2025–26 Community Impact and Financial Snapshot

Oct 8

Building A Thriving Community for All

Heart of West Michigan United Way brings together donor generosity, volunteer time, partnerships, and community resources, then puts them to work through investments, programs, and coordinated action.

This report captures the measurable results of that work across Financial Security, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Community Resiliency during the 2025–26 fiscal year.

WE INVEST IN PROGRAMS THAT WORK: 92% of our funded programs met their benchmarks — moving neighbors closer to a thriving life through greater stability, opportunity, and/or wellbeing

WE BUILD WHERE GAPS EXIST: VITA prepared more than 13,000 tax returns this year — a 38% increase from last year, expanding access to free, trusted tax help across all three counties

WE MOBILIZE WHEN IT MATTERS: $87,500 deployed in response to urgent community crises, including SNAP delays, the Allegan tornado, and a water crisis in Ottawa County

Creating Stronger Financial Futures for Every Generation

Among participants in funded Financial Security programs:

98% reported an increased understanding of how to resolve their housing crisis
99% maintained stable or permanent housing (12 months or longer)
90% of individuals maintained employment
(12 months or longer)

Improving Health and Wellbeing for All

Among participants in funded Healthy Community programs:

91% of individuals accessed legal, therapeutic, or crisis intervention services
98% reported access to affordable food
98% reported growth in social-emotional knowledge or character skills

Helping Young People Realize Their Full Potential

Among participants in funded Youth Opportunity programs:

100% of students gained greater access to reading materials
97% of students improved math and/or
science skills

Responding to Urgent Needs Today to Build a Better Tomorrow

Community Resiliency is advanced through year-round infrastructure including 211, volunteer mobilization, emergency response, and cross-sector coordination.

52,367 calls answered across 16 counties through our 211 Helpline
80% of callers’ needs met through personalized support and referrals
$77,500 deployed to help front-line food programs respond to SNAP delays
4,000+ volunteers mobilized to strengthen our community

Three Years of Community Investment

The Community Investment Process funds programs across Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Youth Opportunity. With this report, we mark the close of our 2023–2026 Community Investment Process grant cycle—one important part of how United Way creates impact. Over the past three years, these investments have addressed critical needs and strengthened wellbeing across West Michigan.

Together, let’s reflect on the impact made possible through this three-year cycle.

92% of programs in our Financial Security impact area met their benchmarks, advancing stronger financial futures for every generation
90% of programs in our Healthy Community impact area met their benchmarks, supporting improved health and wellbeing for all
91% of programs in our Youth Opportunity impact area met their benchmarks, helping young people realize their full potential