Madison, WI – On Tuesday, March 5, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its nearly 70 member nonprofits hosted The Big Share®, an online day of giving focused on social and environmental justice. The campaign raised over $680,000 for local nonprofits. Over 3,500 donors gave during The Big Share.
Individuals can continue to donate on thebigshare.org through midnight on Monday, March 11.
Since 2015, The Big Share has raised almost $5 million for the member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin. These nonprofits are working on voting rights, healthy food systems, criminal justice reform, housing advocacy, environmental protection, and much more.
“We are once again blown away by the generosity shown during The Big Share. We see this as a clear message that people want to make social and environmental justice a priority in our community,” said Cheri Dubiel, Executive Director of Community Shares of Wisconsin. “Our member nonprofits now have a boost of energy and donations to keep working toward systemic change.”
The Big Share Live, a day-long telethon to support the event, featured local entertainment, educational programming, and more from Community Shares’ member nonprofits. Highlights include panel discussions about PFAS in drinking water, supporting BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth in schools, barriers to housing security, farm to school programs in Wisconsin, community-based arts engagement, and voting accessibility, along with storytellers from Chrysalis. The Big Share Live included performances from spoken word artist Dom Ricks, spoken word artist Lolo Lature, rapper Tyler Brunsell, and musical artist Bear in the Forest.
A recording of The Big Share Live is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Grand prizes were awarded by Madison Community Foundation for the nonprofits that raised the most money, had the most donors, and who had the most growth in funds raised.
GSAFE raised the most money during The Big Share, an incredible $48,371. GSAFE also had the most donors with over 670.
Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association had the most growth in online donations in 2024 compared to 2023.
“The Big Share has evolved into a celebration of social justice and a magical day of impact in the community. Our donors and participating nonprofits make the community so much better,” said Dubiel.
The Big Share’s 2024 principal partner is Madison Community Foundation.
Media sponsors are The Cap Times, 105.5 Triple M, and News 3 Now.
Prize sponsors are Patrick Heck, MGE Foundation, Summit Credit Union, Boardman Clark, TruStage, Wegner CPAs, Willy Street Co-op, Ascendium, Baer Insurance, First Business Bank, Lake Effect HR & Law, SVA, Scholz Nonprofit Law LLC, Capitol Centre Market, Budget Signs & Specialties, and Hinckley Productions.
Learn more about The Big Share at thebigshare.org.
