Heart of West Michigan United Way

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,008,118 (2024)
• Number of Awards: 98 awards (2024), 80 awards (2023)
• Decision Time: Approximately 5 months (October application to March award letters)
• Grant Range: $10,000 minimum annually - No maximum stated
• Geographic Focus: Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties in Michigan
• Application Cycle: Every 3 years (multi-year funding)
• Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars with perfect 100 rating

Contact Details

Kent County Office:

• Address: 118 Commerce Ave SW, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Phone: (616) 459-6281
• Email: communications@hwmuw.org

Ottawa County Office:

• Address: 115 Clover St, Suite 301, Holland, MI 49423
• Phone: (616) 396-7811

Allegan County Office:

• Address: 650 Grand Street, Allegan, MI 49010
• Phone: (269) 673-6545

Website: www.hwmuw.org

Overview

Founded in 1917 as a Community Chest, Heart of West Michigan United Way (EIN: 38-1360923) has served West Michigan for over a century. The organization distributed $6,008,118 in grants in 2024 across 98 awards to nonprofit partners throughout Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties. Their mission is to unite community resources to invest in solutions that reduce poverty in West Michigan, with a vision of creating a thriving community for all. The organization operates with exceptional financial stewardship, maintaining administrative and fundraising costs at just 12% while earning the highest rankings from both GuideStar and Charity Navigator. Heart of West Michigan United Way takes a distinctive approach by conducting a community-wide grant process every three years, investing in high-impact community partners and transformative solutions that address root causes of poverty. The 2023-2026 grant cycle notably doubled the number of funded agencies led or founded by people of color, increasing from 9 to 18 organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Investment Process (Main Grant Program)

• Amount: Minimum $10,000 annually per application; no maximum
• Duration: 3-year funding cycle (current cycle: 2026-2029)
• Method: Competitive application through e-CImpact platform
• Application Limit: Organizations may submit maximum of 2 applications regardless of impact area
• Next Deadline: October 3, 2025, by 10 PM (for 2026-2029 cycle)

The Opportunity Initiative

• Amount: Not specified; 1-year grant
• Target: Small organizations with annual revenue under $100,000
• Focus: Capacity building through workshops and networking
• Added Value: Knowledge and skills development for small grassroots nonprofits

Emerging Leaders United Microgrant Fund

• Amount: $1,500 - $5,000 per organization (one-time grant)
• Target: Small, grassroots nonprofits in Kent County
• Focus: Support for specific projects or program expansion
• Method: Peer-to-peer fundraising by young leaders group
• Recent Recipients (2024): Girls Growing II Women, The Barn for Equine Learning

Priority Areas

Heart of West Michigan United Way funds programs across three core impact areas, which encompass six specific issue areas:

Financial Security

• Employment and workforce development programs
• Career advancement initiatives
• Economic stability projects
• Programs breaking down barriers to financial security
• Tax assistance (VITA) programs
• 2023-2026 Recipients include: 70x70 Life Recovery, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Goodwill Industries, HOAP Inc. Hope Gain Network, Kent County Tax Credit Coalition, Literacy Center of West Michigan, New City Kids, New City Neighbors, West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology, Women's Resource Center, Young Money Finances

Healthy Community

• Food Security: Programs increasing access to safe, equitable, affordable, and nutritiously diverse food

  • 2023-2026 Recipients: Community Food Club, Health Net of West Michigan, Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, North Kent Connect, SECOM, Senior Neighbors, The Other Way Ministries, United Methodist Community House, YMCA

• Mental/Behavioral Health: High-quality mental health services, particularly integrated services for non-Medicaid recipients

  • 2023-2026 Recipients: AYA Youth Collective, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Our Hope Association, Positive Impact for Life, Puertas Abiertas, Sacred Beginnings

• Family Crisis: Programs addressing family violence through prevention, diversion, immediate crisis intervention, and long-term solutions

  • 2023-2026 Recipients: Arbor Circle, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), DA Blodgett-St. John's, Family Outreach Center, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Migrant Legal Aid, Safe Haven Ministries

• Housing: Programs addressing immediate housing crises and those focused on obtaining and maintaining stable, affordable, and safe housing

  • 2023-2026 Recipients: Access of West Michigan, Arbor Circle, AYA Youth Collective, Community Rebuilders, Dwelling Place, Family Promise & Mel Trotter Collaboration, ICCF Community Homes, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Migrant Legal Aid, The Salvation Army, YWCA

Youth Opportunity

• STEM education programming
• Youth education initiatives

Special Focus: ALICE Households Programs serving households below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold are prioritized. In the service area:

• 36% of households struggle to afford basic needs
• 54% of Black households are below the ALICE threshold
• 72% of single mothers live below the ALICE threshold
• 42% of children live in households struggling financially
• A single parent must earn at least $45,640 annually (more than twice the federal poverty level) to meet a family's basic needs

Transformative Solutions Criteria

The organization prioritizes solutions that:

