Campaign Season: More Than a Season, It’s a Movement
If you’ve lived in West Michigan long enough or have been active within local philanthropy and nonprofit missions, you’ve probably heard of United Way’s “Annual Campaign.” Maybe you picture pledge cards and chili cook-offs in the breakroom. Maybe you remember your first job at a local company where the United Way rep came in and told stories that stuck with you.
That’s campaign tradition — and it’s still alive. For decades, fall has been the season when companies across West Michigan rallied their teams to give back. From September through November, workplace campaigns filled calendars with kickoff rallies, volunteer projects, and creative fundraisers. Partners like Steelcase, BISSELL, Meijer, Haworth, Perrigo, Shape Corp, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and dozens more have been the heartbeat of this season.
But here’s what’s changed: community need doesn’t stop when the leaves fall. And neither does generosity.
Today’s Campaign: All Year, All Ways
At Heart of West Michigan United Way, “campaign” now means something bigger. It’s not just a few months on the calendar. It’s a year-round movement powered by thousands of neighbors — people who give, volunteer, and rally together in ways big and small.
Some show up through corporate gifts that strengthen our safety net.
Others give through employee campaigns, pitching in a few dollars a paycheck.
Many give as individual donors, making personal commitments to our community.
Local companies step in with sponsorships and grants that match their values.
And nearly 5,000 people last year added the most valuable thing of all — their time, logging over 20,000 volunteer hours.
Why It Still Matters
If you’re new to campaign, here’s the simple version: it’s neighbors taking care of neighbors. Every gift fuels real impact in Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties. Together, we make sure families don’t lose their homes, young people find purpose, and our community can bounce back stronger from crisis.
If you’ve been part of campaign for years — maybe even decades — you already know the magic. You’ve seen how collective action changes lives. Campaign is as much about tradition as it is about transformation.
The Heart of Campaign
United Way’s annual campaign isn’t just a line item on your workplace calendar. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re donating through your first paycheck or continuing a 30-year tradition, you’re joining a movement that makes West Michigan stronger. And here’s the best part: campaign doesn’t end with the season. The door is always open.