Community Compass | Spring 2024
a message from Michelle
Building thriving communities together: we are joining forces and uniting our resources.
Your trusted support and generosity have been instrumental in advancing the mission of Heart of West Michigan United Way, and I am grateful for your ongoing commitment to our shared vision of creating thriving communities across the region.
“ we now have the opportunity to sustain and build a legacy for the benefit of future generations.”
As we prepare to embark on an exciting new chapter in our organization’s journey, I am eager to share some significant news. In this spring edition of United Way’s newsletter, we will be highlighting a momentous development that underscores our dedication to maximizing our impact in serving the West Michigan community.
I am thrilled to announce the unification of Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties under one organization, marking a significant step forward in our collective efforts to address the evolving needs of our region. This reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing the efficiency and coordination of our services, ultimately enabling us to make an even greater difference in the lives of those we serve.
At the heart of this unification lies a profound truth: the impact we make today is not ours alone—it is the culmination of the efforts and investments of generations past. Just as those who came before us laid the groundwork for our work, we now have the opportunity to build a legacy for the benefit of future generations.
By uniting our resources, we honor the legacy of those who have paved the way, while also charting a course for a brighter future. Together, we are continuing the legacy that generations before us have ensured, and we have the power to be those trailblazers for generations to come.
As valued supporters of Heart of West Michigan United Way, your contributions are an integral to this journey. Your continued generosity enables us to further address critical issues, implement innovative solutions, and create lasting change
in the communities we serve.
While you are currently esteemed donors, I am excited to invite you to consider taking your commitment to the next level by joining our esteemed Legacy Society. Membership in the Legacy Society offers you the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the future of our organization and the communities we serve, ensuring that your philanthropic legacy endures for generations to come.
In the pages of this newsletter, you will find inspiring stories, insightful reflections, and compelling evidence of the
transformative power of your support. I encourage you to explore these articles and discover firsthand the profound difference that your generosity is making across West Michigan.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission and for your unwavering support of Heart of West Michigan. Together, we are creating a thriving community and brighter future for all.
With sincere gratitude,
Michelle Van Dyke
President & CEO
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Heart of West Michigan United Way and United Way of Ottawa and Allegan Counties are moving forward as a single regional nonprofit serving West Michigan. Now, we can have the greatest impact by working together as one regional United Way. Learn more >
Initiatives expanding to all three counties
As we expand and unify our reach across the region, we are excited to expand key initiatives to serve neighbors in Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa county. Because of our extensive network of local company partners and volunteers, and experience in leading large-scale community projects, we are prepared to extend services that will undoubtedly bring value to our neighbors at a larger scale and empower partners in the community to give back year-round.
Operation United
Stuff the Bus
Tax Assistance
Stuff the Sled
Day of Caring
LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT
Whether as part of your estate or part of your annual financial plans, there are many asset classes that serve as wonderful gifts to support United Way.
tocks and Bonds
Donating appreciated securities, including stocks and bonds, is an easy and tax-effective way to make a gift.
Insurance
A gift of a life insurance policy can be a wonderful way to support your charity. If you have a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose, consider making a gift of the policy.
Retirement Assets
Designating to United Way part or all of your retirement assets, such as a gift from your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457, pension, or other tax-deferred plan, is an excellent way to make a gift.
Charitable Bequest
A bequest is a gift made through your will or trust. It’s one of the most popular and flexible ways to support our mission. You can designate United Way as a beneficiary of your estate and gift a specific dollar amount, property, or a percentage of your estate’s residual value.
Real Estate
Donating appreciated real estate, such as a home, vacation property, undeveloped land, farmland, ranch, or commercial property, can make a generous and convenient gift.
If you have any questions about the ways to give please contact Kevin Nelson at knelson@hwmuw.org or (616) 828-0281.
Empowering Donors
The Rise of Donor-Advised Funds and Supporting Heart of West Michigan United Way
In recent years, donor-advised funds (DAFs) have emerged as a popular and effective charitable giving vehicle, providing donors with flexibility, convenience, and strategic impact in their philanthropy.
As more individuals and families embrace the power of DAFs, Heart of West Michigan United Way invites donors to consider leveraging this innovative tool to support their mission of creating thriving communities across Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties.
The Rise of Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-advised funds have experienced a significant rise in prominence within the realm of philanthropy, fueled by their simplicity, tax advantages, and ability to facilitate strategic giving. These funds, typically managed by public charities or financial institutions, allow donors to contribute cash, securities, or other assets and receive an immediate tax deduction. The donated assets are then invested and grown over time, with donors retaining the ability to recommend grants to their favorite charitable organizations.
Empowering Donors to Make an Impact
One of the key advantages of donor-advised funds is the empowerment they provide to donors in directing their charitable giving. Donors have the flexibility to support multiple charities, allocate funds to specific causes or initiatives, and time their grants to maximize impact. This strategic approach to philanthropy enables donors to align their giving with their values, passions, and long-term charitable goals.
Supporting Heart of West Michigan United Way Through Your Donor-Advised Fund
For donors who wish to support the vital work of Heart of West Michigan United Way, advising a gift from their donor-advised fund is a simple and impactful way to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in West Michigan. Here’s how:
3 | Authorize the Grant: Review and authorize the grant recommendation according to the procedures established by your donor-advised fund provider. This may involve submitting the recommendation online, by phone, or through written correspondence.
4 | Confirm Receipt of the Gift: Once the grant has been processed and distributed to Heart of West Michigan United Way, you will receive confirmation of the gift, along with any acknowledgment or receipt required for
tax purposes.
1 | Initiate the Grant Recommendation:
Contact the institution that manages your donor-advised fund and initiate a grant recommendation. Specify that you would like to recommend a grant to Heart of West Michigan United Way.
2 | Provide Necessary Information: Provide the name and contact information for Heart of West Michigan United Way, along with any additional details or instructions for the grant, such as the purpose or designation of
the gift.
Together, we can create a brighter future for all who call West Michigan home.
By leveraging their donor-advised funds to support Heart of West Michigan United Way, donors play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission of empowering individuals, strengthening families, and enriching communities across Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties. Whether through supporting education, health, financial stability, or basic needs initiatives, each grant from a donor-advised fund contributes to positive change and lasting impact in West Michigan.
As the popularity of donor-advised funds continues to grow, Heart of West Michigan United Way encourages donors to explore this flexible and effective giving vehicle as a means of making a meaningful difference in their community.
2024 MICROGRANT RECIPIENTS
“The Microgrant Fund allows us to amplify the impact of these grassroots efforts and partner in the meaningful change that benefits us all while giving a voice to the next generation of civic-minded leaders.”
Over the past five years, the Microgrant Fund has exemplified the spirit of grassroots philanthropy, distributing more than $30,000 to eight (8) deserving local nonprofits, as of 2024. These funds are catalysts for positive change, empowering organizations to expand their reach, enhance their programs, and make meaningful impacts on the lives of individuals and families throughout the region. This year’s recipients >
