Sarah Grutza

Subject Matter Expert

Fundraising, Corporate Social Responsibility, Talent Development, Messaging and Communications

Alma Maters

Michigan State University

Biography

Sarah Grutza is Vice President of Corporate Relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. In this role she works to build and strengthen relationships with corporate partners with a focus on advancing corporate social responsibility, fostering investment in key program areas and supporting workplace campaigns which raise the funds necessary for United Way for Southeastern Michigan to continue to serve the community.

In her more than 20 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, service to others has lived at the center of Sarah’s career, which began as a program manager with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. There, her ability and passion for the work eventually led to her being elevated to executive director. She then joined United Way for Southeastern Michigan as corporate relations director, where her expertise in fundraising initiatives, team talent development and strategic program execution made a lasting impact on the organization and the community we serve.

Sarah left United Way for new leadership opportunities, driving meaningful community impact as the Director of Children’s Miracle Network for Beaumont Health Foundation, and most recently as the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at National Food Group. She returned to United Way as a member of the executive leadership team in 2022, bringing a wealth of institutional knowledge about workplace campaigns in addition to valuable experience and insight acquired from her recent leadership roles in the philanthropic fundraising space.

Sarah is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, specializing in Environmental Policy and Geography. She is an avid runner, dedicated Peloton rider and a terrible golfer working to improve her game. She’s also a self-proclaimed “neat freak” and loving aunt who enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews. Sarah grew up in Trenton, spent a few years living in Cincinnati, and is now a proud resident of Detroit.