Ten years ago, thought leaders from the former Stateline United Way and former United Way of North Rock County, demonstrated that regional collaboration expands much more than geographical boundaries, it ignites innovation and expands what is possible. Their vision became the reality that continues to serve us today.

2022 marks the 10th anniversary of United Way Blackhawk Region’s unification. As with any ambitious endeavor, we’ve navigated a few twists and turns, but we’ve never taken our eyes off the road. Your United Way is powered by responsible stewardship, governed by a local board, and volunteers still make all funding decisions. We work to identify every donor and dollar possible to move the needle on tough to solve issues, right here at home.

United Way has been the Cadillac of community change, proving again and again that United, we are stronger. Since 2012, with your generous support, United Way has invested more than $20.7 million dollars in our community, spanning 174 unique nonprofit programs, delivering 1,418,402 health and human services to our friends, neighbors, and fellow community members of the Blackhawk Region.

To celebrate this milestone, we’ve launched a GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes! Attractive prizes were donated by our corporate partners (in addition to campaign contributions) to inspire new support, which is exciting after the pandemic-related fundraising challenges we’ve faced the past couple years. In dedicated service to our most vulnerable neighbors, we simply cannot let off the gas or settle for cruise control. Children, working families, victims of trauma, isolated seniors, and those who need us most are counting on you to take the wheel. Your charitable gift is a driving force for good.

Please GIVE. When you do, we all WIN by building a stronger community.
NEW Program Eligibility Application Opens
United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) is accepting Admission Eligibility applications for health and human service programs that are new to its investment process or those who have not received an investment in the last two grant cycles, as well as have been in operation for a minimum of three years.

Nonprofit organizations seeking consideration of their programs for United Way’s highly competitive community grants should have the ability to provide measurable outcomes; address specific health and human service needs; align with United Way’s mission and impact areas of health, education and financial stability; provide program services in Rock County, Wis., and/or Northern Winnebago County, Ill.; demonstrate a need for United Way funds; and be fiscally responsible and efficient in administration and operation while avoiding duplication of services.
2021 - 2023 Funded Partners
A description of every program awarded a UWBR Community Grant in the 2021 - 2023 cycle is available online. Three tiers of volunteer-driven reviews are conducted (Financial Review Committee, Community Grant Volunteers, Community Impact Council) on each program application, with final approval by the Board of Directors. Community Grant volunteers strive to make recommendations to invest strategically in organizations delivering the greatest community impact, delivering measurable outcomes, and effective services.
November is National Family Caregivers Month 
November provides us with the opportunity to recognize the love and sacrifice of caregivers who provide crucial care and medical assistance to parents, children, siblings, and other loved ones, ensuring their health and dignity.
 
In WI, nearly 600,000 people serve in this role and give an incredible amount:
  • 60% of caregivers are also working full or part-time
  • spend about $7,000 per year on caregiving
  • average 18 hours per week in caring for a loved one
 
United Way's 211, in partnership with AARP, is making connections with Wisconsin caregivers to provide:
  • direct one-on-one connection with a 211 information & referral specialist
  • supportive listening
  • referrals to resources
  • follow up calls to discuss any additional needs
 
Register a caregiver today who could use this one-on-one connection: submit an online referral form or call 211 and ask to get connected to the Caregiver Outreach program.
Rock County Citizen
Civics Academy
UWBR extends its thanks to the Rock County Citizen Civics Academy for inviting our President & CEO Mary Fanning-Penny to join the October 18 panel on nonprofit organizations. We enjoyed the discussion and hearing from other local leaders in the sector.
Host a Workplace Campaign
When you partner with United Way, you create opportunities to engage your employees more deeply in their communities. You activate the process of permanent, positive change. And you connect your brand to a unique, trusted nonprofit.  We work with our partners to go beyond temporary fixes. We steward generosity and direct dollars where they’re needed most, to achieve the greatest impact.

Get started today! Call 608.757.3040 or click here to learn more.

United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. For another consecutive year, our sound fiscal management practices, commitment to accountability and transparency have earned UWBR top ratings from the nation's largest charity evaluators.