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Welcoming the 25-Year Employees’ Fund to United Way of South Central Michigan
United Way of South Central Michigan is honored to begin providing administrative support for the 25‑Year Employees’ Fund, an independent charitable fund that supports former Kellogg Company, Kellanova and WK Kellogg Co employees with 25 or more years of service who face hardship in retirement, as well as their surviving spouses or dependents. Founded in…
Read MoreShining Light on Volunteers: Residents Who Serve Community
United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) is spotlighting the community impact of volunteers by recognizing eight individuals for their thousands of hours combined of selfless service. “We’re shining a light on the amazing people and nonprofit partners who make a powerful, lasting difference in communities throughout our six-county region,” said Chris Sargent, President &…
Read MoreAnalysis 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…
Read MoreJackson 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)…
Read More211: 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,…
Read MoreCapital 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…
Read MoreVolunteers 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…
Read MoreUWSCMI 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…
Read MoreUWSCMI Celebrates ‘Notable Leader’ Stephanie Slingerland
Stephanie Slingerland has been named “Notable Leader in Philanthropy” by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. Slingerland is Immediate Past Chair of UWSCMI’s Board and the Chief Philanthropy Officer at Kellanova. She is among 28 philanthropic leaders from across West Michigan highlighted by Crain’s. “These individuals are changemakers, representing a diverse cross-section of nonprofits and philanthropic organizations,…
Read MoreInvitation Open for 2026-27 Community Impact Grants
United Way of South Central Michigan has released a Grant Guide and an invitation to apply for the 2026-27 Community Impact Grants, a 15-month cycle with funding available to eligible nonprofit agencies in Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson and Kalamazoo counties. The grants will support agencies that address the needs of people in financial hardship…
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