As the third week of the United Way campaign comes to a close, the community continues to show their generous support. They are reporting pledges totaling $2,348,418 representing 50% of the overall campaign goal of $4.7 million.

In addition to corporations, local businesses, nonprofits and individuals who lend their support, local family foundations play a vital role in creating real and lasting change in the community. Their impact will be featured throughout the campaign. Today, we focus on The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.

In 2021, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation awarded a grant of $1,250,000 that matches 50¢ for each dollar invested for first-time donors or those who sustain or increase their gift to United Way of Midland County during the 2021 and 2022 annual fundraising campaigns.

“Our Trustees are honored to continue their investment in the vision that United Way created to unite our community,” shared Dr. Ruth Alden Doan, president and trustee of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. “We are grateful to be able to sustain this vital work by providing matching dollars to support gifts made by donors that share that vision.”

The Foundation was established by Grace A. Dow, in memory of her husband Dr. Herbert H. Dow, “for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes for the public benefaction of the inhabitants of the said City of Midland and of the people of the State of Michigan.”

“We celebrate our partnership with our family foundations along with their generosity and trust,” shared Holly Miller, President & CEO of Midland County. “In addition to the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation’s support, the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation are key partners in our impact work and their generous yearly support is vital to sustained impact.”

Businesses are making a big impact, showing their commitment to the community. Savant kicked off their campaign with an employee cookout. Staffers from United Way joined and presented to their group about how they can engage in the campaign. Other businesses are getting creative with their campaigns and encouraging others to join in. Throughout the month of October, MI Element Grains and Grounds are donating $0.25 of every pint sold to support the campaign.

The fun continues across the county as more organizations participate in the campaign and learn how their investment makes an impact. Gavin and Associates sponsored United Way’s event, The Chair Project, and have the chair artwork displayed in their lobby to help guests learn about the stories of our neighbors and how they were helped.

Many other organizations like Northwood University, Valley Electric, Bone and Bailey, Bricks Real Estate and Target kicked off their United Way campaigns this week with presentations from United Way employees.

“It’s inspiring to see so many local businesses showing their support for the United Way campaign,” shared Claudia Goad, 2022 campaign co-chair. “We live in a very generous community and knowing that support comes from individuals, family foundations, businesses, nonprofits, government and corporations…it really shows how our community rally’s together to lift up our neighbors in need.”

In one of United Way’s marketing materials, they pose the question “Have you ever skipped a meal so your kids could eat?” Their hope is that no community members suffer from hunger, but know the reality is that some of our neighbors skip meals to be able to feed their family, stretch what’s left in the pantry or put things back at the store every day. United Way believes that no one should have to struggle alone and that by rallying together we can provide hope.

Because of the community’s support, over 662,000 pounds of food were rescued and redistributed throughout Midland County by Hidden Harvest last year, equaling around 550,000 meals for individuals and families. By supporting the United Way Campaign, you can help ensure that everyone in Midland County has enough to eat.

Access to healthy food is one of 15 impact areas that funding from United Way supports.

Here’s what impact can look like:

  • $1 per week provides over 150 pounds of nutritious food for a struggling family
  • $5 per week provides a gas card for five cancer patients to travel for specialized care
  • $20 per week provides a match between a child and a caring mentor for a year
  • $50 per week provides materials for six wheelchair ramps

“Every gift matters,” said Kali Cochran, Director of Investor Relations at United Way. “Your gift joins with others from across the community and is invested in vital programs that inspire life change. When you support United Way, you are impacting people you live and work alongside.”

To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, read an impact story, or find help visit unitedwaymidland.org/2022campaign.

The 2022 United Way campaign will continue throughout the fall and everyone is invited to be a part of it.