Online
The Big Share
courtesy Wisconsin Women's Network
Wisconsin Women’s Network Policy Institute participants inside the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda.
Wisconsin Women’s Network Policy Institute participants inside the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda; WWN is one of many nonprofits participating in The Big Share.
If you want to put your giving where your values live, The Big Share makes it easy. This online campaign raises funds for 82 local nonprofits under the Community Shares of Wisconsin umbrella — organizations working for health equity, environmental protection, civil rights, housing, assistance for immigrants, and much more. Browse, pick your cause (or three), and make a small dent that adds up fast. A telethon-style livestream can be found at thebigshare.org, where donations can also be made, and the day also includes related in-person events such as “Seen and Unseen,” a self-guided walk created by Urban Triage to raise awareness of homelessness (noon-5:30 p.m., Capitol Square).
media release: At a time when our values and democracy are under attack, bold action is required. Donations during The Big Share® are an investment in local nonprofits that are challenging systems, holding decision‑makers accountable, and keeping democracy alive.
The Big Share is an online day of giving that supports the 82 member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin. The event takes place on Tuesday, March 3. The public can visit thebigshare.org between now and March 3 to donate or become a fundraiser for the member nonprofit of their choice.
"Now in its 12th year, The Big Share is a great opportunity for the community to take bold action and support causes such as civil liberties, sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, healthy food and farms, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Executive Director Cheri Dubiel. “Join us on March 3. Your donation is urgently needed and greatly appreciated."
This year’s Big Share campaign is themed “Give Today to Build Tomorrow” and Community Shares is encouraging all people to get involved in the social and environmental justice movement through a donation at thebigshare.org. With a minimum donation of only $5, it is easy to get involved. All donations, small or large, make a difference in our community.
Donations can be made any time between now and March 3 by visiting thebigshare.org. Donors can search for nonprofits by name or by cause, such as protecting the environment, working for a just and equitable society, empowering people with disabilities, fostering civic engagement, ensuring affordable and accessible housing, and supporting women, children, and families.
Community Shares of Wisconsin just added 16 more nonprofits as members, so donors can now choose from 82 different nonprofits to support during The Big Share. A gift to Community Shares supports all member nonprofits.
In addition to donating, individuals can become fundraisers for their favorite Community Shares member nonprofit. Fundraisers spread the word about The Big Share by engaging family members, friends, and coworkers. Learn more at communityshares.com/big-share-fundraising-guide/
For even more fun on March 3, the public can watch The Big Share Live, a day-long telethon that supports The Big Share. The program will be streamed live on thebigshare.org, and will feature local entertainment, prize announcements, discussions about social and environmental justice, and more.
Schedule:
8 AM Morning Program
- 8:15 AM: Welcome
- 8:30 AM: Cooking up Independence (Access to Independence)
- Join Access to Independence as they do their own morning show segment to highlight assistive technology, skills training and peer support and more through a fun cooking demonstration!
- 9:10 AM: Housing Centers Panel
Panel discussion about the importance of housing center hubs
- Hedi Rudd (Rooted)
- Elsa Caetano (Kennedy Heights Community Center)
- Alexis London (Bayview Foundation)
- Gery Paredes Vásquez (YWCA Madison)
- 10:10 AM: AI Data Centers Panel
Panel discussion about impact of AI Data Centers
- Abby Novinska-Lois (Healthy Climate Wisconsin)
- Kerry Schumann (Wisconsin Conservation Voters)
- Amy Barrilleaux (Clean Wisconsin)
- Tom Content (Citizens Utility Board)
- Elizabeth Ward (Sierra Club Wisconsin)
- 11:10 AM: LGBTQ+ Organizations Panel
Panel discussion about LGBTQ+ organizations in today’s political climate
- Tyrone Creech Jr. (GSAFE)
- Abigail Swetz (Fair Wisconsin)
- Michail Takach (Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project)
noon Afternoon Programming
- 12:00 PM: Activating the Gift of Shared Abundance (YWCA Madison)
Live Art Build
- 1:00 PM: Seen & Unseen (Urban Triage)
A Homelessness Awareness Experience: An Immersive Outdoor Experience Around the Capital Square.
- 2:00 PM: Refugee Resettlement in this Political Climate
- Jason Mack (Open Doors for Refugees)
- 2:25 PM: With a Little Help from Our Friends — Fueling the Future of Wisconsin State Parks
- Seth Taft (Friends of Wisconsin State Parks)
- 3:30 PM: Match Minute
- 3:40 PM: In Defense of Wetlands: Maintaining Public and Political Support
- Erin O’Brien (Wisconsin Wetlands Association)
- Sara Wallings (Clean Wisconsin)
- 4:15 PM: Community Advocacy Panel
- Daithi Wolfe (Kids Forward)
- Amanda Merkwae (American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin)
6-8 PM Evening Music
- 6:15 PM The Currach Quadtet
- 7:15 PM Bear In the Forest
more day-of events:
Morning Coffee at Cargo Coffee East, 750 E Washington Ave, Madison, 7am - 8am: Join us for free coffee (donated by Cargo Coffee), prize announcements, and music from DJ Martin Alvarado of WORT's Global Revolutions show. No registration required.
Big Share GIANT Afterparty at Giant Jones Brewing Company, 931 East Main St, Madison, 7:30pm - 10pm: Unwind after all the excitement of the day with great beers brewed by Giant Jones! We'll also have snacks, non-alcoholic beer for purchase, karaoke, and prize announcements. Every singer who participates in karaoke gets to nominate one organization for a chance at an extra $100 Big Share donation prize! No registration required.
Follow Community Shares of Wisconsin on social media for ways to engage with The Big Share now through March 3.
bsky.app/profile/commshareswi.bsky.social
linkedin.com/company/communityshareswi
The Big Share's 2026 principal partner is Madison Community Foundation. Media sponsors are The Cap Times, 105.5 Triple M, News 3 Now, and WUWM 89.7 Milwaukee’s NPR.
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