Grantmaking, in one form or another, has been a part of United Way’s history for decades.

For a lot of people, it’s what we’re known for, and supporting our partners with funding is still a big part of how we drive impact. However, grantmaking alone won’t propel us to our community level goals of increased graduation rates, lower infant mortality rates, greater financial stability for households and basic needs met for all.

That’s where community initiatives and advocacy come in.

“In working toward our goals, we recognize that we’re working within systems, and those systems often throw up barriers,” said Laurel Clark, Associate Director of Community Impact with United Way. “That’s why community initiative work is so important.”

It’s an area where we can collaborate to bring many perspectives and voices to the table to look at policies, trends, funding decisions and other barriers affecting the people we’re trying to serve.

Here’s a look at just two of the more recent initiatives we’ve been leading:

Be Counted – Census 2020 hub

What it is: With Census 2020 approaching, United Way has taken the lead in Kalamazoo County, working as part of a statewide effort spearheaded by the Michigan Nonprofit Association to mobilize local nonprofits in encouraging census participation among undercounted populations. Grant funding and stipends have been made available to help organizations educate residents and remove barriers.

Why it’s important: Census data is used to drive $14.5 billion in federal funding to Michigan each year, and an accurate count ensures that communities receive equal political representation as well as public and private resources. Researchers have shown that for every uncounted individual, the state will lose $1,800 per year for 10 years in funding for things like healthcare, housing, infrastructure, school programs, community development and more.

Catalyzing Community Giving

What it is: United Way received a grant this year from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to be a partner in its Catalyzing Community Giving initiative. It is an effort that seeks to raise philanthropic dollars in communities of color while engaging donors around issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable children and families in those communities.

Why it’s important: “Our CCG work is an opportunity for us to build authentic relationships with communities of color in greater Battle Creek so that we can learn how to be better supporters of their successes,” said Community Impact Associate Nakia Baylis, Ph.D., who leads the CCG work for United Way. “Given that we fully recognize and acknowledge the structural barriers that create unique challenges for communities of color, we want to leverage our network and resources to help destroy those barriers and shift mindsets toward a more inclusive philanthropic framework.”

For a full list of community initiatives, visit our partners and programs page.

Check out some of our more recent advocacy efforts:
SNAP: Call to Advocate: SNAP rule change will mean more hungry families.

EITC: UWBCKR joins call to increase earned income tax credit

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