Our History

In 1919, community leaders Ray Potter, W.H. Prudden, Frank N. Arbaugh, C.E. Bement, Donald E. Bates, and Charles W. Nichols were appointed trustees of what would become Capital Area United Way. The Committee of Organizations held the first community-wide campaign under the name Community Welfare Fund to benefit seven social service agencies. That first campaign raised $64,000 with support from about 3,000 contributors.

Over the next century, annual campaigns raised a total exceeding $300 million to meet the health and human care needs of the Capital Area. The organization embraced the United Way name in 1973. In the decades that followed, CAUW expanded its reach to serve the people of Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties. More than 3,000 local volunteers participate in various aspects of the operation and decision-making in the tri-county area.

Today, CAUW is part of an impact-driven regional organization: United Way of South Central Michigan, formed in 2022 through a merger with CAUW, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and United Way of Jackson County.

Capital Area News & Updates

White box on blue background with text that reads A statement from United Way South Central Michigan

A Statement from United Way of South Central Michigan

January 29, 2025

On January 27, the President issued an Executive Order halting payments from federal grants and loans to nonprofit and government…

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New Mobile Office to Bring Free Tax Preparation To Eligible Households in Lansing, Capital Area

January 27, 2025

A new, rolling tax preparation office will make it a little easier for eligible households in Lansing and beyond to…

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Close up of Caucasian little boy with family in refugee shelter eating sandwich and looking at camera

UNITED IS THE WAY HOME: Equipping Families in Capital Area

January 27, 2025

Note: During the month of February, United Way is mobilizing to raise dollars for initiatives and programs that address homelessness…

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Light bulbs hang down on a blue background. Text reads Utility Assistance, with United Way logo beneath.

Empowering Families, Brightening Futures: The Impact of UWSCMI’s Program Assistance Center

November 21, 2024

UWSCMI’s Program Assistance Center (PAC) does more than help light up houses through utility assistance; they also light up lives. …

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Figures at left depict people volunteering, with text at right tht says: Volunteer Fair, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volunteer Fair Coming Sept. 21 to MSU

August 29, 2024

United Way to Host Event at MSU Aiding Local Nonprofits LANSING – United Way of South Central Michigan will help…

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VITA: Tax Services With Purpose

August 6, 2024

Thousands of households in our region received more than $7 million in tax refunds and saved thousands in preparation fees…

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ALICE Report: Financial Hardship Rises

May 22, 2024

Today the Michigan Association of United Ways, in collaboration with United For ALICE, Consumers Energy Foundation and local United Ways…

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FEMA Grants Bring $466K For Local Relief

May 20, 2024

UWSCMI facilitated a grant process that provided $466,232 in federal funds to local organizations providing food, shelter and utility assistance…

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