BC/Kzoo General
American Rescue Plan Investments
“United” is the operative word in United Way’s name. Working together is how communities tackle the toughest issues. The collaboration between United Way BCKR and the City of Kalamazoo to invest federal dollars through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) is a powerful example. The city gave $1.1 million in ARP funds to United Way to…
Read MoreSeeding Grants
A new type of grant from United Way BCKR represents a crucial step toward more equitable funding of partners and programs. Known as Seeding Grants, the one-year, unrestricted investments of $60,000 each went to six organizations led by BIPOC leaders (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). Irene Muthui, Associate Director of Impact & Equitable Systems, said…
Read MoreUnited for Ukraine
The impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are devastating and far-reaching, and include additional risks of violence and discrimination for marginalized populations attempting to flee the country. We realize this is a difficult and worrisome time for those directly affected, and for everyone watching these events unfold. Here are some ways you can learn…
Read MoreBlack History Month Spotlight: Month in Review
This year in honor of Black History Month, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region invited staff and community members to reflect on and share their thoughts on who in Black history – past, present, local or global – has inspired them. Every Tuesday and Thursday during February, we shared these submissions on…
Read MoreArea United Ways Announce Merger
New United Way Organization Will Maintain Local Presence, Staff, Investments The merger of three United Ways based in south and mid-Michigan will bring exciting new opportunities to the region while strengthening local impact and maintaining their local presence. The boards of directors for Capital Area United Way, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo…
Read More$1 Million in Federal Funding Awarded
Seventeen Kalamazoo projects recently received federal grant dollars to support their work in addressing the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, in partnership with the City of Kalamazoo, deployed a total of $1 million – a portion of the City’s Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) State…
Read MoreWays to Celebrate MLK Day 2022
In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as such. The MLK Day of Service calls for Americans…
Read MoreRFP for EDI contractor
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and our partners United Way of Jackson County (UWJC) and Capital Area United Way (CAUW) have been on individual equity journeys over the past several years. As we continue to increase our collaborative work as a partnership group, we are in search of a contractor that…
Read MoreUnited Way BCKR office closure information
The United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo offices will be closed from Friday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 31, 2022. Year-end donations: If you would like to make an end-of-the-year donation, credit card gifts can be made via our website, www.changethestory.org. Or checks may be mailed to our Kalamazoo office at 709 South…
Read MoreSeeding Leaders grants support nonprofit leadership
United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is announcing the availability of 10 $2,500 mini-grants as a part of a new Seeding Leaders mini-grant opportunity. Intended to support the wellness, leadership, and/or professional development of nonprofit leaders, these grants will focus on leaders who identify as being Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC),…
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