Edited by Shayna Mace | Illustrations by Haley Schulz (shown in print magazine)
Explore Madison nonprofits making real impact — and learn how you can make this season brighter for others.
Brought to you by Park Bank & United Way of Dane County
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison: Providing Compassionate Care for Families
At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison (RMHC-Madison), we stand with the 1,700-plus families we serve each year, providing essential services that create space for healing for families with hospitalized children. We lead with compassion, respect and understanding, and empower families to face the challenges of a child’s healthcare journey.
GiGi’s Playhouse Madison: Big Dreams, Bright Futures
GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is a Down syndrome achievement center dedicated to providing free educational, therapeutic and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.
The River Food Pantry: Feeding Hope
The River Food Pantry’s mission is to provide the food, resources and faith needed to build a stronger, fully nourished community. For nearly 20 years, The River has focused on reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition among low-income and underserved communities throughout Dane County, Wisconsin, while promoting sustainable, waste-free food systems.
Catholic Charities Diocese, Inc. of Madison: Helping Neighbors Thrive
Catholic Charities Diocese, Inc. of Madison cares for families across 11 counties in southern Wisconsin. The Beacon is a key example of our mission in action — it’s a day resource center for people experiencing homelessness, where guests find safety, meals, laundry, showers and connections to housing and employment.
United Madison Christian Givers: United in Service
United Madison Christian Givers is a welcoming group of Christians from different backgrounds and denominations that provide financial, spiritual and educational support to vetted Christian nonprofits that share the message of Jesus, love and hope. We carry this out through grants, collaboration, mentoring and workshops.
Porchlight: Where Hope Finds a Home
Porchlight collaborates with the community to provide shelter, affordable housing and supportive services that eliminate barriers and empower the clients we serve. Services include the Porchlight Drop-In Shelter and the Safe Haven and Veterans Transitional Housing programs. All initiatives focus on housing stabilization and/or case management.
Access Community Health Centers: A Community Health Resource
Access Community Health Centers is a nonprofit organization with the mission of improving the health and lives of people who otherwise face financial, cultural or language obstacles that prevent access to high-quality, affordable health care.
Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims: Paws and Protection
Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV) arranges for the safe harbor of pets when a domestic abuse victim seeks refuge from an abuser. Our pet shelter program is provided via a community collaboration with the Dane County Humane Society and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services. SAAV also raises awareness about the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence.
NewBridge: A Bridge to Aging Well
NewBridge’s mission is to provide older adults a bridge to successful aging and to ensure longer, healthier and safer independent lives. Through programs such as case management, meal sites, food delivery, social activities, mental health resources and in-home volunteer support, NewBridge reduces isolation and builds a supportive network for older adults.
Chrysalis: A Sustainable Path to Recovery
Chrysalis helps Dane County residents with mental health and substance use challenges build meaningful lives through employment, wellness and community. Our services include Individual Placement and Support employment services and Vocational Peer Support, alongside our Chrysalis Clubhouse — a community space offering daily activities, skill-building, meals and leadership opportunities.
Community Shares of Wisconsin: Many Voices, One Community
Community Shares of Wisconsin works with close to 70 nonprofits. We raise funds and promote awareness of the local social and environmental justice movement.
100+ Women Who Care – Madison: Power in Numbers
100+ Women Who Care – Madison brings women together to make a big impact through collective giving. Our nearly 225 members meet quarterly to hear from three local nonprofits and vote on a recipient. We donate over $20,000 each meeting — with the selected charity receiving $10,000 — and the other two sharing the balance.
Journey Mental Health Center: Hope, Healing and Access
Journey Mental Health Center is a nonprofit behavioral health organization that provides mental health and substance use recovery programs and services for Dane County.
United Way of Dane County: Connecting People and Possibilities
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibilities. Our mission — to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives — is rooted in innovation and action. By collaborating with diverse partners, we deliver forward-thinking solutions and results that improve health, education, financial stability and local resilience.
Other Creative Ways to Give Back
WMTV SHARE YOUR HOLIDAYS
This annual food and fund drive benefits Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. The drive began on Nov. 3, and runs until Dec. 10. The grand finale event is on Dec. 10 at the Alliant Energy Center. You can help by donating, hosting a food and fund drive, or volunteering at the event. secondharvestsw.org/syh
MADISON READING PROJECT
Starting Nov. 10 and running through Dec. 10, The Madison Reading Project is hosting its Community Book Drive, which solicits new books for this nonprofit that connects kids, school districts and other programs with free books and literacy resources. Book donation sites are scattered across the city, so giving back is as easy as buying a book and dropping it off. madisonreadingproject.com/2025communitybookdrive
MADISON CAT PROJECT, SHELTER FROM THE STORM AND ANGEL’S WISH
Each of these pet-rescue nonprofits accept monetary donations and wish-list items (litter, food, toys, etc.). Volunteers are also crucial to help with shelter operations and fostering animals. If you’re short on time but want to give, simply purchase wish-list items, most of which are shipped directly to each nonprofit. madisoncatproject.org/wishlist, sftsrescue.org/wishlist, angelswish.org
