United Way of Marathon County is focused on lifting 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033. Our mission is simple - Uniting to Thrive. To support our mission, we work collectively with other non-profits, local government and community organizations. We are all UNITING TO THRIVE.

Corporate Partners

Our corporate partners include businesses and organizations that run United Way campaigns, sponsor events, award grants, and volunteer in the community. 

Collective Impact Partners

Our collective impact partners include funded and nonfunded organizations around the county that are committed to achieving our Bold Goal to lift 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033. 

Leadership Givers

Our leadership givers are partners and committed to the mission UNITING TO THRIVE.  

United Way Led Initiatives

United Way brings people and organizations together who have passion, expertise and resources to get things done. When we take a lead role in establishing common goals and collective action, we make real change happen and improve lives in our community.

United Way Hunger Coalition – The vision is a day when no one is hungry and everyone in Marathon County has access to nutritious food.

Housing Taskforce – The vision is to eradicate homelessness and to create and sustain affordable housing solutions for Marathon County.

Community Closet & Mobile Community Closet – The Community Closet provides new and gently used clothing to guests who express a need, without requiring an income verification. The Mobile Community Closet is an extension of the physical closet and launched November 2023. 

United Way core services help strengthen the community by connecting people to needed services and volunteer opportunities.

United Way's 211 – United Way’s 211 provides free, confidential community service information and referrals 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, an online searchable database, and publishes resource directories and guides.

United Way Volunteer Connection – Volunteer Connection’s purpose is to connect volunteers and organizations with opportunities to serve. They lead projects like Make a Difference Day and offer website connections to volunteering 24/7.

2026-2027 Community Investments

More than Food - The Neighbors' Place 

Provide Case Management for wrap-around servicing to individuals accessing The Neighbors' Place Market or Babies Place Diaper Bank.

Meals on Wheels - Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin

Meals on Wheels is a program that provides a nutritious meal, companionship and a watchful eye on the health and safety of our seniors.

Bridging the Gap, Nourishing ALICE Families - Community Center of Hope 

Essential support for senior citizens - by Faith in Action 

Abbotsford Food Pantry - Healthy Opportunities for Latin Americans (HOLA) 

Wausau Mobile Meals - by Wausau Mobile Meals

Delivering up two warm meals a day, on a sliding fee scale, to individuals that are homebound or do not have access to consistent sources of meals. United Way fills the gap for those unable to pay.

Family Keys Program - Marathon County Department of Social Services 

Wisconsin's Family Keys approach – first piloted by La Crosse, Marathon and Wood counties – provides flexible funding for communities to co-design programs and supports that meet the needs of families experiencing housing instability so that children do not need to unnecessarily enter foster care.

Emergency Housing Assistance Fund (EHAF) - by Northcentral Community Action Program

EHAF intends to prevent and reduce homelessness through collaborative partnerships. The goal is to strengthen families through financial stability and help people become more self-sufficient.

Athens Area Food Bank Launch - Progress Athens Foundation 

Support Clinic Programming - Wausau Free Clinic

Transitional Living - The Women's Community

Providing shelter and transitional living services to victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault. 

 

 

Good Start Grants – by Childcaring
Good Start Grants provides financial assistance for eligible families in Marathon County to ensure they have access to quality, affordable childcare.

Wausau Area Elementary Center Program - by Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Wausau Area

Spencer Kids Group Youth Center - by Spencer Kids Group
Spencer Kids Group has been providing a safe, fun and supervised area for youth for nearly 24 years. The Youth Center is open year-round for students to attend and provides low-cost childcare and snacks in a rural area. 

Woodson Y For All Childcare Fund - by Woodson YMCA

Mental Health & Trauma Services & SUD Treatment & Prevention Services - by Bridge Community Health Clinic

Domestic Abuse Services, Sexual Assault Victim Services - by The Women's Community

Mentoring Program - by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin

Children's Wisconsin (Children's Service Society of Wisconsin) - School Based Mental Health - Integrated Model

School Based Mental Health Services - by Marathon County School Based Consortium

Healthfirst Community Connections - by Healthfirst

Bilingual Community-Based Case Management Services - by HOLA (Healthy Opportunities for Latin Americans)

 

Judicare Community Law Clinic & Mediation Services - by Wisconsin Judicare Inc. DBA Judicare Legal Aid

BRIDGE - Building Refugee Independence through Development, Growth and Essential - by ECDC - Multicultural Community Center

Getting Ahead - by St. Vincent de Paul 

Creating Equitable Pathways into Leadership - by Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes