United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) made grant investments totaling $1.38 million to 51 local non-profit organizations and community groups addressing poverty, racism and trauma through its Community Impact Fund and Justice Fund.
The Community Impact grants will provide $1 million annually for the next three years to 41 nonprofit organizations and community groups in the form of general operating support. Grantees range from emerging groups with annual budgets under $250,000 to some of Washtenaw County’s largest long-standing nonprofits. It received over $4 million in grant requests.
Decisions about who received UWWC grants were made collectively by a community review team after participating in implicit bias training. Grant reviewer committee volunteers were from the local human services sector, businesses, and community groups as well as individuals who have accessed Washtenaw County social services. UWWC annual campaign provides 100% of the funding available for Community Impact grants.
“We’re excited to share that 67% of Community Impact grant funds will support 26 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led efforts addressing poverty, racism and trauma in our community,” shared Bridget Herrmann, Vice President of Impact and Advocacy.
Investments made through the Community Impact fund will address multiple human service priorities: School-aged youth (33%), Wrap around supports to families (23%), Housing and homelessness (18%), Early childhood (15%) Food security (11%), Basic needs and literacy (10%). (Some grants overlap two areas)
Through its Justice Fund, UWWC is making grants totaling $380,000 to 10 organizations and groups working to shift conditions that keep poverty, racism and trauma in place. Pam Smith, UWWC President and CEO shares, “We know that programs help people beat the odds, but it’s equitable policies and practices that change the odds for people. For this reason, and for the first time, we’re investing in local groups who will be engaging in public policy advocacy and systems change work.”
Full listings of Community Impact grantees as well as Justice Fund grantees are available on United Way’s website www.uwgive.org/grants-awarded
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY
As part of our 100-plus year history, United Way of Washtenaw County brings people, organizations and resources together to create a thriving community for everyone. Our focus areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability are the building blocks for a strong community and create opportunities for individuals and families. Our Volunteer Center provides an easy, online way for people to connect with nonprofits in the community and our 2-1-1 helpline refers more than 8,000 people annually to critically needed services. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit uwgive.org.
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