includes cash donations, named fund establishment ($5,000+), appreciated securities, Donor Advised Funds, and testamentary gifts.
5. Program Revenue (HealthConnect): HealthConnect Premium Assistance Program funded by UW Health and Quartz, covering remaining insurance premiums for eligible participants after APTC is applied through Healthcare.gov.
6. Corporate Sponsorships: Event and program sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, including Community Celebration, Day of Caring, Women United Brunch, and Lead United events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

United Way of Dane County is a community-impact nonprofit that mobilizes individual donations, corporate workplace giving, and volunteer engagement to fund programs across four pillars: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency. Its flagship direct service is the 24/7 211 helpline, which connects residents to housing, food, healthcare, and utility assistance, supplemented by the HealthConnect premium-assistance program that covers remaining health insurance premiums after federal tax credits.

Product overview

United Way of Dane County operates a hub-and-spoke service model centered on the 211 Community Referral Service as the primary connection point for residents. The organization offers HealthConnect (premium assistance for healthcare coverage) as a core program, supported by digital platforms including ePledge for donations, VolunteerYourTime.org for volunteer coordination, and a 211 Wisconsin mobile application. Donor and volunteer networks (Tocqueville Society, Lead United, Women United, LINC, READI, Business Volunteer Network) engage community members at various giving levels, while programs like Boardwalk Academy, HIRE Initiative, and By Youth for Youth build community capacity. The United Way Foundation manages endowment and legacy giving. All initiatives align with the Plan for Community Well-Being framework across Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency pillars.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 211: 24/7 helpline connecting people to health and human services resources including housing, food, healthcare, and utility assistance
• HealthConnect
• Women United
• Lead United
• LINC
• READI
• Tocqueville Society
• Boardwalk Academy
• Schools of Hope
• Achievement Connections
• United Way Foundation
• HIRE Initiative

Products and services

• 211 Community Referral Service 24/7 helpline and resource referral service connecting Dane County residents to housing assistance, healthcare, food pantries, utility assistance, and other community services. Specialists walk callers through options to find solutions fitting their needs; available in 300+ languages.
• HealthConnect Premium Assistance Program Premium assistance program covering the remaining balance of eligible participants' monthly health insurance premiums after Premium Tax Credits are applied through healthcare.gov, in partnership with UW Health and Quartz.
• HealthConnect en Español Spanish-language version of the HealthConnect Premium Assistance Program providing healthcare coverage enrollment support to Spanish-speaking Dane County residents.
• 211 Wisconsin Mobile Application Mobile app providing 24/7 access to community resources, allowing users to explore services anonymously or register to save favorite resources. Available on iOS and Android.
• ePledge Online Donation Platform Online platform enabling donors to make contributions through payroll deduction, credit card, or one-time gifts. Includes real-time campaign reporting, automated communications, and mobile-friendly access for workplace campaigns.
• VolunteerYourTime.org Online portal connecting volunteers with in-person and remote opportunities year-round in Dane County, supporting team-based and individual volunteer activities.
• Plan for Community Well-Being Comprehensive community investment strategy organizing initiatives across four pillars: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency, with associated mobilization plans and impact reports.
• Tocqueville Society Donor Network Philanthropic network of households contributing $10,000+ annually to create transformative community change, with 275+ members investing through the Plan for Community Well-Being.
• Lead United Donor Network United Way's largest donor base with 1,500+ households contributing $1,000+ annually to accelerate change in Dane County, with exclusive events and volunteer opportunities.
• Women United Donor Network Network of 1,200+ women donors contributing $1,000+ annually to support women's financial security through the Financial Security pillar of the Plan for Community Well-Being.
• LINC for Young Professionals Volunteer-driven network for early-career professionals that blends hands-on volunteering with social events under a 'philanthroparty' model to mobilize young professionals around community well-being.
• READI (Retired Employees Are Dedicated Individuals) Volunteer program for retirees with 250+ members conducting approximately 30 projects annually, supporting organizations like Second Harvest, River Food Pantry, and Toys for Tots.
• Business Volunteer Network (BVN) Network providing businesses with education, resources, and connections to build workplace volunteer programs, with Champion, Supporting, and Community partner tiers and 80+ active partners.
• Loaned Executive Program 17-week professional development program where loaned executives manage 20-30 accounts and approximately $750,000 in revenue portfolios while learning fundraising, sales, and public speaking skills.
• Boardwalk Academy 9-week virtual leadership development series preparing adults with lived poverty experiences for community leadership positions, with $50/session stipends available.
• HIRE Initiative Collaborative partnership reducing racial employment disparities by guiding participants through employment steps and matching their skills with Employer Partners' needs, including onboarding support and DEI symposiums.
• United Way Foundation Foundation supporting United Way's mission with $10.5 million in assets and 150 named funds, offering legacy giving, named funds starting at $5,000, and Tocqueville Legacy Circle endowments at $250,000.
• Holiday Wish List The premier resource for holiday volunteerism and donations in Dane County, partnering with Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots for toy distribution through local nonprofits and school districts.
• By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Volunteer committee of Dane County high school students who identify community issues, review grant proposals, and direct funding to youth-led projects serving other youth.
• Agency and Program Directory Directory of nonprofit agencies receiving grants through United Way's investment process, aligned with the Plan for Community Well-Being focus areas.