• Address root causes of poverty, not just symptoms
• Strengthen systems
• Break down barriers
• Elevate community voice
• Create lasting momentum
• Are data-driven and experience-based
• Demonstrate collaboration across organizations
• Serve historically excluded communities

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the application notes that:

• Faith-based organizations can apply only if they do not proselytize or require clients to adhere to specific beliefs
• Programs must align with their six issue areas
• Organizations must serve residents of Allegan, Kent, or Ottawa counties
• Funds raised in each county are allocated back to that specific county

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Michelle Van Dyke - President & CEO Michelle transitioned to Heart of West Michigan United Way after more than 30 years in executive leadership positions at Old Kent Bank and Fifth Third Bank. On her career change, she stated: "I have always thought that I would run a nonprofit as a second career when I was done with banking. This was the right opportunity at the right time." She brings a business leadership perspective to the organization, noting: "Just being a business leader for 30 years — that's really the biggest benefit to an organization like the Heart of West Michigan United Way. I can come in and, through a different lens, lead this organization through strategic planning." On measuring impact, she explained: "We look at not how many loans did I make yesterday, but how many lives do we impact. That's a very, very similar way to look at things in terms of outcomes."

Key Staff

Community Impact Team:

• Liz De Laluz - VP of Community Impact
• Brianne Jurs - Community Impact Manager
• Suzanne Moody - Community Impact Manager
• Lynsey Comeau - Community Impact Data Manager

Donor Strategy & Engagement Team:

• Nick Brouwer - VP of Corporate Engagement
• Kevin Nelson - Director of Donor Development
• Heather Hutchison - Director of Marketing
• Maribeth Groen - Director of Events & Public Relations

Internal Programs Team:

• Jess Verville - 211 Director
• Brenda Brame - VITA Program Manager
• Alyssa Bryan - Family Stability Program Manager

Administration & Finance Team:

• Manifa Dennison - Director of Accounting
• Gretchen Mousel - Director of Fiduciary Services
• Kyria' Phenix - Human Resources Manager

Campaign Cabinet:

• Cameron Young (Behler-Young Company) - Leadership Circle & Major Gifts Chair and Campaign Cabinet Chair Emeritus

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Pre-Qualification

• Deadline: September 8, 2025, at 10 PM
• Must be completed to access the application
• Organizations that miss this deadline cannot apply

Step 2: Application Submission

• Platform: e-CImpact (United Way's free reporting platform)
• Opens: September 9, 2025
• Deadline: October 3, 2025, at 10 PM
• Limit: Maximum 2 applications per organization, regardless of impact area
• Collaborative applications are accepted

Step 3: Preparation Resources

• Information Sessions: August 6-20, 2025
• Scorecard and application outline available on website
• Contact Community Impact staff for questions specific to each impact area

Decision Timeline

• August 6-20, 2025: Information sessions for applicants
• September 8, 2025: Pre-qualification deadline (10 PM)
• September 9, 2025: Applications open
• October 3, 2025: Applications due (10 PM)
• October-January 2026: Volunteer reviewer evaluation
• January 27, 2026: Recommendations presented to Board of Directors
• Week of February 23, 2026: Award notifications begin
• March 2, 2026: Award letters sent
• April 13, 2026: Agreements published
• July 1, 2026: Funding begins (estimated)

Total Timeline: Approximately 5 months from application to decision

Success Rates

For the 2023-2026 funding cycle:

• 95 programs applied
• Grant recipients were selected through evaluation by 47 community volunteer reviewers
• 80 awards made in 2023, 98 awards in 2024
• The 2023-2026 cycle saw 18 agencies led or founded by people of color receive funding, doubling from the previous cycle

Reapplication Policy

The Community Investment Process occurs every three years. Organizations receiving multi-year funding (2026-2029) will need to reapply when the next cycle opens. Annual funding during the three-year cycle is dependent upon:

• Subsequent United Way fundraising results
• Partner agency submission of timely mid-year reports (January)
• Partner agency submission of timely annual outcomes reports (July)

Failure to submit required reports may jeopardize continued funding during the grant cycle.

Application Success Factors

Understanding Their Evaluation Process

Applications are scored by volunteer reviewers recruited across multiple sectors, with expertise and/or lived experience in United Way's priority areas. The organization provides a scorecard to agencies that shows exactly how applications will be evaluated. Attend information sessions to understand the parameters, scorecard, and submission system.

Demonstrate Transformative Impact

Heart of West Michigan United Way explicitly seeks "transformative solutions" rather than Band-Aid approaches. CEO Michelle Van Dyke emphasizes outcomes: "We look at... how many lives do we impact." Your application should clearly demonstrate how your program:

• Addresses root causes of poverty, not just symptoms
• Strengthens systems rather than working around them
• Creates lasting change and momentum
• Elevates community voice in solutions

Show You Understand ALICE

The organization centers its work around serving ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. Strong applications demonstrate understanding that:

• 36% of households in the three-county area struggle to afford basic needs
• Your target population likely includes working families who earn too much for public assistance but not enough for stability
• Black and Hispanic households face disproportionate challenges
• Single mothers are particularly vulnerable (72% below ALICE threshold)

Emphasize Collaboration

The organization values "collaborative approaches across organizations." If your program partners with others or works within broader systems change efforts, highlight this clearly.

