Community Shares of Wisconsin Recruiting New Member Nonprofits

Local nonprofits can apply to join the nonprofit federation focused on social and environmental justice at a time when these values are threatened.

Madison, WI – At a time when many organizations are shying away from diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights and other social justice issues, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its nearly 70 member nonprofits are proudly championing these causes and continuing to do what is right. Community Shares of Wisconsin is in the process of expansion and is recruiting local nonprofits that value these causes and want to join a community of like-minded organizations.

Community Shares of Wisconsin is a vibrant collaborative community of nonprofit organizations that addresses social, economic and environmental problems through grassroots activities, advocacy, research and public education.

The member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin receive access to fundraising opportunities, capacity building, networking and collaboration opportunities with like-minded organizations. Community Shares of Wisconsin last opened membership to members in 2018 and plans to add 10 to 15 new members in 2025.

Community Share of Wisconsin is cooperatively run, and every member nonprofit has a seat on the board and a voice in how the organization is operated. Member nonprofits are part of a community where organizations support each other, gain a broader perspective on change, and are part of something bigger while working toward the common good.

Member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin receive access to exclusive fundraising opportunities including The Big Share® (which has raised over $5.7 million since 2015), the Community CHIP® program at Willy Street Co-op, the Community Round Up program at Capitol Centre Market, an extensive workplace giving campaign, an online giving portal that nonprofits can use on their website and a “share” of excess funds raised by Community Shares of Wisconsin each year. Member nonprofits receive 100% of the funds designated to them and the funds can always be used as the nonprofits see fit.

Community Shares member nonprofits also receive access to exclusive marketing opportunities including the Backyard Heroes program that highlights member volunteers, the annual Community Change-Maker Awards that honors local leaders and organizations, print and digital advertising, and the ability to list organization news and events on Community Shares social media and in bi-weekly e-newsletters.

A third major benefit that Community Shares of Wisconsin provides to member nonprofits is training, capacity building and access to a shared retirement plan. Member nonprofits receive training in marketing, operations, management, member recruitment and more to help build fundraising capacity and expand each member nonprofit’s reach. Community Shares of Wisconsin also provides access to 401(k) plans for all qualifying member nonprofits.

Nonprofits that are interested in joining Community Shares of Wisconsin must have a demonstrated base of support, be financially sound, have offices in Wisconsin and have a clearly and publicly stated commitment to racial and social justice. Community Shares of Wisconsin relies on active and informed members who must commit to participating in the organization’s board and committees.

For full membership requirements visit: https://www.communityshares.com/for-groups-in-the-application-process/

Interested nonprofits should fill out this interest form. The interest form only has a few questions and spells out Community Shares of Wisconsin’s membership requirements and expectations including racial justice goals and commitments. The deadline for filling out the interest form is Friday, July 18 at 4 pm.

Nonprofits are invited to attend one of two virtual information sessions to learn more about applying for membership at CSW:

June 25 at 10am on Microsoft Teams

July 16 at 10am on Microsoft Teams

##

Since 1971, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its member nonprofits have worked together to advance social justice and protect the environment in Wisconsin. Together they envision a future where people come together to ensure every member of our community is safe, healthy, and able to thrive.

Community Shares of Wisconsin acknowledges that racism and other forms of oppression, like ableism, classism, and transphobia, are systemic and result in socio-economic disparities. We prioritize identifying and changing policies and practices that perpetuate inequality and harm. Our goal is to address the root causes of these issues to begin the work of creating impactful and material change in our community.

A Wisconsin First: GHC-SCW Teams Up with Donate Life America to Offer Organ Donor Registration in GHCMyChart

MADISON, WISCONSIN, June 10, 2025 — One click could save a life. Group Health Cooperative of South
Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is helping save and heal lives by being the first health care organization in
the state to offer organ donation registration directly within its patient portal, GHCMyChartSM. This new
feature, launching this month, makes it easier than ever for members to register as organ donors – a
decision that could save lives.

