United Way of Dane County is offering the 2025 Micro-Investment Grants Initiative to support grassroots organizations, community groups, and faith-based organizations. A total of $22,000 in funding is available to support programs and services during Summer and Fall 2025. The initiative focuses on providing meaningful activities for youth, strengthening community engagement, and increasing community safety. Grants awarded through this initiative are intended as one-time investments to boost short-term programming impact within Dane County, Wisconsin.
The program's specific goals are: to provide youth aged 12 to 18 with constructive and engaging activities; to build a sense of community in particular areas through social opportunities and resource sharing; and to create safe spaces for community dialogue on engagement and local solutions. Grants are capped at $5,000 per organization, with an anticipated 4 to 8 awards being made.
Applicants must be organizations or groups, not individuals. 501(c)(3) nonprofit status is not required, but applicants must partner with a registered 501(c)(3) fiscal agent to receive funds. Organizations must have an annual operating budget not exceeding $75,000 and must already have a relationship with the community where services will be delivered. Programs must exclusively serve residents of Dane County, Wisconsin.
Applications must be submitted via the United Way of Dane County online application portal; emailed applications will not be accepted. The application requires detailed descriptions of the program, including activities, timelines, budgets, and community partnerships. It also asks about prior funding history with United Way. Scoring criteria will evaluate the community need, project design, collaboration efforts, and budget details.
Applications opened on April 4, 2025, and will close on May 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Award notifications are expected by July 4, 2025. Interested applicants can direct questions to communityengagement&marketing@uwdc.org or call 608-246-5493.
