DETROIT, MI (June 24, 2026) — United Way for Southeastern Michigan has announced $4.3 million in grant investments to 91 nonprofit organizations across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. These funds reinforce their commitment to help households living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold move from crisis to stability and from stability to prosperity.
These one-year investments, which run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, were awarded following a highly competitive process, with requests totaling nearly five times the amount available to grant.
As many organizations are navigating increased demand for services and uncertainty surrounding public funding streams, these flexible dollars provide a vital lifeline for direct service partners as they work to meet immediate needs and build pathways to long-term stability.
“While we’re encouraged by the progress we’ve seen in some of the communities we serve, we know too many individuals and families are still facing real challenges,” said Jeff Miles, vice president of Community Impact. “That’s why these investments matter. They help support a strong network of partners who are on the ground every day, helping people meet basic needs, find stability and create opportunities for a better future. We are looking forward to working with them over the next year to strengthen coordination across the network and build solutions together that address community challenges and improve the lives of our neighbors.”
“We are deeply grateful for United Way’s partnership and commitment to addressing hunger in our community. Their investment in our work allows us to provide critical food resources to individuals and families when they need them most,” said Merissa Pacholek, Program Manager, Community Food Bank of Macomb County. “By working together, we can make a greater impact, strengthen our local safety net and help ensure that everyone has access to the nourishment they need.”
Focused, Responsive Grantmaking for ALICE Households
The investment process prioritized services aligned with United Way’s core focus areas: economic prosperity, early childhood education, youth opportunity and essential services, including housing and food. Guided by data, community input and findings from the most recent ALICE Report, United Way designed this year’s investments to help shore up some of the most significant gaps in the region’s safety net.
According to the latest ALICE data, 41% of Michigan households struggle to afford basic necessities, with 15% living in poverty and an additional 27% classified as ALICE. These challenges continue to drive United Way’s commitment to investing in life-sustaining supports that help families remain housed, fed, healthy and connected to opportunity.
“The Wraparound Services and Stability Grant is critical to NSO’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve stability and long-term well-being. These funds allow us to provide comprehensive, person-centered support that addresses not only immediate needs but also the underlying challenges that contribute to housing instability, health disparities and barriers to self-sufficiency,” said Paris White, Chief Administrative Officer, Neighborhood Service Organization “Through our partnership with United Way, we are able to expand our impact, strengthen communities and ensure that some of our region’s most vulnerable residents have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. We are grateful for United Way’s continued investment and shared commitment to creating lasting change.”
Recognizing the significant resources already flowing to youth-serving organizations through United Way’s Summer Discovery initiative in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, this grant cycle intentionally focused additional investments on addressing immediate and foundational needs facing ALICE households. Funded organizations will provide wraparound supports, including housing stability, food access, workforce development, childcare assistance and coordinated care—key drivers in helping families overcome financial insecurity.
In Washtenaw County, funding for out-of-school time STEAM initiatives was awarded to a cohort of partners helping students all the way from our youngest learners to those pursuing post-secondary pathways develop critical thinking skills and approach problems with logic, creativity and flexibility.
Stewardship Through Stability
This year’s investments also reflect United Way’s commitment to stewardship and continuity by renewing support for core nonprofit partners with demonstrated track records of delivering impactful services to ALICE families and individuals. By maintaining investments in organizations providing comprehensive, wraparound support, United Way helps strengthen the community infrastructure families rely on every day.
Funding decisions were guided by a rigorous review process led by more than 78 community volunteers and United Way team members. Applications were evaluated on alignment with funding priorities, service delivery models, measurement plans, budget alignment, organizational capacity and potential community impact.
Maximizing Impact Across Southeastern Michigan
With available resources constrained relative to community need, United Way employed a blended funding approach designed to maximize the reach and effectiveness of its overall grantmaking portfolio while balancing investments across its four-county footprint.
The 2026 investments include significant support for organizations serving Washtenaw County, reflecting United Way’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that communities throughout the region benefit from the strength and scale created through the merger. These investments help fulfill a core promise of the organization: bringing greater resources, collaboration and impact to families across all corners of Southeastern Michigan.
A Continued Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
United Way remains committed to ensuring funding reaches organizations of diverse sizes, capacities and backgrounds, particularly those led by or serving communities that have been historically underrepresented or underserved. Special emphasis was placed on equitable geographic distribution and meeting the needs of diverse populations throughout Southeastern Michigan.
Grantmaking represents one important component of United Way’s broader investment strategy. In addition to direct funding, United Way works alongside nonprofit, corporate, philanthropic and public-sector partners to strengthen communities through initiatives such as community schools, foundational neighborhood investments, public-private partnerships, volunteer engagement and systems-level collaborations designed to create lasting change.
United Way also remains committed to supporting partners beyond funding alone by connecting organizations to the full array of programs, services, networks and collaborative opportunities available across the organization.
Together, this network of funded partners will provide emergency assistance, wraparound support, coordinated care and advocacy for long-term solutions that help families achieve greater stability and opportunity throughout Southeastern Michigan.
Looking Ahead
While this grant cycle is now closed, United Way encourages all applicants and community partners to stay engaged. Resources such as the United Way Partner Network, volunteer portal, community impact initiatives and 211 referral system offer ongoing avenues for support, collaboration and connection.
A new funding cycle is expected to open in winter 2027.
A complete list of the 2026 funded organizations will be posted on United Way’s website in July. For updates, partnership opportunities and resources, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
To schedule interviews or request additional information, please contact Jerome Espy at Jerome.Espy@LiveUnitedSEM.org or 248-417-9567.
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