United Way of Southwest Michigan Sets $3.5 Million Goal as Pacesetters Kick Off Campaign with 47% Increase
United Way of Southwest Michigan Senior Director Zack East mans a table with impact & donation information at opening day for staff at St. Joseph Public Schools in mid-August. St. Joseph Public Schools was one of five area organizations first to begin their 2026 fundraising efforts for United Way in August.
United Way of Southwest Michigan has set its annual community campaign goal at $3.5 million. Five local Pacesetter organizations have already given the effort a strong start, raising more than $74,600 together. That's a 47% increase over what those same organizations raised last year.
The goal reflects what United Way is hearing from nonprofits across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Funding requests are coming in at a high rate, and many local agencies have lost state and federal funding and are looking for new or expanded support to keep their programs going.
Money raised through this year's campaign will help fund programs at more than 40 local agencies. It also supports United Way's own work in the community, including the 211 resource hotline, the popular Volunteer United program that hosts programs like Rake a Difference, and the continued expansion of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation to qualifying households across all three counties and returns over $1 million to the local economy each year.
“We want to be upfront about what we're seeing. A lot of our local nonprofits have lost state and federal funding, and they're coming to us for help filling those gaps,” said Zack East, Senior Director of Organizational Sustainability at United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Three and a half million dollars is a big goal, but it's what the need calls for. Our Pacesetters just showed us what's possible when people step up early. Help starts here.”
To get the campaign off to a fast start, United Way brought back its Pacesetter program for the first time since the pandemic. Pacesetters didn't just give early, they gave more. United Federal Credit Union led the way, growing its local campaign 80% while adding 19 new donors. Vail Rubber Works grew 52%, with participation up 59%. St. Joseph Public Schools, running its first United Way campaign in several years, raised more than ten times what it did a year ago. Mid-West Family Marketing & Media and United Way's own staff both matched their support from last year. Together the five grew their combined giving 47%, with 140 people giving compared to 103 a year ago.
“I am very proud of how our employees responded to this year's United Way campaign. Taking on the role of a Pacesetter organization gave us an opportunity to lead by example, and Team United answered the call,” said Terry O’Rourke, President/CEO of United Federal Credit Union, which is headquartered in St. Joseph. “It was inspiring to see our employees come together to support causes that make a real difference in their own communities. That's what this campaign is all about; neighbors helping neighbors. Every gift, no matter the size, helps strengthen the places where we live, work, and raise our families.”
“We are proud of our employees that showed up to support United Way’s efforts to enhance the lives of others in our communities and make southwest Michigan a truly special place on the lake,” said Vail Harding, President & CEO of Vail Rubber Works.
For St. Joseph Public Schools, this was the district's first United Way campaign in several years, and staff responded right away.
“At St. Joseph Public Schools, our dedication to excellence extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and into the heart of the region we call home,” said Kristen Bawks, Superintendent of St. Joseph Public Schools. “Reaffirming our commitment to the United Way of Southwest Michigan is a natural reflection of our district's values. When we lift up our broader community, we create a stronger, more supportive foundation for every single student and family that we serve.”
That momentum carries into the fall, with several key workplace campaigns starting soon at Whirlpool Corporation, Indiana Michigan Power, Honor Credit Union, the County of Berrien, and Western Diversified Plastics.
Local employers can hold their own workplace campaign or give directly at uwsm.org. Employees who aren't sure when their organization's campaign runs can check with their HR department or email [email protected].
“Not everybody can write a big check, and nobody has to,” East stated. “Seven dollars a pay period is about $180 by the end of the year. That's four nights of shelter and meals for someone experiencing homelessness, or a backpack full of school supplies for six kids who need one. Pool that with what your coworkers give and it turns into something none of us could do on our own. That's the whole idea.”
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create and sustain 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, advocating, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org.