“Organ donation is one of the most profound acts of generosity a person can do to make a lasting
impact,” said Dr. Sally Frings, Chief Nursing Officer at GHC-SCW. “We are proud to lead the way in
Wisconsin by embedding this life-saving choice into a tool our members already use and trust.”

The feature was developed in collaboration with Donate Life America and Epic, GHC-SCW’s electronic
health record provider. It allows members to securely register with the National Donate Life Registry
while managing their health online and reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to life-saving
decisions.

When members or patients log into GHCMyChartSM, they will see a prompt to opt in to organ donation,
eliminating the need to visit a separate website or wait in line at the DMV. Those who register and later
change their minds can easily update their donor status at any time through the linked registry site in
their settings.

“By integrating the donor registration opportunity directly into GHCMyChart, we are reaching people
where they already manage their health—creating a seamless, trusted pathway for lifesaving generosity.
Together, we are empowering millions to make a difference and help save and heal lives,” said David
Fleming, President & CEO, Donate Life America.

“This tool is about accessibility and empowerment,” said Dr. Chris Kastman, Chief Medical Officer at
GHC-SCW. “We’re helping patients align their health care values with their medical records in a way
that’s simple, secure and meaningful.”

According to Donate Life Wisconsin, more than 1,400 people in Wisconsin are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list every eight
minutes. Yet, despite broad support for organ donation, many eligible donors never register due to lack
of access or awareness. By integrating donor registration into the electronic medical record, GHC-SCW
and Epic aim to remove barriers and encourage more Wisconsinites to make informed and impactful
choices.

“We’re proud to support GHC-SCW in making organ donor registration simpler and more accessible,”
said Seth Howard, EVP of Research and Development at Epic. “This makes it easier for patients who
choose to become donors to take that step—one that could one day save a life.”
For more information about GHC-SCW or to log into GHCMyChartSM, visit www.ghcscw.com.

About GHC-SCW
Proudly serving over 70,000 members, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW)
is Wisconsin’s first, and Dane County’s only, member-owned, nonprofit health care cooperative, ensuring
patients and members are at the top of the leadership chart, giving them a voice in their health care.
Services extend across greater Dane County and select areas in South Central Wisconsin, offering
insurance coverage and clinical care. Celebrating nearly 50 years, GHC-SCW is the first health plan in
Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are dissatisfied with their experience at a
GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW is perennially a national leader in quality. In 2024, GHC-SCW achieved a 4.5
out of 5 rating among private commercial plans according to the National Committee for Quality
Assurance (NCQA) report cards.

About NCQA
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to
improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and
recognizes clinicians in key clinical areas. NCQA’s HEDIS® is the most widely used performance
measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s Web site (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers,
employers and others make more informed health care choices.

About Donate Life America
Donate Life America (DLA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization educating, inspiring and activating the
public to say yes to registering their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Carnelian Art Gallery Announces Four New Solo Shows

MADISON, WI – Carnelian Art Gallery, located at 221 King St., Suite 102, in downtown Madison, is pleased to announce its third art exhibition of the year, which is a collection of four solo shows.

“Synchronized Burn” by Madison artist Maria Schirmer is all about finding togetherness amidst chaos. “Expressions of Home” by Madison artist Mark Soderling tells stories about belonging. “Found Forms” by New Mexico artist Camille Davis celebrates her connection to nature. “Trial and Error” by Madison artist Dylan Waddell explores the value of taking risks and experimentation with collaging.

This collection of shows opens on Thursday, July 3, with a reception to officially kick it off set for Friday, July 11, starting at 5 p.m. The exhibition will last until the end of August.

For the first time, Carnelian Art Gallery has partnered with cocktail bar, Oz by Oz, 113 King St., to offer the first 25 visitors to the reception a ticket for a free drink at Oz by Oz. Light refreshments will otherwise be served, and as always, admission is free.

