Annual United Way campaign begins this week

November 28, 2023 (Volume 47, Number 7)
Article by Brian Vernellis

four people standing outside in Live United tshirts

Grand Valley's annual United Way campaign runs through December 8.

A partnership lasting more than 30 years continues with Grand Valley’s annual United Way campaign. Faculty and staff may make one-time contributions and payroll deductions via Grand Valley’s campaign webpage. This year’s campaign runs through December 8.

Pledges by GVSU faculty and staff have a profound impact on the Heart of West Michigan United Way’s mission to assist people and families across the region.

Last year, with the help of Grand Valley faculty and staff contributing $59,177, the Heart of West Michigan United Way was able to assist more than 64,000 people in the region. Through the three-decade partnership with United Way, more than $2.5 million has been pledged through employee contributions.

Grand Valley pledges have helped Heart of West Michigan United Way’s undertaking across three fronts — family stability, youth education and economic mobility — to eliminate inequity and elevate residents.

Over 30 years, more than $1.5 million of GVSU employee pledges has been invested in family stability programs across West Michigan and more than 1.1 million pounds of food has been donated or distributed.

GVSU contributions have also helped nearly 7,700 students participate in the United Way’s youth education programs and provided assistance in their economic mobility initiative. Eighty-seven percent of individuals enrolled in the United Way’s economic mobility programming either found employment or enrolled in school following completion of that initiative.

Visit Charity Navigator to learn more about Heart of West Michigan United Way’s financial health and its record as a top-rated, four-star organization.