Our local communities are unique. They also share similar challenges and dynamics. By joining our United Ways regionally while keeping a local focus, we can deliver far more impact than ever before.
Analysis of Governor Whitmer Budget Priorities FY 2027
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s FY ’26-’27 Executive Budget Recommendation was presented to a joint meeting of the Michigan Senate and House Appropriations Committees. The $88.1 billion budget ($13.6 billion General Fund) includes limited tax relief, some tax and fee increase requests, a pull from reserves and limited new spending, mostly targeted at education programs. The new revenue would come…
Cereal Sale Returns to Benefit Battle Creek
WK Kellogg Co and Post Consumer Brands are celebrating National Cereal Day a day early with a cereal sale offering 10,000 boxes of cereal to benefit United Way of South Central Michigan. The two companies are again donating a variety of popular cereal brands that will be available for public sale at $2 per box…
Jackson Organizations Receive Disaster Relief Funding
In the fall of 2025, SNAP benefit delays prompted the activation of United Way of South Central Michigan’s Disaster Relief Fund in Jackson County for the first time. United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund proactively supports response and recovery during times of crisis – natural or human-made – that affect individuals and families below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed)…
211: More Than A Number
Today, February 11 (2-11), we celebrate National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the three-digit number that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in South Central Michigan. 211 is a free, vital resource for residents who need assistance with disaster, food, health care, mental health, insurance, stable housing,…
Capital Area Child Care Coalition Receives Renewed Funding to Strengthen Regional Child Care System
The Capital Area Child Care Coalition (CACCC), co-led by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCM) and Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!), and 70+ coalition members has received renewed funding to continue strengthening the regional child care system across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties. The renewed $100,000 investment is provided through the Regional Child Care Coalition Grant, administered…
Consortium Aims for Rapid Social Services Response When Disasters Strike Capital Area
A community disaster or crisis is never a question of “if,” but “when.” To better prepare, United Way of South Central Michigan has unveiled an effort to accelerate the Capital Area’s ability to meet social needs when disaster strikes. The Capital Area Disaster Response Consortium (CADRC) will link nonprofits, government agencies and businesses to meet…
Volunteers Sought as VITA Plans Free Tax Clinics
With the holiday season in full swing, many people are turning their thoughts to what comes after: tax season. United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) announced that it will hold free tax preparation clinics in early 2026 and is recruiting volunteers now to help those clinics run smoothly. “Every year, thousands of individuals leave…
Local Nonprofits Combine Strengths To Expand Emergency Winter Shelter Services
Two local nonprofits combining their unique strengths means a safe and warm place to sleep for many unhoused people this winter. Starting Dec. 1, Ministry with Community (MwC) and Housing Resources Inc. (HRI) are coordinating emergency overnight winter shelter services through March 31, 2026. Kalamazoo County, the City of Kalamazoo, and the Kalamazoo County Continuum…
Giving Tuesday 2025: Where You Can Give
Tuesday, December 2 marks the 13th annual Giving Tuesday. Started in 2012 by Henry Timms, Giving Tuesday is considered a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can transform communities. At a time when so many…
UWSCMI Invests in Small Business. Here’s Why You Should Too.
Emily Olivares (she/her/ella) is the Associate Director of Small Business at UWSCMI. Here at United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI), we invest in small businesses. We believe it is one of the most powerful ways to support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. Small businesses create local and accessible jobs, often offer flexible employment, keep dollars in the community, serve as neighborhood anchors, and provide opportunities…