EMERGING LEADERS UNITED

Through Emerging Leaders United (ELU), Heart of West Michigan United Way offers local professionals the opportunity to begin their philanthropic journey while building a network of like-minded and engaged citizens in West Michigan. Our local group is open to anyone in the community from their early 20s to age 40 who is committed to the overall well-being of West Michiganders and looking to invest in solutions to fight poverty.

Since 2015, Emerging Leaders United (formerly Young Leaders Society) has invested hundreds of volunteer hours and raised more than $200,000 for our community.

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    Volunteering

    Youth advocacy
    Supporting United Way initiatives
    Serving local agencies

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    Fundraising

    Community Grant Fund
    Emerging Leaders Microgrant
    Collection Drives

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    Networking & Personal Development

    Committee meetings
    Networking events with local leaders
    Social events

Our Mission and Focus

Emerging Leaders United is a group of local professionals committed to empowering youth in our community and investing in a more equitable West Michigan. 

Between organizing volunteer events and professional development opportunities, ELU serves our neighbors and increases awareness about relevant community issues to further United Way’s vision of creating a thriving community for all. 

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Microgrant Fund

The Emerging Leaders United (ELU) Microgrant Fund supports small, grassroots nonprofits in Kent County, Michigan, that focus on fighting the root causes of poverty in our community.

As part of ELU’s mission to give back to our community and become tomorrow’s philanthropists, our group of local young leaders crowdsource donations through peer-to-peer fundraising. We then award nonprofits with a one-time microgrant to support a particular project or expand the programming offered. This work helps develop our skills and increase our knowledge of working and advocating in the nonprofit sector as we prepare to become the next generation of changemakers.

Since the ELU Microgrant Fund is annual, the number of grants and award amount is flexible. Previous microgrants have ranged $1,500–5,000 per organization. We encourage applicants to request a specific amount, however, the award amount is subject to the committee’s discretion.

Be part of the change

When you give to United Way, we put your money to work through to support Emerging Leaders United’s mission and do the most for those in need. While giving isn’t directly tied to membership, it’s vital to the continued growth and success of United Way and ELU. 

We recommend a minimum $100 annual donation to support United Way’s Community Grant Fund. You can make a one-time gift, donate monthly, or use payroll deduction through your workplace campaign. 

Membership Benefits

  • Deepen your understanding of our area’s most critical issues and contribute to real change

  • Improve the lives of local young people, families, and individuals to help them become fulfilled and empowered

  • Access a strong network of local professionals, business/community leaders, and civically engaged residents across Greater Grand Rapids through networking and social events

  • Gain exposure to changemaking nonprofits and businesses in our community

  • Develop your own philanthropic goals and establish a strategy to achieve them alongside the group’s collective impact

Sponsored By:

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