PRIORITY FUNDING AREAS
Our cOMMUNITY GRANT fund remains the core of our work.
The Community Grant Fund invests in programs that align with our mission to reduce poverty in Kent County and our vision to create a thriving community for all.
PRIORITY POPULATIONS
We recognize low-income families and individuals in Kent County—including those residing in rural parts of the county, people of color, immigrants, refugees, veterans, those with disabilities, older adults, and returning citizens—disproportionally experience poverty and the effects of poverty. Therefore, we focus on funding solutions that effectively serve these priority populations and reduce disparities.
MORE THAN A GRANT
It's not just about the grant itself, but the power of collaboration and the ripple effect it creates. Building a network of partners allows for a more comprehensive and interconnected approach to serving the community.
The programs we fund fall into the following areas
Family Stability
Ensuring access to basic needs, including housing, food, mental and behavioral health, and family support services.
Economic Mobility
Expanding opportunity by providing youth and adults with financial literacy, job training and transportation.
EDUCATION
Empowering students with the resources they need to excel in the classroom and achieve their dreams.
Heart of West Michigan United Way is happy to announce the 2023–2026 Community Grant Fund recipients.
These organizations will help support programs that fit with our focus areas of Family Stability, Youth Education, and Financial Security.
70X7 Life Recovery
70x7 Life Recovery LEAP Program
Access of West Michigan
Congregation Connections
Arbor Circle
The Bridge of Arbor Circle
North County Family Skills and Stability
Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
ABVI Employment Initiative Program
AYA Youth Collective
Supportive Housing for Youth
Comprehensive Health Initiative for Homeless Youth
Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth
Youth Education Programs
Camp Blodgett
STEAM Programs
Community Food Club
Food Club
Community Rebuilders
HOME
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kent County
Court Appointed Special Advocates
D.A. Blodgett–St. John’s
Adoptive Family Support Network (AFSN)
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Workforce Development Services for Persons with Disabilities
Dwelling Place
Housing Support Services
Family Outreach Center
Seeking Safety for Black and Brown Males 14–24 Impacted by Violence
Family Promise of West Michigan & Mel Trotter Ministries
Pathway Home (PWH)
Girls Growing II Women, Inc.
L.I.F.E (Learning Important Fundamentals to Evolve)
Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc.
Certified Nurse Aide Training Program
Health Net of West Michigan
Addressing Food Insecurity through Transportation
Helping Our Adolescents Prosper (HOAP), Inc.
Parentpreneuer Program
Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Inc.
Holistic Approach to Family Support Services
Hope Gain Network
Hope from Home Mentorship Program
ICCF Community Homes
IDAs to Support Low-Income Homeownership
Financial Security for a Thriving Community
Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (KCTCC)
Tax Preparation and Financial Literacy Program
Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Legal Representation for Tenants Projects
Legal Services for Family Crisis
Literacy Center of West Michigan
Customized Workplace English
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan
Home Delivered Meals Program
Migrant Legal Aid
Ensuring Safe Housing for Migrant Workers
Migrants Overcoming Violent Environments
New City Kids, Inc.
Teen Life Internship Financial Security Program
New City Neighbors
Workforce and Leadership Development through Good Food
North Kent Connect
The Farm Stand
Our Hope Association
Increasing Access to Mental Health Treatment
Positive Impact for Life
Family Empowerment Program
Puertas Abiertas, Inc.
Fostering Mental Health and Awareness in Latinx Women
R 2 H Secure Living, CDC
Fixing My Finances Staircase to Money Management
Sacred Beginnings Transitional Homes, Inc.
Case Manager
Safe Haven Ministries, Inc.
Youth Violence Prevention
SECOM Resource Center
Culture of Health
Senior Neighbors
Senior Congregate Meals
Steepletown Neighborhood Services, Inc.
Early Childhood Educator Registered Apprenticeship Program
STEM Greenhouse, Inc.
Sustainable Agriculture, Gardening, and Ecology (SAGE) Program
The Other Way Ministries
The Other Way Market Co-op
The Salvation Army Social Services of Kent County
Housing Assessment Program
United Methodist Community House
The Fresh Market at UMCH
West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT)
Daytime Studios in STEAM
Adult Career Training Program
Women’s Resource Center
Empower Program
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Grand Rapids
Veggie Van Year-Round Mobile Farmers Market and Nutrition Education Initiative
Young Money Finances
Financial Empowerment Program
YWCA West Central Michigan
Domestic Violence Emergency and Transitional Housing
Our ability to fund a network of local nonprofits who are doing the boots-on-the-ground work and invest in long-term solutions is made possible through our community's collective generosity.