A Monthly Update From UW Valleys

2025 OBT Community Responsive Fund Grant Recipient, Arbor Place

UW Valleys is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund process in partnership with Otto Bremer Trust. Through this partnership, UW Valleys will continue helping direct critical funding to local nonprofits serving Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties.

Nonprofits are invited to complete the eligibility assessment (CLICK HERE) from May 1 through May 18 to be considered for an invitation to apply for funding.

The 2026 focus areas are:

• Food
• Shelter
• Low-income healthcare clinics
• Disability services
• School-based mental health

Questions may be directed to Megan Hausch, Director of Development, at megan.hausch@uwvalleys.org.

At UW Valleys, 211 and the John Coughlin Hope Fund (JCHF) work together to connect individuals and families to local resources and emergency assistance during difficult times.

When community members contact 211 for help with housing, food, utilities, or other urgent needs, Community Resource Specialists can connect them to available services and programs throughout the region. In some situations, individuals may also be referred to the John Coughlin Hope Fund for additional emergency financial support.

Recently, one local family facing eviction after an unexpected job loss connected with 211 and was later referred to JCHF, where they received rental assistance that helped stabilize their housing situation as they prepared to return to work.

Stories like this highlight how UW Valleys programs work together to support communities across our six-county region.

The UW Valleys Diaper Bank continues to support families across our region through generous community partnerships and diaper drives.

This spring, Drylock Technologies donated 19,700 diapers and pull ups to the UW Valleys Diaper Bank, helping expand access to essential supplies for local families across our six-county region. In April, the UW Valleys Mobile Diaper Pantry distributed 6,671 diapers to families across all six counties in our region: Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix. We are incredibly grateful for Drylock Technologies’ partnership and support.

We also extend our thanks to West Immanuel Lutheran Church for hosting their 3rd Annual Diaper Drive, which collected 1,811 diapers and 22 packages of wipes in support of the UW Valleys Diaper Bank. Community support like this helps provide essential items to families throughout our region.

Give Big Valleys 2026 brought communities across Western Wisconsin together to support local nonprofits through a 24-hour day of giving.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event possible, including our sponsors, media partners, nonprofits, donors, and volunteers.

Final results will be announced soon. Follow UW Valleys and Give Big Valleys on social media for updates.

• Sign Up to Volunteer! Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival - June 26 & 27, 2026
• Day of Caring - October 1, 2026
• Xcel Energy Sheriff's Team Challenge - October 8, 2026

UW Valleys Mission

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Western Wisconsin.

Serving Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties, we unite people and resources to tackle our region's most pressing challenges.