With federal funding for many nonprofits uncertain, donations during The Big Share are even more urgently needed.
Madison, WI – “It’s no exaggeration to say that the values and issues advocated by Community Shares of Wisconsin and our member nonprofits are under attack by our new federal administration. With the federal funding that supports many of these nonprofits uncertain, we need to show our support” said Cheri Dubiel, Executive Director of Community Shares of Wisconsin.
“The issues being targeted through a series of executive orders include DEI, trans rights, immigration, and renewable energy. These are some of the key issues that are directly funded by CSW and donors like you. But CSW was built for times like this, and YOU can help.”
Community Shares of Wisconsin and its nearly 70 member nonprofits will host The Big Share, an online day of giving focused on social and environmental justice, on Tuesday, March 4. Visit thebigshare.org to donate or become a fundraiser for your favorite member nonprofit.
This year’s Big Share campaign is themed “Build Our Future Together” and Community Shares is encouraging people of all ages, including youth, to get involved in the social and environmental justice movement through philanthropy.
“Now in its eleventh year, The Big Share is a great opportunity for the community to demonstrate its commitment to the causes we all care about including voting rights, healthy food systems, criminal justice reform, housing advocacy, environmental protection, LGBTQ+ rights, and much more,” said Executive Director Cheri Dubiel. “Join us on March 4 to be part of this collective effort.”
This year, Community Shares of Wisconsin is inviting donors to include their children in their giving decisions. “Educating your children on the importance of philanthropy in powering social movements will help them understand the value of giving back and grow our movements for generations to come” said Dubiel.
Donations can be made any time between now and March 4 by visiting thebigshare.org. Donors can search for nonprofits by name or by cause, such as working for a just and equitable society, empowering people with disabilities, fostering civic engagement, ensuring affordable and accessible housing, protecting the environment, and supporting women, children, and families. A gift to Community Shares supports all member nonprofits.
Individuals who want to take their advocacy to the next level can visit thebigshare.org/fundraisers to create their own fundraising campaign for their favorite Community Shares member nonprofit. Fundraisers spread the word about The Big Share by engaging family members, friends, and coworkers. Easy-to-use resources, including pre-made social media posts and graphics, are available to help fundraisers at communityshares.com/big-share-fundraising-guide/
Coffee and Polka
March 4, 6:30am – 8am
Cargo Coffee, 750 E Washington Ave, Madison
Join CSW staff and member nonprofit friends to celebrate the 6am Power Hour, sponsored by Madison Community Foundation, and the 7:45am Match Minute, sponsored by Alliant Energy Foundation. The coffee is free and no registration is required. Polka music will be played starting at 7:15am and through the 7:45am Match Minute. Music provided by DJ Shotski.
The Big Share Live
March 4, 8am – 8pm
Arts + Literature Laboratory (111 S Livingston St #100, Madison)
Streaming live on thebigshare.org
The Big Share Live, a day-long telethon to support The Big Share, returns in 2025. The program will be streamed live on thebigshare.org, and will feature local entertainment, prize announcements, discussions about social and environmental justice, and more. The event is free and the public is invited to enjoy the fun, make a donation, and help participating nonprofits win bonus cash prizes.
8:00am: Welcome & Grounding – with a panel of executive directors from CSW member nonprofits
- Cheri Dubiel (Community Shares of Wisconsin)
- Hedi Rudd (Rooted)
- Nick Ramos (Wisconsin Democracy Campaign)
- Tyrone Creech Jr. (GSAFE)
- Tony Wilkin Gibart (Midwest Environmental Advocates)
- Norman Stockwell (The Progressive)
9:10am: “Creating Safe Spaces” – a panel discussion
- Tina Itson (American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin)
- Sarah Karlson (Rooted)
- Megan L. Sprecher (Legal Action Wisconsin)
10:15am: “Getting Involved in the Political Process” – a panel discussion
- Eileen Newcomer (League of Women Voters of Wisconsin)
- Bianca Shaw (Wisconsin Women’s Network)
- Kadijha Marquardt-Davis (Embolden WI – ECCHO)
11:30am: Book Talk with Gwen Hutchins
Gwen will discuss her book Critical Air: A Flight Nurse’s Adventures from Alaska to Nepal.
12:00pm: Live music from Gray Miller
12:30pm: Live music from Bear in the Forest
1:30pm: Presentations from Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin and Wisconsin Environmental Health Network
- Amy Schulz RN, PSR WI President
- Ann Behrmann MD, PSR WI Treasurer
- Claire Gervais MD, WEHN Co-President
2:00pm: “Solutions to Housing Insecurity” – a panel discussion
- Chrisbelly Antimo (Tenant Resource Center)
- Alexis London (Bayview Foundation)
- Caitlin Singleton (Project Home)
3:45pm: Civic Education Lotería with Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
4:15pm: “Build Our Future Together (Hearing Directly from Today’s Youth)” – a panel discussion
- Alex (PATCH – Embolden WI)
- Diego (Rooted – Badger Rock Urban Farm)
5:30pm: “Now What? From DEI and Critical Race Theory to Black Lives Matter: Advocating for Black Leadership and Centering Those Most Vulnerable” – a panel discussion
- Brandi Grayson (Urban Triage)
- Dana Pellebon (RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center)
- Monique Minkens (End Domestic Abuse WI)
- Mahnker Dahnweih (Freedom, Inc.)
- Moderator: Nestic Morris (WCASA)
7:15pm: Live music from Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band