At 6 p.m. on the night of the reception, Schirmer is set to deliver a half-hour artist talk regarding her solo show, which includes an interactive piece titled “Murmuring.”

The work is a representation of how large flocks of birds, specifically starlings, create and coordinated almost hypnotizing aerial formations as they fly together in the sky.

This behavior, scientists say, is meant to prevent predators from singling out and attacking a specific bird. Reception visitors will be able to interact with “Murmuring” starting at 6:30 p.m. by designing their own bird-shaped plastic mirror and affixing it to a large batik 8’ by 8’ canvas — becoming part of the larger flock of birds.

Schirmer will also invite reception visitors to reflect on their own contributions to their community, as well as how we might synchronize our actions at a time when many societal structures are “burning,” she said.

“Before colonization, fire was used strategically by indigenous land stewards to support thriving ecosystems,” said Schirmer. “If we take this concept and apply it metaphorically to the political and economic landscape of 2025, What do we want to see burn? And what do we hope grows in its place? How can we synchronize our actions like a flock of murmuring birds?”

“It’s been a fun experience to work with Schmirer to put this artist talk together,” said Emilie Heidemann, Carnelian Art Gallery marketing director. “I can’t imagine a more timely theme.”

About each artist

Davis grew up in the mountains of Wyoming, and has painted natural ephemera for decades. Her recent work celebrates the desert and her connection to it. The earthy tones, pops of vibrant color and layered texture offers dynamic harmony. As a nature-based artist, Davis is interested in the rhythm of the land- light and shadow, line and form, pattern and color. Davis attempts to capture the natural cadence, flow, and life of the desert through movement, and emotional tone. She currently resides in southwestern New Mexico.

Soderling was born in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he earned undergraduate degrees in art and biology. Soderling then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended the Maryland Institute College of Art. Those three years in Baltimore really cemented his interest in art and his need to be a painter. New Hampshire would be Soderling’s subsequent home for five years where he received his graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire. During graduate school, Soderling traveled to Italy to explore his passion for painting outside. He continued painting outdoors when he returned to New Hampshire, re-creating scenes of water bodies and mountains, among other things. Now, and for the past 10 years, Soderling has been painting in and around Madison. The Capitol, lakes, ponds, bridges and streets are all part of his visual language. This visual language is backed up by mark making, color, composition and light. The formal elements are stressed in his painting to give the viewer a feeling of place and season.

Schirmer is a social practice artist based in Madison, Wisconsin. Her work, grounded in printmaking, letter press and book arts, embodies collaborative, participatory creative processes, and is driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of storytelling, collective imagination and the possibility of healing. Schmirer works predominantly with youth in the court system and uses art as a medium for dialogue; witnessing grief in tandem with a yearning for a world of possibility, connection and change. She earned her graduate degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee specializing in trauma-informed care and will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall to earn a graduate degree in book arts. 

Waddell grew up in Columbus, Wisconsin. He now lives and works in Madison as a collage artist. He did not start taking his art practice seriously until after college, and works on the same easel he bought at a Goodwill 17 years ago. When not making art, Waddell enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Elizabeth, and their two dogs.

“Carnelian Art Gallery is proud to work with a pool of such talented artists for this summer show,” said Evan Bradbury, Carnelian Art Gallery head curator. “We are also excited to have partnered with Oz by Oz, a staple cocktail bar on King Street. We hope you stop by our gallery to not only view this incredible collection of exhibitions, but to experience the eclectic culture King Street has to offer.”

Agrace Offers New ‘Learning to Live with Dementia’ Education Series

MADISON, Wis. — Agrace knows that caring for a loved one with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging, and that caregivers often find themselves searching for guidance and help. To support any person providing care or navigating this journey, Agrace is offering Learning to Live with Dementia,a comprehensive education series.

