DETROIT, MI (June 25, 2025) — United Way for Southeastern Michigan has announced $5.2 million in grant investments to 90 nonprofit organizations across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, reinforcing its commitment to helping households living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold move from crisis to stability and from stability to prosperity. These funds will be directed to frontline agencies providing critical support at a time of uncertainty about the programs and services available.
These one-year investments, which run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, were awarded following a highly competitive process. There were 240 applications submitted, totaling more than $22 million in funding requests, demonstrating both the extraordinary need and the nonprofit sector’s collective capacity for meaningful impact.
“As we face a spike in community need, our investments provide much-needed resources to a coordinated network of partners whose services are vital to helping individuals and families not only meet their essential needs, but thrive,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We are grateful to the many community volunteers, subject-matter experts, and those who shared their lived experience to help shape our strategy. It helps ensure we deliver the greatest impact for every dollar invested and serve as many of our neighbors in need as possible.”
Prioritizing Impact 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. Funded organizations will deliver wraparound supports, including housing stability, food access, workforce development, and childcare support, key drivers in helping families overcome financial insecurity.
All to maximize the impact of every dollar available to better and more sustainably support the needs of ALICE families and the organizations that serve them.
Funding decisions were guided by a rigorous review process led by more than 90 community volunteers and United Way team members. Applications were evaluated on alignment with funding priorities, service delivery models, measurement plans, budget alignment, and potential community impact.
“This cycle saw a nearly four-to-one gap between available resources and requested support,” said Bridget Herrmann, Sr. Director Strategic Initiatives Exec Liaison, Washtenaw County at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We know many incredible organizations are doing meaningful work. These funding decisions were not taken lightly, and we are committed to building relationships with all applicants and finding ways to support their work beyond this grant cycle.”
A Continued Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
United Way remains committed to ensuring that 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.
The need across the region remains significant. According to the most recent ALICE Report, 41% of households in Michigan struggle to afford necessities, 14% live in poverty, and 27% are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Alarming shifts, such as an increase in families living below the federal poverty line, underscore the urgency of this work.
Together, this group of funded partners will provide emergency assistance, wraparound support, coordinated care, and advocate for long-term policy solutions as this network lights the way to a better future across 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, and 2-1-1 referral system offer ongoing avenues for support and collaboration. A new funding cycle is expected to open in the winter of 2026.
A complete list of the 2025 funded organizations will be posted on United Way’s website in July. For updates, partnership opportunities, and resources, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and a locally independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to helping households achieve stability and ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive. For over 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The organization collaborates with donors, agencies, corporations, and municipal partners to support essential services, including housing, food security, healthcare, and education. To give, advocate, volunteer, or learn more, 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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