Quantifiable outcome

• 994 K-12 students improved academic performance
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments11 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• QuartzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth insurance provider partner for HealthConnect program. Quartz offers Silver-level plans available through the premium assistance program, ensuring participants have control over providers, pharmacies, and care locations.
• South Central Federation of Labor (SCFL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner55+ year MOU partnership providing framework for AFL-CIO Community Services Program. Union members participate through workplace campaigns, advocacy, and volunteering. SCFL members serve on UWDC Board and committees.
• National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Stamp Out Hunger food drive partnership with NALC and Community Action Coalition. Largest single-day food collection both locally and nationally.
• Healthcare.govcoreTechnology or IntegrationFederal health insurance marketplace integrated with HealthConnect program. Participants enroll in Silver-level plans through Healthcare.gov to qualify for Premium Tax Credits that HealthConnect supplements.
• coveringwi.org NavigatorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed navigators providing free enrollment assistance for healthcare.gov plans and HealthConnect applications. Ensures access for community members needing help navigating insurance options.
• Boys and Girls Club of Dane CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner hosting 211 kiosk. Provides accessible resource referral services to club members and families.
• Centro HispanominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner hosting 211 kiosk. Provides Spanish-language accessible resource referral services to Latino community members.
• Madison Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner hosting 211 kiosks at Central, Goodman South Madison, and Pinney locations. Provides accessible resource referral services to library patrons.
• Goodman Community CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner hosting 211 kiosk. Provides neighborhood-based resource referral services to community center visitors.
• YWCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in HIRE Initiative providing best practices checklist for diversity, equity, and inclusion symposiums addressing racial disparities in employment.
• Schools of HopecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSignature program providing academic support and mentorship to K-12 students in Dane County schools, operated in partnership with local school districts.
• Achievement ConnectionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic success program pairing volunteers with students needing math support. Part of the Youth Opportunity pillar of Plan for Community Well-Being.
• Journey HomecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative addressing family homelessness and affordable housing through coordinated community strategies, including reentry support and housing stability programs.
• HIRE Initiative PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative of organizations, agencies, and funders working to reduce racial disparities in employment. Partner agencies guide participants through employment steps while Employer Partners examine workplace culture.
• Community Action CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive alongside NALC. Helps coordinate food collection and distribution across Dane County.

Scale indicators32 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Salvation Army of Dane County: A faith-based nonprofit operating emergency services (shelter, food, utility assistance, holiday programs) in Dane County with a similar service mix to UWDC's basic-needs and Financial Security work. Direct service delivery competitor in the same geography.
• United Way of Metropolitan Chicago: A large metropolitan United Way operating in a similar mix of urban/suburban communities with comparable workplace-campaign, volunteer mobilization, and community-impact pillars. Comparable scale and service breadth to UWDC's four-pillar model.
• YWCA Madison: A women's-empowerment nonprofit in Dane County directly aligned with UWDC's Women United financial-security focus and a HIRE Initiative partner. Operates overlapping programs in workforce development and racial equity that complement UWDC's Financial Security and Healthy Community pillars.
• Community Foundation of Dane County: A local foundation operating in the same Dane County geography with overlapping donor networks (Women United-style giving circles, leadership giving), planned giving vehicles, and grant-making to nonprofits. Competes for the same philanthropic dollars and corporate-partner attention in this specific market.
• Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin: A regional anti-poverty agency in Dane County operating similar direct-service programs (housing, food assistance, energy/utility support, reentry) - the very resources 211 refers residents into. A direct operational peer and frequently-cited partner in UWDC's grant ecosystem.
• United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County: A fellow Wisconsin-based metropolitan United Way operating workplace campaigns, donor networks (including Tocqueville Society), a 211 helpline, and health/community programs. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and revenue model - serving a similarly sized midwestern metro market.
• United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley: A larger urban United Way operating the same model - workplace giving, donor networks, 211 service, and Plan for Community Impact-style frameworks - in a mid-sized U.S. metro (Boston). Comparable in programmatic pillars (education, financial stability, health) and donor-tier structure.

Regional players

• Habitat for Humanity of Dane County: A housing-focused nonprofit operating in Dane County that overlaps with UWDC's Financial Security pillar and Journey Home housing-stability work. Listed in UWDC's Agency Partner Network, making it both a peer and a downstream grant partner.
• Boys & Girls Club of Dane County: A youth-development nonprofit in Dane County with overlapping Youth Opportunity programming (academic support, social-emotional learning, mentorship). Also hosts a 211 kiosk - a direct partner in UWDC's youth and resource-access ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• United Way Worldwide: The national umbrella organization of which UWDC is an independent affiliate. UWDC follows the same donor-tier framework (Tocqueville, leadership giving), workplace campaign model, and 211/impact branding - making United Way Worldwide the broad incumbent parent/network defining how UWDC and its peers operate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCmBN7K8KWKsci6yaVqU-wmg
• Facebookfacebook.com/unitedwaydaneco
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way-of-dane-county
• Instagraminstagram.com/unitedwaydaneco
• Xx.com/unitedwaydaneco

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Way of Dane County