United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County launches $57.5 million campaign

United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County announced its annual fundraising campaign goal of $57.5 million on Thursday.

This is an increase from the nonprofit’s two previous campaign goals, which were set at $57 million. Last year, United Way surpassed its $57 million fundraising goal by nearly $43,000. Its 2022 campaign raised more than $58.8 million, similarly surpassing that year’s goal.

The 2024-2025 Community Campaign will focus on four initiatives: ending family homelessness, reducing barriers to employment and advancement, ensuring digital equity and improving mental well-being among adolescents, according to the organization’s Thursday press release.

United Way outlined its plans to address several goals under those initiatives. The organization seeks to “end family homelessness in all four counties by 2025,” according to the news release.

By focusing on education, training, transportation and the justice system, United Way hopes to help 15,000 people “launch stable careers” by 2029, according to the news release.

The campaign also seeks to target what United Way calls “technology equity,” with a focus on “broadband, devices, and digital literacy and skills,” according to the press release. To achieve digital equity, United Way will provide 50,000 computers to those in need by 2027.

United Way’s Empowering Minds initiative aims to improve the mental well-being of 21,000 high school students by 2030, according to the press release.

The four co-chairs of the campaign include Juan FlorsheimPresident of the Weyco Group; Craig JorgensenPresident and CEO of VJS Construction Services; Scott TurnerPresident of Children’s Wisconsin – Hospitals and Executive Vice President of Children’s Hospital and Health System; and Devona Wright Cottrellgeneral counsel and general counsel of GMR Marketing, according to the press release.

United Way kicked off the campaign Thursday night at the Fiserv Forum.

“The annual United Way campaign is a special time of year for our community,” said Amy Lindner, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. “This is a time when thousands of corporate partners, donors, volunteers and local nonprofits are coming together to raise money that will solve problems in our community. And we are so grateful.”