Community GroundWorks Has Joined Community Shares of Wisconsin

Community GroundWorks (CGW) at Troy Gardens has recently become a member of Community Shares of Wisconsin. Founded in 2001, CGW is a nonprofit organization responsible for the development, management, and stewardship of 26 acres known as Troy Gardens on the north side of Madison.

Educational programs for all ages are organized for each part of Troy Gardens: community gardens, organic CSA farm, restored natural areas, edible forest and Kids’ Garden. Recently, CGW’s learning community has expanded beyond the land and now includes such innovative programs as East High Youth Farm, the Madison Youth Grow Local initiative, Growing School Gardens and Madison FarmWorks.

Community Shares of Wisconsin is a fundraising federation with 65 member nonprofits. Established in 1971, it was the nation's first social action fund.

“We are thrilled to work with Community Shares to solve environmental problems through public education and sustainable agriculture,” said Christie Ralston, interim executive director.

Community Shares raises money for its members mostly through workplace giving campaigns, and also through online giving at www.communityshrares.com. "When donors decide to direct gifts to Community GroundWorks through Community Shares--for instance with an online donation--we receive 100% of those gifts,” said Ralston. “Gifts through Community Shares will increase Community GroundWorks’ capacity to promote healthy communities and personal well-being through education, growing wholesome and organic food for local tables, and nurturing a relationship between people and the land."