Community Shares of Wisconsin

06/16/2026

For decades, LGBTQ+ history has too often gone undocumented, untold, or lost altogether. Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project is working to change that.

Their new exhibit and documentary, Beacons of Brew City, honors eight Milwaukee elders whose courage, leadership, and advocacy helped shape the region's LGBTQ+ community over the past 50 years. By preserving these stories and celebrating these leaders while they are still here to share their experiences, the project is creating vital connections between generations and ensuring this history is never forgotten.

Hear how the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project is documenting hidden histories, uplifting community voices, and preserving the stories that continue to inspire the fight for equality today. 👇

You can catch the "Beacons of Brew City" documentary at the Oriential Theatre on June 16 at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be at Style Pop Cafe through June 21.

06/13/2026

Join us at The Biergarten at Olbrich Park for a benefit night to support Community Shares of Wisconsin and our 81 member nonprofits.

No need to RSVP, just show up and buy a beer, N/A drink, or snack. See you there! 💚

06/10/2026

Every third Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m., a Community Shares of Wisconsin member nonprofit is interviewed by Jan Miyasaki during “8 O’Clock Buzz” on WORT FM. This month, Healthy Climate Wisconsin will join the program to discuss upcoming events, new projects, and the important work they are doing in our community.

WORT is also a member nonprofit of CSW, and Wednesdays with WORT is a great example of the collaboration between member nonprofits that makes Community Shares of Wisconsin unique.

Listen live on 89.9 FM in the Madison area or on wortfm.org every third Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m. Find past interviews to stream at https://www.communityshares.com/wednesdays-with-wort/

06/08/2026

From child care and health care to voting rights, transportation, food access, and LGBTQ+ history, our members have been busy. Here’s a quick look at the latest CSW member nonprofit news from across Wisconsin. 🗞️

06/05/2026

As Marsha P. Johnson said, "History isn't something you look back at and say it was inevitable." Pride Month celebrates the people who made history by refusing to accept the status quo—and those who continue that work today.

The future isn't something we inherit, it's something we build together through action, community, and solidarity. This month, we encourage you to support LGBTQ+ organizations, uplift LGBTQ+ voices, and help create communities where everyone can live openly, safely, and authentically. Start with local member nonprofits like Fair Wisconsin, Freedom Inc, GSAFE, Orgullo Latinx LGBT+, OutReach LGBTQ Community Center, and Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project.

Image descriptions: 1. a large group marches down a Madison street carrying a rainbow banner with the capitol visible in the background. It reads, "Celebrate Pride Month." 2. A colorful illustration of Marsha P. Johnson features a quote below that reads, "History isn't something you look back at and say it was inevitable. It happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities."

06/03/2026

This month’s hero is Margaret Brauer, a board member and volunteer manager for Open Doors for Refugees, an organization that helps refugees make a home in the Madison area. Margaret coordinates transportation and winter wear donations, manages dozens of volunteers, responds to requests from case managers at partner organizations, and often personally drives clients to appointments or escorts them to the organization’s free winter wear store. She does all of this with grace and perseverance, even in these challenging times. Open Doors for Refugees would not be the effective organization that it is without Margaret’s incredible volunteerism and leadership.

Thank you, Margaret! 💚

Open Doors for Refugees is a volunteer-driven organization founded in 2016 and based in Madison, whose mission is to help refugees make a home in the Madison area. They work closely with partner organizations to provide furniture, winter clothing, transportation, language support, workforce development, childcare, and other support services to refugees and other immigrants in the Madison community.

The Backyard Hero Awards are sponsored by 105.5 Triple M, Isthmus, and Budget Signs Specialties.

05/30/2026

Community care comes in many forms. From workshops to celebrations and community gatherings, here's what some of our member nonprofits have planned for June. Show up, take action, and connect with people making a difference in the community. 💚

05/28/2026

As federal childcare stabilization funding nears its end, member nonprofit Wisconsin Early Childhood Association is sounding the alarm on what it could mean for providers, families, and communities across the state.

WECA’s latest report highlights the risk of childcare closures, staff cuts, and rising tuition costs without sustained public investment—and underscores just how critical continued support is for Wisconsin’s early childhood system.

WI childcare facing funding ‘crisis’ this summer, report shows May 26, 2026 The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association warns the state’s childcare industry will face widespread shutdowns and pared-back services without sustained government support. The group on Friday released a report analyzin...

05/26/2026

Fair Wisconsin is helping lead a statewide coalition calling for the return of gender-affirming care for transgender youth in Wisconsin, organizing a coalition of more than 60 organizations and businesses signing on in support. Among them include a number of our member nonprofits: ACLU of Wisconsin, Embolden WI, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, Freedom Inc, GSAFE, OutReach LGBTQ Community Center, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project.

We’re proud to see our members continuing to advocate for dignity, access to care, and support for trans youth and their families across Wisconsin. 💚

More than 60 advocacy organizations and businesses in Wisconsin are calling on the state's top children's hospitals to resume providing gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

05/22/2026

Join us in congratulating Anne Katz, Director of Create Wisconsin, on being recognized as a 2026 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Wall of Honor inductee as part of WAMI’s celebration of Women in Music.

For more than 30 years, Anne has been a driving force for arts, culture, and creativity across Wisconsin, advocating for stronger support systems, increased investment in the arts, and opportunities for musicians and creative communities in every corner of the state. Through her leadership at Create Wisconsin and initiatives like Make Music Wisconsin, Anne has helped elevate voices, connect communities, and strengthen Wisconsin’s creative economy in ways that will be felt for generations to come.

This recognition is a testament to the lasting impact of her work and the countless artists, organizations, and communities she has inspired along the way. Congratulations, Anne, and thank you for everything you do for Wisconsin’s arts and music communities. 💐