Racine County partners with United Way for $1 million contribution to the Equity Innovation Fund

June 3, 2022 (Racine, WI) — As part of an ongoing collaboration with United Way to reduce disparities and increase equity in the Racine County community, Racine County recently partnered with United Way to contribute $1 million to United Way’s Equity Innovation Fund.

United Way’s Equity Innovation Fund, which was made possible thanks to the generosity of philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, supports projects, programs and solutions that use innovative strategies to reduce disparities, improve outcomes and empower members of historically marginalized populations. While United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Racine County, it recognizes that historically marginalized and underserved populations face extra challenges and hurdles to success, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By investing in equity-focused work, United Way is working to eliminate those challenges and hurdles.

The $1 million from Racine County demonstrates the County’s shared commitment to this work and the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the County and United Way to strengthen Racine County. This collaboration will greatly increase the number of equity-focused projects and programs that could receive grants to do innovative work in Racine County through the Equity Innovation Fund. United Way has also committed to investing the full $1 million into the fund with no processing fees or other expenditures taken out, ensuring that this important work can grow to its full potential.

And maximizing the potential of equity-focused work in Racine County was the impetus behind the County’s decision to partner with United Way in this work.

“As we look to create the greatest impact with these one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, we turn to trusted partners like United Way,” said Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave. “United Way has a proven track record with demonstrated data-driven success. We believe, with their help, this $1 million investment will have a transformative impact on Racine County.”

President and CEO of United Way of Racine County Ali Haigh echoed these sentiments.

“We are so thankful to the County for entrusting us to be the stewards of this investment,” said Haigh. “This work is crucial to the success of our community, and this additional funding reflects the County’s commitment to building a more equitable Racine County.”

To learn more about the Equity Innovation Fund, visit: UnitedWayRacine.org/EIF.