16 local nonprofits joined the nonprofit federation focused on social and environmental justice at a time when these values are threatened.
Madison, WI – Community Shares of Wisconsin is a vibrant collaborative community of local nonprofit organizations that addresses social, economic, and environmental problems through grassroots activities, advocacy, research, and public education.
On November 19, the board of Community Shares of Wisconsin voted to add 16 new member nonprofits, bringing the total number of member nonprofits to 82. The new member nonprofits will become official members on January 1, 2026.
Community Shares of Wisconsin knows that at a time when nonprofits are under attack, bold action is required. To further advance the local social justice and environmental justice movements, Community Shares of Wisconsin took the bold action of increasing membership significantly.
The new member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin are:
350 Wisconsin
Access to Independence
Bikes for Kids Wisconsin
Black Men Coalition Foundation
Bridge Builders
Community Immigration Law Center (CILC)
Healthy Climate Wisconsin
Kennedy Heights Community Center
Madison Worker Cooperatives (MadWorC)
Maydm
Movin’ Out, Inc.
Open Doors for Refugees
Root 2 Rise
Wisconsin EcoLatinos
Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
YWCA Madison
These nonprofits join the other member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin in working on essential issues like civil liberties, sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, healthy food and farms, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Community Shares of Wisconsin’s power comes from our member nonprofits and our collective networks,” said Cheri Dubiel, Executive Director of Community Shares of Wisconsin. “Building that power and that network through additional member nonprofits increases the support all of our member nonprofits receive and ultimately the support that they can provide to our community.”
Community Share of Wisconsin is cooperatively run, and every member nonprofit has a seat on the board and a voice in how the organization is operated. Member nonprofits are part of a community where organizations support each other, gain a broader perspective on change, and are part of something bigger while working toward the common good.
“When deciding to add more nonprofits to our membership, we decided to open our arms as widely as we could to support as many local nonprofits as we could,” said Hedi Rudd, Membership Chair at Community Shares of Wisconsin. “Since 2018, when we last opened our membership, we have adapted our membership requirements to make membership more accessible to nonprofits who meet our values rather than focusing on external fundraising requirements. This has led Community Shares to become a more inclusive organization that is more effective at addressing today’s issues.”
The member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin receive access to exclusive fundraising opportunities, capacity building, networking, and collaboration opportunities with like-minded organizations. Fundraising opportunities include The Big Share® (which has raised over $5.7 million since 2015), the Community CHIP® program at Willy Street Co-op (which has raised over $5 million since 1978), the Community Round Up program at Capitol Centre Market, an extensive workplace giving campaign, an online giving portal that nonprofits can use on their website, and a “share” of excess funds raised by Community Shares of Wisconsin each year. Member nonprofits receive 100% of the funds designated to them and the funds can always be used as the nonprofits see fit.
Community Shares member nonprofits also receive access to exclusive marketing opportunities including the Backyard Heroes program that highlights member volunteers, the annual Community Change-Maker Awards that honors local leaders and organizations, print and digital advertising, and the ability to list organization news and events on Community Shares social media and in bi-weekly enewsletters.
A third major benefit that Community Shares of Wisconsin provides to member nonprofits is training, capacity building, and access to a shared retirement plan. Member nonprofits receive training in marketing, operations, management, member recruitment, and more to help build fundraising capacity and expand each member nonprofit’s reach. Community Shares of Wisconsin also provides access to 401(k) plans for all qualifying member nonprofits.
Since 1971, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its member nonprofits have worked together to advance social justice and protect the environment in Wisconsin. Together they envision a future where people come together to ensure every member of our community is safe, healthy, and able to thrive.
Community Shares of Wisconsin acknowledges that racism and other forms of oppression, like ableism, classism, and transphobia, are systemic and result in socio-economic disparities. Community Shares of Wisconsin prioritizes identifying and changing policies and practices that perpetuate inequality and harm. Their goal is to address the root causes of these issues to begin the work of creating impactful and material change in our community.
More Information About the New Member Nonprofits
350 Wisconsin mobilizes grassroots power to change hearts and minds, laws and policies, and humanity’s massive systems to make transformational progress toward environmental justice and solving the climate crisis by 2030.
Access to Independence is a disability-led organization that champions justice and empowers people with disabilities of all ages and identities.
Bikes for Kids Wisconsin’s mission is to increase the use of bicycle-based transportation for underserved communities through access, low-cost repairs, and education. We’re powered by our passions for equity, cycling, our community, and the planet.
Black Men Coalition Foundation’s mission is to foster and develop a safe and inclusive environment for those most vulnerable in Dane County through community involvement, mentorship, education, employment skills, and supported housing. By providing these opportunities we believe we are generating a sense of belonging, which is critical to social and emotional development (all genders and all races).
Bridge Builders, Inc.’s mission is to inspire inner-city innovation that will holistically transform neighborhoods one block at a time.
The Community Immigration Law Center strives to ensure dignity and access to justice for people, especially those facing deportation, by providing legal representation and consultations, as well as support and education regarding immigration issues for the community at large.
Healthy Climate Wisconsin is committed to communicating that the global climate crisis is a public health emergency, and advocating for equitable solutions to decrease the impact of climate change on human health. We share climate health resources, educate, network, empower our members to advocate for their communities’ health, and catalyze the transition to climate-smart healthcare in Wisconsin.
The mission of the Kennedy Heights Community Center is to create a community support network for low to moderate income families; increase available resources and programs to improve the lives of residents and to develop and present social, educational, recreational, and cultural programs for children, youth, and adults.
MadWorC is a membership organization of worker-owned and operated cooperatives and their supporters. Our mission is to support and build the solidarity economy in the Madison area by promoting worker ownership and democratically controlled workplaces. We provide cooperative education, development support, peer networking, and technical assistance towards growing an ecosystem of worker-owned cooperatives, which can mutually support each other while building racial, gender, and economic justice in our communities.
Maydm provides girls and youth of color in grades 6 -12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in and change the face of STEM.
Movin’ Out, Inc. advances disability justice by co-creating safe, affordable, community-integrated homes.
Open Doors for Refugees welcomes refugees to the Madison area by helping them make a home, celebrating their cultures and contributions, and accelerating their progress towards self-reliance and community involvement.
Root 2 Rise Inc. places high school students in an elementary school to work as a Tutor-Mentor, where students earn academic credit and a monetary stipend for their committed work.
Wisconsin EcoLatinos is working to raise equity and increase participation in environmental quality and conservation efforts by empowering the Latino community and minorities to take action against environmental hazards affecting our community and reduce our carbon footprint. We pursue an equitable and sustainable environment by eliminating language and social barriers while advocating for the inclusion of our community in the transition to the clean energy economy and climate change adaptation.
The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project documents, preserves, elevates, and celebrates Wisconsin’s hidden histories.
YWCA Madison is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
