We bring it all together for the benefit of our entire community.

“ONE ORGANIZATION CANNOT ADDRESS ALL THE NEEDS OUR COMMUNITY FACES. United Way can provide solutions to these complex needs.”

Heart of West Michigan United Way is deeply rooted in our local communities and invests in understanding the complex needs of the people we serve. This understanding goes beyond surface-level issues, encompassing a wide range of challenges faced by community members, including economic, social, and health-related struggles.

While some issues may be more visible and receive more attention, we pay close attention to identifying gaps in services. Communities often experience disparities in the availability of services, where one critical need may be well-served, while another remains under-addressed.

Through our partnerships with a diverse network of local agencies and by collaborating with the local business community, we work to improve educational outcomes, address food insecurity, enable housing solutions, and support job training simultaneously. This approach acknowledges that addressing one issue often requires addressing others to create sustainable change in a person or family's life.

2022–23 COMMUNITY impact report

maximizing donations & funding programS

Our Community Grant Fund remains the core of our work. Our ability to fund a network of local nonprofits that are doing the boots-on-the-ground work and invest in long-term solutions along the way is made possible through our community's collective generosity.

COLLECTIVE GENEROSITY COUNTYWIDE

Our dedicated team of experienced fundraisers and community advocates nurture relationships with local businesses, foundations, and individuals to secure contributions.

  • Workforce Giving Campaigns

  • Corporate Contributions + Matching Programs

  • Private Individuals

  • Foundations

Every three years, a new grant cycle commences, during which nonprofit agencies from our community are invited to submit funding proposals

VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN + EFFECTIVE

  • Applications are meticulously reviewed by a panel of community volunteers

  • Volunteers assess each program for its maximum effectiveness

  • Selection of programs is based on their scores and the specific needs of our community

connecting people to the services they need

United Way's 2-1-1 connects people to thousands of services in our community. Services include food, shelter, utility assistance, disaster recovery, childcare, transportation, and so much more.

97,000+
CALLS annually

96%
Referral RATE

37% HOUSING related calls

Whoever you are, whatever your needs, 2-1-1 makes it easy to find help for yourself, a neighbor, or a loved one. LEARN MORE OR GET HELP

volunteer center

United Way's Volunteer Center in Kent County plays a pivotal role in facilitating volunteerism and serving as a hub for opportunities countywide. This service ensures that volunteers from all walks of life can find opportunities that match their interests and skills. You can make a positive impact on the community through various initiatives, including days of service, collection drives, and disaster response efforts.

putting millions of dollars back into the hands of those who need it most

Every year, millions in tax refunds go unclaimed by those who need them most. At Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout our community, United Way’s Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (KCTCC) helps working individuals and families achieve economic success through free tax services and financial literacy courses. 

106 MILLION
IN TAX REFUNDS

107,000+
TAXPAYERS

KCTCC clients often spend tax refunds locally for basic necessities such as food and clothing, home and car repairs, or medical treatment. LEARN MORE