UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity

Launch Date: February 17, 2020

Partnership: United Way of Dane County and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Geographic Scope:

• Primary focus: Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and/or Washington Counties
• Investment breakdown:
  • Dane County: $1,000,000
  • Greater Milwaukee Area: $500,000
  • Emergency Grants: $250,000 across both markets

Mission:
Address barriers to economic mobility for people of color through transformational programming solutions, extending the credit union's brand mission "Here for Every You."

Focus Areas:

• Primary Focus: Programs that increase financial stability and improve educational outcomes
• Target Population: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities
• Specific Priorities:
  • Economic transformation and employment equity
  • Financial wellbeing and capability
  • Educational outcomes
  • Emergency/crisis relief funding

Key Features:

• Simplified, equitable application process
• Brief quiz to determine eligibility
• Community advisory board makes funding decisions (comprised of community members and UW Credit Union employees)
• Community-defined and community-led solutions

Support Beyond Funding:

• Volunteer hours from UW Credit Union
• Financial education resources
• Technical assistance

Eligible Applicants:

• Local nonprofit organizations
• Not limited to United Way agencies
• Must serve Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, or Washington Counties
• Organizations addressing racial inequities through programs focused on financial stability and educational outcomes

Application Status:
Applications began March 17, 2020. Visit www.uwcu.org/racialequity to learn more and apply.

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications opened March 17, 2020

Application Access:

• Visit www.uwcu.org/racialequity

Key Application Features:

• Brief eligibility quiz (simplified process)
• Equitable application designed to be accessible to organizations with fewer resources
• Not burdensome like traditional funding models that favor well-resourced organizations

Funding Decisions:

• Community advisory board reviews applications
• Board comprised of community members and UW Credit Union employees
• Focus on community-defined and community-led solutions

Geographic Requirements:

• Applicants must serve Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, or Washington Counties