ANN ARBOR, Mich. – United Way for Southeastern Michigan has given 14 nonprofit organizations in Washtenaw County $450,000 in grants to help support their community-focused missions.
Recipients tackle different community problems including food security, homelessness, healthcare and violence prevention.
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Two different types of grants were awarded based on whether an organization offered help with “basic needs” or if it fought to improve racial equality.
“These grants demonstrate United Way’s longstanding commitment to families in Washtenaw County and address the strain that rising costs and the end of many pandemic-era supports have put on household budgets,” said United Way for Southeastern Michigan Basic Needs Director Emily Mueller.
“We are proud to support these organizations as they work to help individuals and families get out of crisis and stay out.”
Around $225,000 was awarded to seven nonprofits in the form of Basic Needs grants, which are aimed at helping organizations fill in the gap in post-pandemic services as food and housing insecurity increased. Basic Needs grants range from $15,000-$40,000.
Nearly 40% of Washtenaw County families struggled to stay afloat with basics like childcare, groceries and paying for utilities, according to United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2023 Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report.
“As the cost-of-living soars, we have seen a record number of households visiting our pantry in 2024 and families on the shelter waitlist continue to wait months for housing,” said Rhonda Weathers, the executive director of grant recipient SOS Community Service. “We are so thankful for United Way’s support for families in our community who are struggling.”
Another seven organizations were awarded $200,000 in funds from the Racial Equity Fund, which gives unrestricted grants to BIPOC-led organizations empowering them to reach their goals of fostering community equity.
The Fund consists of local community members and focuses on what United Way described as “real life experiences” of Southeast Michigan.
“We are so excited to expand our DEI efforts in Washtenaw County. The investments made through our Racial Equity Fund help to address systemic issues, strengthen the resilience and capacity of organizations disproportionately affected by social and economic disparities and in turn, help to build a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive,” said Tonya Adair, chief development, diversity & engagement officer in a release.
Racial Equity Fund grants range from $10,000 - $50,000. Since 2022, around 49 organizations with BIPOC executive leadership have been supported by the Fund.
Grant Winners:
Basic Needs
- Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
- Faith in Action
- Food Gatherers
- Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Inc.
- Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
- SOS Community Services
- Washtenaw Health Plan dba Washtenaw Health Project
Racial Equity Fund
- A Servant’s Heart
- Care-Based Safety
- Michigan Prison Doula Initiative
- Survivors Speak
- Youth Arts Alliance
- Our Village
- Mexiquenses Unidos de Michigan
“The United Way for Southeastern Michigan Racial Equity Fund has provided Michigan Prison Doula Initiatives an unprecedented and unbelievable opportunity to support those who support so many,” said Michigan Doula Initiative Executive Director Tedda Hughes. “Because of this grant, MPDI will, at long last, be able to offer doula-centered and chosen self-care to caregivers who have worked in the field for decades, never expecting care in return. Thank you to everyone at United Way of Southeastern Michigan, from the bottom of our hearts”.
Learn more about the Racial Equity Fund through United Way of Southeastern Michigan here.