United Way advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health.  These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.

Our investments in the community are strategic and focused for the greatest impact.  We carefully assess all agencies and programs receiving United Way funding to ensure they meet our performance criteria.  Agencies also undergo an in-depth financial and program management review by experienced volunteers.

Our Work Includes

• Community leadership: We lead the community in understanding and eliminating the cause of community problems so we can improve the quality of life for people in West Michigan.
• Collaboration: We bring together donors, volunteers, labor, businesses, government, agencies that provide services, the faith-based community, education, and people who need services.
• Fundraising: We are grateful for the support of more than 35,000 donors who contribute their personal and/or company resources to the work of Heart of West Michigan United Way.
• Volunteer Recruitment: While financial contributions are essential to the work of United Way, we also know that volunteers are critical to making a difference. We help match volunteers with positions in our community.
• Programs and Services: In addition to funding programs, we operate United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral program, the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition, and the Schools of Hope reading tutor program.  We also are a founding funder of and house First Steps, a community collaborative dedicated to growing every child's potential. 
• Fund distribution: We work in collaboration with more than 60 local nonprofit agencies that provide direct services to families and individuals. More than 50 volunteers review and make recommendations for program funding.
• Management and Accountability: We are committed to ensuring contributions are invested in the most effective way possible to provide maximum results.