At the beginning of the campaign, United Way called on the community to come together to change the stories of our neighbors. They shared that once again, our community stepped up to answer that call in an inspiring way, showing their commitment to supporting one another, offering help and hope.
United Way is thrilled to announce they have raised $4,555,852 to support the vital community programs provided by their 24 partner agencies.
“Every year, many folks invest in the community campaign, showing their trust and confidence in United Way,” shared Wally Mayton, United Way of Midland County Board Chair. “We are so proud of how our community came together to raise the necessary dollars to support our partners. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we can’t thank our community enough for joining us in providing the resources to fund these vital programs and services.”
The community campaign was led by Tim Lacey, Vice President and General Manager at DuPont.
“When we kicked off the campaign in the fall, my hope was to inspire those around me to join in with their heads, hands and hearts,” shared Tim Lacey, 2024 Campaign Chair. “I am so pleased by how this community leaned in offering financial support, volunteering their time and speaking out for those without a voice. I am honored to have led the campaign and am humbled by the way businesses, corporations, individuals, foundations and non-profits showed their support. The care this community has for each other is clear and, because of you, we’re able to ensure help is available to those that need it most.”
United Way reports that support poured in from every corner of the community. In total, nearly 125 organizations supported the United Way campaign through workplace campaigns, special events, sponsorships and volunteering.
The numbers speak to the heart of this community, said Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County.
“Each year, I’m truly amazed by the unwavering support of our community,” said Miller. “We are deeply grateful for every contribution. Every gift makes a difference and will be used to enhance the lives of our neighbors. While individual efforts have an impact, it’s when we unite that real change occurs, bringing hope to so many. This year’s campaign is another testament to the care and compassion that define our community.”
The giving spirit of the community rang throughout Midland County. With a generous matching grant from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and a clear message of need, hundreds of new donors were inspired to give. Many United Way supporters gave generously by joining the esteemed Tocqueville Society, Leadership Circle and Young Leaders United, demonstrating their commitment to truly changing lives.
United Way measures success in how lives are changed, and they do not do this work alone. In addition to working with local corporations, businesses, nonprofits, foundations and individuals, they partner with 24 dedicated nonprofits and invest in 55 quality programs that show measurable outcomes every year. Together, they create new solutions to pressing problems and join with people from all walks of life to put those solutions into action.
United Way listens, asks questions and analyzes data to ensure that their issue areas are aligned with the most pressing needs. Dollars are invested in programs in the areas of Youth Success, Health and Household Stability because change is bigger than a single organization or program.
“Many people don’t realize is that a team of volunteers determines allocations each year,” shared Kim Stuhler, Associate Director of Community Impact. “Our volunteer panels devote over 20 hours each to reviewing applications, assessing outcomes and posing questions to our partners. Based on what they learn, they make funding recommendations to the United Way board.”
The allocation process is best-in-class and digs deep into the funded programs to ensure that there is a high level of accountability and that all investments demonstrate measurable impact in the community. United Way’s Community Impact Strategy Team also explores gaps in health and human service needs and makes suggestions for other impact projects and potential gap areas.
To see the entire list of partner agencies and programs they support, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
United Way of Midland County Partner Agencies
- 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan
- American Red Cross East Central Bay
- Arnold Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region
- Cancer Services
- Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
- Family & Children’s Services
- Greater Midland Coleman Family Center
- Greater Midland Community Center
- Greater Midland North Family Center
- Hidden Harvest
- Home to Stay
- Legacy Center for Community Success
- Midland Child Advocacy Center
- Midland County ESA
- Midland County Food Assistance Network
- Midland County Habitat for Humanity
- Senior Services
- Shelterhouse
- Ten16 Recovery Network
- The Arc of Midland
- The Rock Center for Youth Development
- The Salvation Army
- West Midland Family Center
“Because of our community’s generosity, United Way partners and the programs they offer will be there to help our neighbors,” Lacey said. “Each of us has the opportunity to step up and make a difference and this campaign we truly witnessed that happening. There are so many in our community counting on us, and I’m proud that together we are offering them hope. Lives will be changed and we cannot thank you enough.”
To learn more about the impact of our community’s generous support, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
