2020 Community Campaign Update 🎯
To date, 81% of the $2.4 million goal has been pledged. We will publish an updated projection as results continue to come in for corporate accounts. As anticipated with the challenges posed in 2020, we expect a shortfall to goal.

TO GIVE:
➡️ Text BLACKHAWK to 41444
➡️ Mail a check to: 205 N. Main St. Suite 100, Janesville, WI 53545
Community Grants Update
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

One of the ways that we tackle our community's tough problems is by awarding Community Grants to local programs demonstrating community need, articulating program efficacy and results. Currently, we are in step 2 of a 6-step process for the 2021 - 2023 Community Grant cycle.

STEP 1 Application: First, eligible applicant organizations complete a rigorous online application with numerous required document attachments or uploads. The application spans myriad topics including substantiating community need, program delivery, demographics, measurable outcomes, etc.

STEP 2 Financial Review: The second step is a thorough financial analysis conducted by a volunteer team of accountants and finance professionals. Volunteers review applicants’ IRS Form 990s, agency budgets and specific program budgets, a Partner Certification Form and the most recent Audit. Any concerns identified by the Financial Review Team are then forwarded to the Investment Panel (also referred to as community volunteers and/or the volunteer panel).
Coming Soon ... 2020 LIVE UNITED Awards
Annually in March, United Way Blackhawk Region invites corporate partners, donors, UWBR Funded Program Partners, and advocates to our #LIVEUNITED Celebration. During this popular event, we honor award-winning workplace campaigns, the Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year, Excellence in Advocacy Award winner, and present the prestigious Live United Award.

While COVID-19 will prevent a typical gathering right now, we will still creatively recognize the 2020 award recipients and celebrate in style later this year. Stay tuned for exciting announcements. In the meantime, take a stroll down memory lane by viewing the 2019 LIVE UNITED Celebration photo album below.
Making a Difference
"I’m sure you’ve experienced moments in your life when you’ve wondered if what you do every day at work really does make a difference. I have often pondered that question myself during my career, but not the past eight years."

United Way's Resource Development Director, Rick West reflects on his career with United Way as he looks ahead to retirement at the end of March.

Photo Cred: Megan O'Leary Photography & Design
In the News
Rick West is a consummate professional who has balanced beautifully a blend of organizational skills, analytical abilities and a people-focused approach to fundraising,” United Way Blackhawk Region President & CEO Mary Fanning-Penny said.

“Our Team affectionately refers to Rick as Mr. Beloit, not only because he’s incredibly proud of his beloved hometown but also because he seems to know everyone, their story, and so much local trivia you’d be amazed. On behalf of our board of directors, volunteers and staff, I offer heartfelt congratulations to Rick on his well-deserved retirement. His commitment and heart for our community is second to none,” Fanning-Penny said.
#EquityChallenge
We're still going strong, 165 Blackhawk Region residents have signed up for the 21 Week Equity Challenge alongside 12,000 other Wisconsinites.

Each week's email has info, links to articles, videos and more about a specific topic. The challenge is to spend time each week learning and getting a better understanding of the equity issues we face in Wisconsin.

Week 1: Race & Racial Identity
Week 2: Privilege
Week 3: Stereotypes
Week 4: Reflection
Week 5: Internalized Racism
Week 6: Internal Bias

Click below to see the first five weeks of content or sign-up to start receiving emails.
211 Wisconsin: Partnering to Support Wisconsin's COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Hotline
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in partnership with 211 Wisconsin, has launched Wisconsin's COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Hotline. Wisconsinites can now call (844) 684-1064 (toll-free) for personal assistance with their vaccine-related questions.
My Free Taxes
For the 12th year, United Way is providing MyFreeTaxes, a free online tax filing software to help taxpayers easily and accurately file simple federal and state tax returns from their computer or smartphone.

United Way provides the service as part of our fight for the financial stability of every person in every community.

Key features include:
  • Screening for credit and deduction eligibility such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit to ensure you receive your maximum tax refund
  • Showing how and why your refund amount is changing in real time
  • Live tax assistance from IRS-certified specialists
  • Opportunity to claim any missed stimulus payments