From volunteers improving community spaces to employees surpassing workplace campaign goals and foundations increasing their support, the 2026 United Way of Midland County Campaign continues to demonstrate the power of coming together to make a difference. At the end of Week 5, the campaign has raised $2,760,105 toward its $4.1 million goal, reaching 67% of the way there. These contributions reflect the generosity of individuals, businesses and organizations working together to help Midland County thrive.
United Way of Midland County brings people, organizations and resources together to address critical needs throughout the community. Through investments in local nonprofit programs, volunteer opportunities and collaborative initiatives, United Way works to expand opportunities for youth, strengthen financial security, improve health and well-being, and build community resiliency.
“United Way is about more than raising money. It’s about connecting people with opportunities to make a difference,” said Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “Whether someone gives their time, makes a financial contribution or helps bring people together around a community need, every act of generosity plays a role in building a stronger Midland County. We are incredibly grateful for the individuals and organizations who continue to show up for our neighbors.”
Recently, volunteers from Midland Evangelical Free Church spent their Sunday at Camp Neyati, helping prepare the camp for the winter season while completing several improvement projects. The team updated the kitchen hallway, replaced river rock around the Dome and cleaned up cabins in preparation for closing the camp for the season. Their work helps maintain Camp Neyati as a welcoming space for future campers and visitors.
At Midland County Educational Service Agency’s Longview Early Childhood Center, volunteers from Members First Credit Union and The Home Depot joined forces to bring the next phase of Project Wildflower to life.
Earlier this year, volunteers helped create a nature path at Longview during United Way’s Days of Action. This fall, volunteers returned to install the United Way Born Learning STEAM Trail, adding signs and activities that encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through hands-on learning.
Volunteers also installed benches around a large tree to create an outdoor learning space and painted a large concrete cylinder for children to play on and explore. These improvements will give students additional opportunities to learn, discover and connect with nature.
“Projects like these show what is possible when community members bring their time, talents and creativity together,” said Miller. “At Camp Neyati, volunteers are helping care for a place that creates meaningful experiences for campers. At Longview, they are creating opportunities for children to learn through exploration and play. We are thankful to every volunteer who helps make these projects possible.”
Workplace campaigns remain an important part of United Way’s annual fundraising effort, offering employees opportunities to learn about local needs, participate in special events and invest in their community.
Dow continues to build momentum in its campaign, reaching 62% of its goal. Employees have participated in bus tours to visit United Way partner agencies and learn more about the services available to Midland County residents. Dow also hosted its annual trivia event at Nord Social, where more than 50 employees participated. The winning team took home gift cards to Nord and, of course, bragging rights.
Three additional bus tours and the upcoming Elemental Evening event will provide more opportunities for Dow employees to learn about local nonprofit partners, volunteer and participate in the campaign.
Corteva recently wrapped up its workplace campaign, finishing above 100% of its goal with over 70% of employee participation. Employees participated in several fundraising and engagement activities, including a 50/50 raffle, a flower bouquet-building event and a “Pie the Leader” fundraiser that alone raised more than $3,500.
Corteva also provided employees with an opportunity to make a direct impact by hosting a mobile food pantry in partnership with the Eastern Michigan Food Pantry Network and the Midland County Food Assistance Network (MCFAN). Employees volunteered to pack food bags and distribute food to neighbors, helping connect local families with essential resources.
DuPont also celebrated a successful campaign, finishing at 104% of its goal. Employees participated in several special events to raise funds and awareness, including an “Anything in a Crockpot” lunch, a cornhole tournament, two golf outings and the organization’s annual basket raffle.
Members First Credit Union kicked off its campaign with a new initiative, United in Joy T-shirts, bringing a fun, recognizable element to employee participation. Members First is also matching employee donations dollar for dollar, helping increase the impact of employee generosity.
The statewide MyMichigan Health employee campaign has featured creative T-shirt sales that have raised more than $60,000, along with basket raffles and its popular parking spot auction. Their campaign continues through the end of October and is currently at 70% to goal.
Other local businesses continue to demonstrate their commitment to the campaign. In the Industrial Division, Fisher Contracting encourages employees to contribute during its annual team day, with Fisher Companies matching employee donations dollar for dollar. Local retail organizations supporting the campaign include Midland Ford Lincoln, Servinski Sod and All Seasons Heating, Cooling and Insulation.
Corporate contributions also play an important role in strengthening local programs. Capital Power contributed $10,000, while Consumers Energy supports the campaign through both a corporate contribution and an employee giving campaign, with its campaign support reaching nearly $15,000 this year. Windemuller and Snow Machines also provide generous corporate support.
PNC Foundation, Huntington Bank Foundation and Jackson Accounting continued their support, while Humburg Property Management joined the campaign this year. Humburg’s contribution will be matched dollar for dollar through the Dow Community Match.
The campaign’s impact extends beyond workplace giving. Individual donors, retirees, community leaders and philanthropic foundations all play important roles in supporting United Way’s work throughout Midland County.
The Dow Company Foundation has committed up to $100,000 in matching funds to encourage new and increased workplace giving. The match supports existing workplace campaigns that increase employee contributions, new workplace giving campaigns and returning campaigns that did not participate in 2025. Eligible contributions are matched dollar for dollar.
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is once again offering a 50-cent match for every qualifying dollar invested by new and returning donors and donors who increase their gifts, helping amplify the impact of their contributions.
The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation continues its longstanding support of United Way and its work in the community. The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation has also increased its support this year, further strengthening the community’s collective investment in local needs.
“We are so grateful for the support of our local foundations,” said Miller. “The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation are key partners in our impact work, and their generous, ongoing support is vital to sustaining programs and partnerships that help our neighbors thrive. These investments, alongside the generosity of individual donors and businesses, help us continue moving this work forward.”
Individual donors remain an essential part of the campaign. Retirees continue to demonstrate their generosity and commitment to the community, helping sustain the programs and partnerships that neighbors rely on.
The 2026 United Way of Midland County Campaign has a goal of raising $4.1 million to support local programs and initiatives focused on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency.
As the campaign continues, United Way encourages individuals and organizations to find their own way to get involved. Whether through workplace giving, an individual donation, volunteering or learning more about local needs, everyone has an opportunity to help strengthen the community.
“Midland County has a long history of coming together to take care of its neighbors,” said Miller. “We see that generosity in our volunteers, workplace campaigns, donors, foundations and community partners. Their commitment makes a difference today while helping build a stronger future for the next generation.”
Together, we can continue investing in the people, programs and partnerships that help Midland County thrive.
To learn more about the 2026 United Way Campaign or how you can get involved, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
