The nonprofit Heart of West Michigan United Way in Grand Rapids works to improve the education, income and health of people in the region. Photo via fb.com
A nonprofit has distributed millions in grant dollars to support the basic needs of 39 organizations in the region.
Heart of West Michigan United Way in Grand Rapids said yesterday that it has allocated $3.3 million in grant funds.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community and the hard work of our volunteers, we are able to provide funding for these programs,” said Rick Pappas, board chair, Heart of West Michigan United Way. “The board appreciates the time and efforts the volunteers put into reviewing these proposals. We know it is not an easy task. Also, we would not be able to provide these services if it were not for the tens of thousands of people across the county who generously make donations to United Way.”
The grant money supports work that improves the community’s education, income or health.
"We value our partnership and believe a community that takes care of its friends and neighbors is a good place to live,” said Maureen Noe, president and CEO, Heart of West Michigan United Way. “By investing in the basic needs of the community, we are working together to help the people that are the most in need. If people have their basic needs met — such as food, shelter and a safe home situation — they are able to focus on the future and take the next steps to improving their lives."
2014 basic-needs grant recipients
American Red Cross: $150,000
Arbor Circle: $196,232
Baxter Community Center: $60,000
Boy Scouts of America Gerald R. Ford Council: $50,000
Camp Blodgett: $30,000
Campfire USA West Michigan Council: $135,000
Catholic Charities West Michigan: $25,000
Cherry Street Health Services: $100,000
Children's Assessment Center: $65,000
Community Rebuilders: $50,000
Conductive Learning Center: $20,000
Court Appointed Special Advocates: $12,500
D.A. Blodgett for Children St. John's: $330,000
Dwelling Place: $130,000
Family Futures: $190,000
Family Outreach Center: $77,645
Family Promise of Grand Rapids: $20,000
Genesis Non-Profit Housing Corporation: $20,000
Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore: $81,000
Grand Rapids Urban League: $35,000
Hispanic Center of West Michigan: $60,000
Home Repair Services of Kent County: $35,000
Hope Network Behavioral Health Services: $50,000
Hope Network West Michigan: $30,000
Kent Intermediate School District: $70,000
Kent Regional 4C: $26,000
Legal Aid of West Michigan: $143,000
Wellspring Lutheran Services: $32,000
North Kent Service Center: $10,000
School to Career Progressions: $50,000
Senior Meals: $85,000
Senior Neighbors: $93,512
South End Community Outreach Ministries: $50,000
Steepletown Neighborhood Services: $10,000
The Salvation Army Booth Family Services: $300,000
United Church Outreach Ministries: $37,500
United Methodist Community House: $55,762
West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology: $10,000
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids: $25,000
YWCA West Central Michigan: $315,000