2026-27 Community Impact Grants

2026-27 Community Impact Grants is sponsored by United Way of South Central Michigan. These grants support eligible nonprofit agencies in Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson and Kalamazoo counties that address the needs of people in financial hardship and those who have been historically oppressed and marginalized.

Invitation Open for 2026-27 Community Impact Grants - United Way of South Central Michigan Facebook Linkedin Youtube Instagram Invitation Open for 2026-27 Community Impact Grants United Way of South Central Michigan has released a Grant Guide and an invitation to apply for the 2026-27 Community Impact Grants, a 15-month cycle with funding available to eligible nonprofit agencies in Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson and Kalamazoo counties.

The grants will support agencies that address the needs of people in financial hardship and people who have been historically oppressed and marginalized. “These grants are an opportunity to strengthen the work happening across our region,” said Andrea Macklin, Director of Community Impact – Investments and Community Partnerships.

“By supporting nonprofit partners that are creating opportunities in their communities, we’re advancing a shared vision of a place where every person can thrive.

” Proposals should highlight initiatives that lift our local communities in the following ways: Reducing racial and economic disparities Addressing the needs of Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households in the areas financial stability and basic needs Creating opportunities for every person to reach their full potential In pursuit of our vision- the creation of strong, caring communities where every person is valued, thriving and connected for the common good, UWSCMI has identified the following priorities for this invitation.

Healthy Communities: Often referred to as a “safety net,” supporting access to basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and childcare is more essential than ever. Financial Security: Our emphasis on building communities where every individual can thrive compels us topartner with organizations that empower ALICE to sustain a family and build financial opportunity for future generations.

We want to empower non-profits to help more adults thrive in a career, live in quality housing, and build generational wealth.

Youth Opportunity: Because building a long term foundation for thriving communities requires an investment in children and youth, United Way of South Central Michigan is dedicated to increasing the capacity of children- and youth- serving organizations that provide for their basic needs, offer safe spaces and experiences for them to grow and learn, and create settings where they are valued as individuals and connected to caring adults.

Community Resiliency: Additionally, UWSCMI strives to create a network of funded partners and collaborations that increases resiliency. As we face new and unanticipated challenges, United Way is committed to partnership with those who seek to build resilient communities that are more connected, supportive and ready to respond to any challenge.

Examples of UWSCMI investment in Community Resiliency include 211 Helpline and Disaster Relief and Recovery. Grant Period: July 1, 2026-September 30, 2027 Oct. 27: Application window opens Dec.

18, noon: Application submission deadline Jan-March 2026: Application review April 2026 : Grant selections finalized. Notification of awards will occur by May 1, 2026. For more detailed information, please download our Grant Guide, and reach out with any questions to communityimpact@uwscmi.

org .

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