Use Data and Lived Experience

Successful applications are "data-driven and experience-based." Balance quantitative outcomes data with qualitative stories and incorporate input from those with lived experience of the issues you're addressing.

Reflect on Recent Funding Priorities

The 2023-2026 cycle doubled the number of agencies led or founded by people of color. This suggests the organization is actively working to fund diverse leadership and reach historically excluded communities. If your organization is led by or serves communities of color, make this visible in your application.

Meet All Technical Requirements

• Submit through e-CImpact platform (technical competence matters)
• Request at least $10,000 annually
• Complete pre-qualification by September 8 deadline
• Keep to 2-application maximum
• Clearly state which county residents you serve (funds are allocated by county)
• Demonstrate capacity to report outcomes twice yearly
• Be prepared to support United Way's fundraising campaign if funded

Leverage Information Sessions

The organization offers information sessions in August before applications open. Attending demonstrates commitment and provides insider knowledge about evaluation criteria. These sessions typically cover:

• Application parameters
• Detailed scorecard explanation
• Introduction to submission system
• Direct access to Community Impact staff

Build Relationships with Community Impact Team

The Community Impact team includes managers with specific expertise. Reach out with questions about your specific impact area before applying. This isn't just to get information—it's to build relationship and show you're serious about partnership beyond the grant.

Focus on County-Specific Impact

Remember that "funds raised in each county will be allocated in that county." Make it crystal clear which county residents you serve and the specific impact in that geography.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Three-year cycles mean high stakes: With funding cycles every three years and 3-year awards, this is a major opportunity worth significant preparation time. Missing the October 3, 2025 deadline means waiting until approximately 2028 for the next cycle.

• Root causes over Band-Aids: The organization explicitly seeks "transformative solutions" that "address root causes of poverty." Applications focused only on emergency services without systems-change components are less competitive.

• ALICE is central to everything: Understanding and serving ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is fundamental to this funder's mission. Strong applications demonstrate deep understanding of this population.

• Community voice matters: Volunteer reviewers with lived experience evaluate applications. Write for both expert reviewers and those with direct experience of poverty, not just foundation program officers.

• Pre-qualification is mandatory: The September 8, 2025 pre-qualification deadline is firm—miss it and you cannot apply. Mark calendars now.

• Information sessions provide insider knowledge: The August 2025 information sessions offer access to the scorecard, application parameters, and Community Impact staff. Attendance is not required but highly strategic.

• County-specific allocation: Funds raised in Kent County stay in Kent County. Make your geographic service area and impact crystal clear, especially if you serve multiple counties.

References

1. Heart of West Michigan United Way Official Website. "Community Investment Process." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.hwmuw.org/investment-process

2. Heart of West Michigan United Way Official Website. "Community Investment Application." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.hwmuw.org/partner-application

3. Heart of West Michigan United Way Official Website. "Community Grants and Partnerships." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.hwmuw.org/community-grants-and-partnerships

4. Heart of West Michigan United Way Official Website. "ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.hwmuw.org/alice

5. Heart of West Michigan United Way Official Website. "Our Team." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.hwmuw.org/team

6. Heart of West Michigan United Way Official Website. "Finances." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.hwmuw.org/finances

7. Heart of West Michigan United Way Official Website. Homepage. Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.hwmuw.org/

8. Instrumentl. "Heart of West Michigan United Way | 990 Report." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/heart-of-west-michigan-united-way

9. Charity Navigator. "Rating for Heart of West Michigan United Way." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/381360923

10. WOOD Radio. "Local United Way announces 2023-2026 Community Grant Fund recipients." July 26, 2023. Accessed February 9, 2026. https://woodradio.iheart.com/featured/wood-radio-local-news/content/2023-07-26-local-united-way-announces-2023-2026-community-grant-fund-recipients/

11. Crain's Grand Rapids Business. "Michelle Van Dyke, CEO, Heart of West Michigan United Way." Interview by Mark Sanchez. Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/question-answer/michelle-van-dyke-ceo-heart-of-west-michigan-united-way/

12. Candid (Foundation Directory). "HEART OF WEST MICHIGAN UNITED WAY | Foundation Directory." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=HEAR049

13. GuideStar. "HEART OF WEST MICHIGAN UNITED WAY - GuideStar Profile." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-1360923

14. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Heart Of West Michigan United Way - Nonprofit Explorer." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/381360923

15. Cause IQ. "Heart of West Michigan United Way (HWMUW) | Grand Rapids, MI." Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/heart-of-west-michigan-united-way,381360923/