United Way of Southwest Michigan Adapts Funding Cycle in Response to Changes in Funding Landscapes
In a bit of a ‘perfect storm’ scenario, United Way of Southwest Michigan President & CEO Anna Murphy said changes in the economy & workforce locally coinciding with the changes to federal, and eventually, state budgets, are making things exceptionally challenging. “Everything around us is quickly adapting and changing, so our organization’s sustainability mission for the future is to be agile and nimble with our processes. Whether that’s raising funds or making funding decisions, it’s all about closely following the need where it exists. As these potential changes become reality, we reassessed how we could best invest what funding we still have available to make the most impact in our communities.
After careful consideration, the United Way of Southwest Michigan volunteer-led Impact Committee, chaired by Maria Zavala, and Board of Directors, chaired by Tim Smith, have agreed with President & CEO Anna Murphy and Senior Director of Impact & Volunteer Strategies Debbie Ramirez to release funding in a one-year cycle. Decisions for funding were made for the current Impact partners that had submitted an application during the Letter of Intent process. These are organizations that were not new to United Way’s funding process.. A full list of programs allocated to United Way’s Impact Partners can be found at uwsm.org. The new funding cycle will take place July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Murphy stated that, “Together with our partners, we’re committed to building a strong support system so everyone in Southwest Michigan has what they need to thrive. United Way’s staff and volunteers are deeply rooted in this community, and we strive to meet people where they are. We do that best when we make thoughtful, responsible decisions that not only reflect the needs and hopes of our neighbors, but also honor the trust our donors place in us by being careful stewards of every dollar invested in this work.
“This plan felt like the most responsible thing to do. Every program is likely to face a challenge or shift, and investing in ones already making an impact feels like a solid decision in the face of uncertainty.”
Senior Director of Organizational Sustainability Zack East says United Way of Southwest Michigan is utilizing the guidance of the organization’s Strategic Pillars of impact, sustainability, relevance, and strong infrastructure to have deep discussions about how to best serve the community and stay impactful going forward, being highly responsive to continuing change, diversifying revenue streams and strengthening relationships, and continuing a record of strong governance from the Board of Directors.
East says “There is power in even just one person’s ability to help. Whether that’s doing volunteer work, using their voice as an advocate for our work and the work of our partners, their connection to decision-makers that can be changemakers, organizing an employee campaign at their workplace, or making an individual gift that helps us continue to fund the work being done in our three county area. Anything counts and all of it counts. And when the power of one is leveraged by the power of many, we’ll continue to make true impact.”
The first step to getting involved is at UWSM.org.
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs, and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community's most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocacy, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org
