Our Programs
Inspiring Voices
Inspiring Voices
Inspiring Voices 2020
Grantees in 2020 include Inspire Barber College, Natural Circles of Support, and Urban Triage. In past years, two groups were selected to each receive $1000 and fundraising support as nonprofits that prioritize the progress of communities of color. Due to the extraordinary events of 2020, Community Shares has issued grants of $2000 each directly to three organizations to meet immediate and urgent needs.
Past Inspiring Voices
Inspiring Voices Returns with Building Bosses!
Community Shares of Wisconsin is pleased to announce the return of Inspiring Voices, now in partnership with Madison 365—to build community around local racial justice initiatives led by people of color. Inspiring Voices provides visibility for essential work being...
CSW: collaborative “Inspiring Voices” raises over $10,000 for emerging nonprofits
This year, we found just a few of the emerging nonprofits that are making their marks on Madison--and we helped to make these Inspiring Voices heard. In bringing together their lived experience and our knowledge of digital outreach; we produced a collaborative project...
Orgullo Latinx LGBT+ of Dane County: Building Bridges, Changing Lives
It may be one of the scariest moments a child can face: coming out to a parent as LGBT+. As a teenager, Christian A. Real Merino confronted that moment with his mother. “At the beginning my mom didn’t accept it and didn’t understand it,” said Christian. “But the thing...
45 Years of Housing Justice: Combatting Evictions
Few topics illustrate what's behind the "cycle of poverty" more so than eviction. Ever more commonplace today, evictions often set into motion a precipitous downward spiral for low-income families already living on the edge. In our final segment on 45 Years of Housing...
45 Years of Housing Justice: Housing Justice for People of Color and People with Disabilities
There's a key reason why white people "are desperately uncomfortable talking about race and racism, or looking at the root causes of violence and injustice," said Bill Tisdale with the Fair Housing Center of Greater Madison. It's because "we don’t even live near one...
45 Years of Housing Justice: Housing Stability and How It Affects People’s Lives
"A safe home is a lot more than just a roof over your head. It gives stability to people's lives," said Andy Heidt with Bayview Foundation. Think about how housing stability allows people to contribute more to our community. It's easier to keep your job. Children can...
45 Years of Housing Justice: Keeping Housing Affordable for Low-Income People
Imagine you're a low-income person applying for Section 8 housing vouchers in Dane County—which will allow you to pay 30% of your income for housing, and the government pays for the rest. How do you get a voucher? 1. First, you wait four or five years until the...
45 Years of Housing Justice: Madison’s Role and the Work of CSW Groups
Madison's Role and the Work of CSW Groups Too little affordable housing . . . housing discrimination against the poor and people of color—these are problems deeply rooted in this country, and Madison is no exception. Those who support justice might wonder how and...
Hmong Culture as a Prelude to Academic Success
"If a child is unsure of his or her cultural identity, they are focused solely on other kids' comments about how odd they look—and the last thing on their mind is their math assignment. It's a key reason why Hmong students' academic performance is far below that of...
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What Our Supporters Say
“We center the voices of African American students, build on the strengths of their families and teachers to create conditions that support Black students and change the conditions in schools that keep inequities in place.”
“We are more than just a Barbershop/Salon. We promote spiritual, mental, physical and financial growth for individuals who are committed to enhancing their lives and the lives of others.”