The Learning to Live with Dementia education series consists of eight classes taught by experienced Agrace staff who have experience caring for people with dementia and by experts from the community. These sessions provide valuable insights into the unique needs of individuals living with dementia and offer caregivers a space to learn, ask questions and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Classes are $20 each and take place at Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, or online using Microsoft Teams. In July, Agrace is offering these classes:

• “Legal and Financial Decisions” – July 1, 11 a.m.
• “Facility Support when You Need It” – July 17, 12 p.m.
• “Living at Home with Dementia” – July 26, 12 p.m.

Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been supporting a loved one for years, these classes will help you navigate legal and financial planning, options for facility care and strategies to help individuals who are living alone with dementia. You do not need to be receiving Agrace services to attend—these classes are open to any caregiver looking for guidance and support.

Attend all eight classes for $100 or register for an individual class for $20. To register, visit Agrace.org/Dementia. For questions, contact DementiaSupport@Agrace.org or call (608) 276-4660.

Founded in 1978, Agrace is a nonprofit, community-supported health care organization dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to people who are aging, seriously ill, dying or grieving. With offices in Madison, Wauwatosa, Watertown, Janesville, Baraboo and Dodgeville, Agrace serves more than 1,700 patients and clients across southern Wisconsin every day.

RMHC-Madison and Rogers Behavioral Health Collaborate to Bring Home-Like Support to Families’ Health Journey

RMHC-Madison and Rogers Behavioral Health Collaborate to Bring Home-Like Support to Families’ Health Journey 

Madison, WI — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison and Rogers Behavioral Health are proud to announce a new collaboration that will provide daytime access to the Ronald McDonald House for families whose children are receiving treatment at Rogers’ Madison clinic.

This collaboration expands RMHC-Madison’s mission of keeping families close by offering a welcoming and supportive environment for caregivers and siblings during the day while their child is receiving mental health treatment. Families can now enjoy a restful space filled with the comforts of home, including access to nourishing meals, laundry facilities, play areas for siblings and quiet spaces to recharge while their child is in care.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rogers families into our House during the day,” said Stephanie Hayden, CEO of RMHC-Madison. “Navigating a child’s health journey, either physical or mental, can be overwhelming. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to support the whole family during a child’s medical journey — recognizing that healing happens best when families are cared for, too.”

Day-use families will be welcomed by RMHC-Madison’s caring staff and volunteers and have full access to the House’s communal amenities from morning through late afternoon. This service is offered at no cost to families thanks to the generosity of RMHC-Madison donors and partners.

“At Rogers, we believe in the power of family involvement in the healing process,” said Cindy Meyer, president and CEO of Rogers Behavioral Health. “This collaboration with RMHC-Madison helps ease the emotional and practical burdens on parents and caregivers while their children receive vital treatment. Having a space to rest and recharge makes a meaningful difference in the whole family’s recovery journey.”

For more information on how RMHC-Madison strengthens families and promotes healing, please visit rmhcmadison.org. For more information on Rogers’ life-saving services, visit rogersbh.org.

###

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison: Since 1993, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison has provided a continuum of care for those who live hours or even a plane ride from their child’s treatment. By offering housing, meals and a supportive community, RMHC-Madison is Keeping Families Close during life’s most challenging moments.

Through the Ronald McDonald House® and the Ronald McDonald Family Room® at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, families can stay close during life’s most challenging moments and receive the care they need.

About Rogers Behavioral Health
Rogers Behavioral Health is a nationally recognized not-for-profit provider of mental health and addiction services. Rogers offers evidence-based treatment for adults, children and adolescents with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, addiction, OCD, anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD. In addition to locations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington, Rogers operates three inpatient behavioral health hospitals, 17 residential programs and nine centers offering PHP and IOP treatment in Wisconsin. Outpatient services for medication management and psychiatric evaluations are offered virtually and in-person in Wisconsin.

The System also includes the Ladish Co. Foundation Center, home to Rogers Research Center and the Ronald McDonald Family Room®. In addition, Rogers leads the nationwide WISE coalition with the goal of eliminating stigma related to mental health and substance use disorders. Learn more at rogersbh.org.