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.

Mortgage fraud and identity theft have become all too common in today's real estate market, often leaving homeowners devastated after their property or identity has been stolen without their knowledge.

Fortunately, there's a free service from the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association that notifies  property owners of possible fraudulent activity being committed against their home. This service is available for owners in Dane, Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Green, Lafayette, Iowa, and other Wisconsin counties. 

Signing up for this service doesn't prevent fraud from happening, but it does alert you with an early warning that can help you take appropriate action when a crime has been committed. You can learn more by visiting this FAQ page

Being a conscientious consumer has become increasingly challenging. We don’t always have the resources, time, or knowledge to evaluate if a product was made ethically. This is why Ethical Trade Co is such a necessary and impressive local nonprofit organization. Ethical Trade Co’s mission is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to work in a safe and ethical environment - making it easier for Madison shoppers to feel good about their purchases.

Ethical Trade Co has both an online store and Madison storefront at 3565 Tulane Ave near Olbrich Gardens. They sell beautiful, handcrafted goods that are made with fair trade standards. You can shop confidently knowing their two founders, and handful of volunteers, have been hands-on in

If you’ve enjoyed an afternoon on Willy Street, you’ve likely passed by Luke House. Their mission is simple: to feed the hungry no questions asked. If you haven’t heard of Luke House, it is because they go about their mission work quietly, serving free meals nine times a week, year-round, rain or shine. At each meal Luke House serves between 60 and 120 guests. All guests and volunteers are treated with dignity and respect, a major value of the Luke House. This organization has been feeding Madison’s hungry since 1986. Guests show up and are fed, no questions asked. The facility is set up like a restaurant with volunteers serving a healthy meal and beverages to guests.

The atmosphere is very pleasant, and the guests have a chance to socialize.

One way you can save money in the near year is to choose thrifting and buying secondhand over buying new. Dane County is home to dozens of thrift stores with an amazing variety of clothing and household goods, and with many high-quality and unique finds. But the truth is there are a whole host of reasons to buy secondhand. Here are a few more of them: 

1) Environmental sustainability: Buying secondhand reduces waste that would otherwise end up in the landfill. 

2) Local support: Thrifting supports locally-owned businesses and non-profits, which contribute to the overall health of our community. 

3) A sense of adventure: You never know what you might find when you go thrifting. Each time you thrift, it's like going on your own mini treasure

Written by Sarah Linn, Development & Marketing Special Projects Coordinator at DCHS

Animal shelters play a crucial role in our community. When you think of Dane County Humane Society (DCHS), you probably think of dog and cat adoptions first. And rightly so. In 2023, DCHS found new homes for 1,241 dogs and 1,728 cats. But that’s just one of the ways DCHS serves the animals at the shelter and in our community. Additionally, DCHS provides care for thousands of native wild animals who are injured, sick, or orphaned, rehabilitating them with the goal of releasing them back to their habitats. DCHS also provides humane education programs for learners of all ages, teaching community members about everything from animal care to empathy. Their Pets for