United Way of Midland County officially kicked off its 2026 Community Campaign on September 14 during United We Read, bringing community members together to launch a campaign with a goal of raising $4.1 million to support local programs and initiatives that help Midland County residents thrive.
This year’s campaign is being led by Brendy and Anne Lange, who are calling on the community to come together during what is expected to be a particularly challenging fundraising year.
“We know this is a tough year,” said Brendy Lange. “People are feeling the pressure of the economy, businesses are navigating uncertainty, and there are significant questions about funding for communities and nonprofits across the country. We recognize that. But we also know Midland – and we know the strength of this community. When challenges arise, people here step forward, come together, and take care of one another.”
That spirit of coming together has a long history in Midland County. Some of the community’s strongest fundraising efforts have happened during some of its most tumultuous years.
“We’ve seen it before,” said Anne Lange, “Some of the toughest years our community has faced – like during the pandemic and the flood – have also been the years when Midland rallied and raised the most. We believe this can be one of those years again. We’re asking people to come together, give what they can and show what Midland County is capable of.”
United Way of Midland County President and CEO Holly Miller said the organization is grateful to have Brendy and Anne leading the campaign during such an important moment for the community.
“We are incredibly grateful to Brendy and Anne for stepping forward to lead this year’s campaign,” said Miller. “They bring a genuine love for this community, a deep belief in the people who call Midland home and a willingness to have the conversations that matter. They understand that this campaign is about so much more than reaching a financial goal – it’s about bringing people together around the belief that we all have a role to play in making our community stronger.”
The Langes’ connection to Midland is deeply personal. Originally from out of state, Brendy and Anne came to Midland through their careers at Dow. They chose to make Midland home and are raising their three daughters here.
“Our careers brought us to Midland, but the community gave us every reason to stay,” said Brendy. “It has been a wonderful place to raise our family, build lasting relationships and feel part of something larger than ourselves. We are grateful for all that Midland has given us, and we want to help ensure it remains a strong, caring community for every family who calls it home.”
That belief in Midland – and in the people who make this community special – is at the heart of this year’s campaign. Brendy and Anne want to build that spirit by welcoming more people into United Way’s work and helping them understand how every gift of dollars or time can make a difference right here at home.
“There are some common misconceptions about United Way that we hope to clear up this year,” said Anne. “We want people to understand that their contributions address real needs here in Midland County – and that every gift, large or small, can make a meaningful difference. Without adequate funding, essential services – from emergency food assistance to support for working families struggling to make ends meet – will not be possible. When those services are threatened, our entire community feels the impact.”
Myth: United Way dollars leave Midland County.
The Reality: United Way of Midland County invests ALL donor dollars into local solutions – and donors have a choice in where their gift goes.
United Way partners with 25 local nonprofits and community organizations to create opportunities for children and youth, strengthen financial security, improve health and well-being, and build community resiliency.
Donors also have the option to designate their gift to another United Way, to a specific impact area (like Youth, Healthy Community, Financial Security or Community Resiliency. They can also direct their gift to another eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their choice. United Way of Midland County honors donor intent and provides individuals with choices in how they direct their charitable support.
Myth: A large portion of my donation goes toward United Way overhead.
The Reality: Responsible stewardship and accountability are at the heart of how United Way of Midland County operates. We are thoughtful about how every dollar entrusted to us is both managed and leveraged, with a focus on maximizing impact in our community. Part of that stewardship includes a very low 4% management and general expenses.
“At United Way, every employee plays a role in creating impact—that’s what we do,” said Miller. “Our team works every day to build partnerships, foster innovation, mobilize resources, connect people to solutions, strengthen local nonprofits and create measurable, lasting change. We’re intentional about using the resources entrusted to us in ways that create the greatest possible impact. The value of that work goes beyond a financial statement—it’s reflected in the lives improved, the organizations strengthened and the communities made stronger because United Way brings the people and resources together.”
Myth: My gift won’t make much of a difference.
The Reality: Every gift helps United Way bring our community together to address local needs – and when thousands of people participate, those individual gifts become transformational impact.
Expanding participation is an important part of this year’s campaign. United Way and the Langes are focused on broadening the United Way network, welcoming new donors and reconnecting with organizations and individuals who may not have participated in recent years.
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is once again offering a .50 cent for every dollar invested for new and returning donors and for those who increase their gift. This is another way to amplify the impact for every qualifying donor.
In addition, the Dow Company Foundation has committed up to $100,000 in matching. The match is designed to encourage new and increased workplace giving, providing an opportunity for more local employees to join the United Way network while helping existing donors increase their impact.
The match will support three types of workplace campaigns:
- Increased Giving: Existing workplace campaigns that increase employee contributions from the previous campaign year will receive a dollar-for-dollar match on the increase.
- New Campaigns: New workplace giving campaigns will receive a dollar-for-dollar match on contributions.
- Returning Campaigns: Workplace giving campaigns that did not contribute in 2025 but return in 2026 will receive a dollar-for-dollar match on all contributions.
“These matches give us an incredible opportunity to bring more people into the United Way network,” said Brendy. “We hope longtime donors will continue their support. We also want to welcome people who have never participated before. Together, we can broaden the circle of people who understand the work, believe in the mission and have a stake in the future of our community.”
United Way is encouraging individuals and businesses to consider how they can participate – whether through workplace giving, individual donations, volunteering or simply learning more about the issues facing Midland County.
The funds raised through the campaign will support local programs and initiatives addressing some of Midland County’s most pressing needs, including Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency. United Way works with nonprofit partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify needs, invest in effective solutions and measure the impact of those investments.
“United Way is uniquely positioned to bring people together around the health and human service issues that matter most,” said Miller. “It is powered by people who believe that when we work together, we can accomplish more than any one person or organization could do alone. Brendy and Anne understand that, and we are so thankful for their leadership, their passion and their willingness to invite more people into this work.”
The 2026 United Way Campaign will continue through the end of the year.
“We’re asking Midland County to do what Midland has always done,” said Brendy. “Come together. Take care of our neighbors. Invest locally. And show that even in a tough year, this community can make an extraordinary difference.
Anne added, “We believe in Midland. We believe in the generosity of the people who live and work here. And we believe that if we come together, we can reach this goal and change lives along the way.”
2026 United Way Campaign Cabinet
United Way of Midland County is also grateful to the volunteer leaders serving on the 2026 Campaign Cabinet:
- Brendy and Anne Lange – Campaign Chairs
- Alex Jennings, Corteva
- Bob Balzer, Consumers
- Haseeb Moten, Dow
- Heather Litle, DuPont
- Jason Graves, MyMichigan Health
- Jeff Jaster, WMFC
- Joe Coffey, Home to Stay
- Kara Stark, Midland Public Schools
- Mary Draves, Community Advocate
- Meghan Watt, Dow
- Rachel Rivard-Miner, DuPont
- Tim Lacey, Community Advocate
The Campaign Cabinet provides strategic leadership throughout the campaign, working alongside United Way staff to promote the impact of local giving, engage workplaces and encourage community members to participate.
To learn more about the 2026 United Way Campaign or how you can get involved, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
