Nonprofit awards $3.3M in basic-needs grants

Nonprofit awards $3.3M in basic-needs grants

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