United Way Invests Additional $5M for Greater Tri-county Impact

United Way for Southeastern Michigan announces new summer investments of $5 million in grants to agencies providing crucial tri-county programming and services for individuals and families. The announcement follows a multi-RFP process for agencies to partner with United Way in supporting community efforts that improve quality of life. Funding from the grants will focus on improving access to the safety net, increasing opportunities for out-of-school educational opportunities and increasing financial stability and economic mobility. More than 200 area agencies participated in the highly competitive RFP process geared toward supporting undeserved communities. United Way’s latest round of investments coupled with community investments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, totals more than $30 million for impact across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

As a result of United Way’s RFP process grants ranging from $13,300 to $255,000 are being awarded to 61 tri-county agencies. These investments intend to increase capacity for mental health services and housing first programs; expand access to fresh foods in key communities; enhance workforce training with integrated financial literacy; expand children’s access to S.T.E.M. enrichment programming; and more.

“Community investments allow us to build on the success of current agency partnerships and develop new ones with some of the most effective agencies throughout the tri-counties,” says Tonya Adair, chief impact officer, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Our goal is to provide opportunities to increase access to what families need to thrive. Coupled with investments planned throughout the year, United Way continues to stand firm in its commitment toward improving lives and communities in lasting ways.”

Some of United Way’s newest grant awardees include Big Green in Detroit; Chaldean Community Foundation in Dearborn; and World Medical Relief in Highland Park. Among the largest grant awardees with regional impact are Salvation Army, Goodwill, and ACCESS.

United Way’s tri-county impact strategy is annually supported by individual donors as well as funding from corporations and foundations. For more information about United Way for Southeastern Michigan, its tri-county impact strategy and partners, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.