At the start of the 2025 Campaign, United Way of Midland County called on the community to come together to change the stories of our neighbors. Once again, Midland answered that call in an inspiring way; stepping forward with generosity, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping one another.
United Way is proud to announce that the campaign raised $4,431,015, surpassing its goal and providing critical funding for programs delivered by 25 local partner agencies across Midland County.
“Year after year, our community continues to show up with generosity and purpose,” said Colin Broom, Board Chair of United Way of Midland County. “This campaign reflects more than dollars raised; it represents trust in United Way and a shared belief that when we invest together, we can create meaningful, lasting change for our neighbors. I am continually inspired by the energy and dedication the United Way team brings to this campaign. Their unwavering focus on improving lives and strengthening our community is at the heart of every effort. It’s a powerful reminder that when passionate people unite around a shared purpose, that real and lasting change becomes possible. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a role in this success.”
The campaign’s achievement reflects a truly community-wide effort driven by local employers and their teams, corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, foundations, and individual donors – alongside a deeply committed group of volunteers who led, advocated, and inspired others to give.
The 2025 Community Campaign was led by J.W. and Yvonne Fisher, who served as Campaign Chairs, supported by an engaged and passionate Campaign Cabinet.
“This year’s campaign showed what’s possible when people lead with purpose and invite others to be part of something bigger than themselves,” said J.W. and Yvonne Fisher, 2025 Campaign Chairs. “The generosity we witnessed was incredible, and we’re proud of how this community came together to support our neighbors in meaningful ways.”
At the heart of the campaign was the Campaign Cabinet – a group of volunteers who served as ambassadors throughout the community. Many cabinet members participated for the first time or reengaged after years away, bringing fresh energy and new connections to the work.
These volunteers met one-on-one with company leaders, encouraged organizations to increase or restart workplace campaigns, and shared United Way’s story of impact across Midland County.
“Our Campaign Cabinet stepped up in extraordinary ways,” the Fishers added. “They led with authenticity, courage, and heart. Their efforts strengthened relationships across the community and made a measurable difference, not just in dollars raised, but in engagement and shared ownership of this campaign.”
United Way also extends sincere appreciation to the hundreds of additional volunteers who supported workplace campaigns, special events, and outreach efforts throughout the year.
Support poured in from every corner of the community. In total, nearly 125 organizations participated through workplace campaigns, special events, sponsorships, and volunteer engagement.
“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 spirit of generosity resonated 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 and returning donors were inspired to give. Many supporters demonstrated deeper commitment by joining the Tocqueville Society, Leadership Circle, and Young Leaders United.
New this year, the Dow Community Match provided up to $100,000 in matching funds for increased, new, and returning campaigns. United Way staff and campaign volunteers successfully secured the full match, amplifying the impact of local giving and encouraging broader participation. In total, 10 new companies participated for the first time, and nearly 35 showed their commitment to the community by increasing their giving this year.
“The Dow Community Match was a catalyst for renewed engagement,” said Miller. “It encouraged companies to lean in, grow their campaigns, and return to the table. Paired with strong volunteer leadership, it helped unlock the full potential of what our community could achieve together.”
United Way measures success by how lives are changed, and this work is never done alone. United Way partners with 25 nonprofit organizations, investing in 55 high-quality programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes each year.
Through collaboration, data analysis, and community listening, United Way ensures investments align with the most pressing local needs. Funding is directed across four focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency — recognizing that lasting change requires coordinated, community-wide solutions.
“Many people are surprised to learn how deeply volunteers are involved in funding decisions,” said Kim Stuhler, Associate Director of Community Impact. “Each year, volunteer reviewers dedicate dozens of hours to evaluating applications, outcomes, and impact data. Their thoughtful recommendations ensure every dollar invested is accountable, strategic, and truly making a difference for our neighbors.”
United Way’s allocation process is nationally recognized for its rigor and transparency. In addition, the Community Impact Strategy Team continually identifies emerging needs and explores opportunities to address service gaps across Midland County.
“One of the greatest lessons we learned as Campaign Chairs is how interconnected and collaborative United Way and its partners truly are,” the Fishers shared. “This campaign ensures those partners can continue meeting people where they are, today and into the future. We’re proud to stand alongside United Way and this incredible community.”
As United Way of Midland County looks ahead, the success of the 2025 Community Campaign serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when businesses, individuals, and volunteers unite around a shared vision.
“We are deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, company, and partner who made this campaign possible,” Miller added. “This was truly a community effort, and its impact will be felt for years to come.”
United Way of Midland County currently partners with the following organizations:
- 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan
- Affordable Housing Alliance
- 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
To learn more about the impact of our community’s generous support, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
