For many of our neighbors in Dane County, the answer to this question depends on more than their symptoms. For low-income, uninsured Madisonians, receiving specialized medical care could result in bills high enough to topple their monthly budget, leaving families to decide whether to pay rent that month or treat an ailment. It goes without saying that this unfortunate dilemma leads to our community members delaying - or altogether foregoing - treatment that could significantly improve their lives, or even save them.

Specialty Care Free Clinic is a nonprofit specialty clinic funded entirely by donations that has been addressing this need since 2001. It was founded by three local doctors who saw these disparities reflected in their

We’ve come to love the Ice Age Trail as a nature-filled hiking path that hugs the western border of some Madison’s suburbs. But did you know that the Ice Age Trail is so expansive that 60% of Wisconsinites live within 20 minutes of it? Over 700 miles, made up of over 100 different segments, laces through the state. And that’s, of course, by design! 

(Photo: Dan and Kellie Miller on the Ice Age Trail in Door County)

Around 100 years ago, Raymond Zillmer had a dream to preserve and expand Kettle Moraine State Park so its beautiful glacial features could be enjoyed by more people than would otherwise travel to another distant national park. A lawyer by trade and an avid walker by hobby, Zillmer founded the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation (now

When you think of the significant moments in your life before the age of 16, what do you think of? Maybe you quickly recall building friendships at school, a special family vacation, or developing an interest that has endured into adulthood. However, it’s easy to overlook how foundational a safe and supportive home life is to these formative life experiences.

Before 16 is a local nonprofit founded by our Broker, Dan Spransy, that focuses on aiding “older orphans” (ages 6-16) around the world in finding their Forever Family. It may come as a surprise that many children “age out” of orphan community support services at 16 years old in their home countries, and that 16 is typically the cut-off age for an international adoption. Thrust into adult life at

If you've spent even a short while with our agent Isabella, you know she has a passion for caring for animals. So, it was no surprise when she introduced our team to Shelter from the Storm (SFTS), a nonprofit animal rescue where she volunteers. Isabella and Amanda recently sat down for coffee with Payton Pritzl, Chief Operating Officer of SFTS, to learn more about the ins and outs of the good work they do. To our excitement, Payton brought along one of their current shelter dogs, Zuko, who received his own "pup cup" treat.

One way Shelter from the Storm differs from other animal shelters is their ability to give intensive, dedicated rehabilitation time to animals with injuries. They often partner with organizations throughout Madison to take on this

Summer invites us to play, enjoy the outdoors, and soak in carefree moments. Dan O'Kane is an inventive and caring member of our community who is helping a deserving group of kids do just that.

In 2016, Dan and his wife, Laura, founded Josie's Gift. Through this organization, Dan creates personalized fishing rods for kids who are facing or have overcome medical challenges. Dan's craftsmanship and attention to detail create extra-special moments for these kids who may be overlooked when planning an outdoor adventure. So far, Dan has handcrafted over 80 custom fishing rods, including a Big Bang Theory-themed rod and a Green Bay Packers rod. 

Most notably, Dan's first fishing rod was the one he created for Josie, the nonprofit's namesake. Dan met

We have so many ways to get out of our homes and into our neighborhoods and make a positive contribution to our community. Here are two meaningful paths to consider in Dane County: 

Become a steward of the land

Join a “friends group” for the Ice Age Trail, The UW Arboretum, Groundswell Conservancy, a Dane County Park, or a Madison Park. These organizations welcome volunteers of all skill levels who want to help preserve our local green spaces. You'll enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while learning about the natural world in community with others. Whether it's helping with trail maintenance, removing invasive species, or assisting with educational programs, your contribution makes a difference. 

Help neighbors who are food insecure

Get involved

The feeling of true community is unmistakable. Maybe you’ve felt such mutual respect and love walking into your home during the holidays, when you get together with a dear group of friends, or at your place of worship. This same sense of belonging was immediately noticeable when I visited Yahara House earlier this year.

Yahara House is a ‘clubhouse-style’ recovery center for individuals with mental health struggles. It is one of over 330 clubhouses in 30 countries that use this model. You probably have driven by Yahara House many times if you live in Madison. Behind its doors at 802 East Gorham Street is a group of members and staff focused on recovery through hope, dignity, and community. Members of Yahara House can spend 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the

Did you know Madison was ranked the 7th happiest city in the country by Reader’s Digest last month? Consideration was given to the residents’ emotional and physical well-being, employment opportunities, sense of community, and focus on environmentalism. What a fortuitous time to highlight a nonprofit organization that positively impacts Madison in all of these ways: Bikes for Kids Wisconsin.

In 2017, Bikes for Kids Wisconsin opened the doors to its nonprofit bicycle shop and has been helping to increase bicycle-based transportation for everyone since - not just kids and not just people who can afford them. Last year, 2,518 bikes were donated to people in the Madison area who use their new-to-them bicycle for transportation to work and life’s other

Recently "our boss" at Realty Executives, Dan Spransy, received The Good Neighbor Award from the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin -- for his work with Before 16, a foundation that helps find forever families for international orphans before they age out of the adoption system. 

It was a touching moment to see Dan being recognized for all that he's invested into his non-profit. Through Dan's work and the work of many others, dozens of kids have found forever families here in the United States. 

We're inspired by Dan and the example he sets. At the same time we’re aware that we don't need to do something extraordinary -- like start a non-profit -- to be a good neighbor. Small acts of kindness and genuine care can make a big difference

Shout out to a nonprofit we have spotlighted in the past and would like to highlight again: FairShare CSA Coalition. FairShare is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Madison with a mission “to build resilient food communities by investing in farmers and empowering eaters.” Now more than ever, they can use our help supporting our local farmers.

It’s a great time to sign up for a CSA vegetable share. A purchase like this funds local agriculture -- and nourishes you! Not sure how to cook with a variety of fresh vegetables? Try using your favorite AI chat service to create recipes curated to your taste buds and existing pantry inventory.