September 11, 2026
Exec Media, 608-800-1127
County Executive

Grants support community-led efforts to address systemic racial inequities

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced today that community-based organizations can now apply for the 2026 Partners in Community Racial Equity and Social Justice (PIC) Grant Program. The Partners in Community Grant Program supports Dane County-based community organizations working to address systemic racial inequities in health, education, employment, and the criminal justice system.

Previously known as the PIE Grant Program, the initiative was first piloted in 2015 to support community-driven approaches to reducing racial disparities throughout Dane County.

“The Partners in Community Grant Program allows Dane County to invest directly in that work and support local organizations that are building opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods, and addressing disparities,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “I’m proud that we can continue partnering with community organizations to help make Dane County a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Grants are awarded to Dane County-based community organizations that will use the funding to address systemic racial inequities in health, education, employment, or criminal justice. Individual organizations may apply for up to $15,000. Partnerships or collaborations of two or more eligible organizations may apply for up to $50,000.

“Dane County continues to address disparities. The Partners in Community (PIC) Grant engages local community organizations to examine and implement solution-driven programs addressing systemic disparities in our County,” said Greg Jones, the chair of the Dane County Civil Rights Department Advisory Committee. “Grant recipients often begin building equity solutions to those disparities.”  

Applicants may go to the following website https://civilrights.danecounty.gov/grants/PIC to obtain the applications.  If organizations would like a paper copy mailed to them, they may email DCCRDGrantSubmission@danecounty.gov or call 608-283-1391 for an application or if they have questions.

Applications for the 2026 PIC-RESJ Grant Program must be received by the Dane County Civil Rights Department no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026. Completed applications may be submitted by email or delivered to:

Dane County Civil Rights Department
 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Room 356
 Madison, WI 53703

The Dane County Civil Rights Department furthers Dane County’s ongoing commitment to addressing racial, gender, and disability disparities. The department guides Dane County’s Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Contract Compliance, and Civil Rights Compliance functions and serves as a resource for County departments on equity, disparities, conflict resolution, staff development, and best practices.

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