UNITED IS THE WAY We Create Lasting Change.

United Way of Southwest Michigan works in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to create and sustain a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs, and thrives. You can help by giving, advocating, or volunteering.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Save the date for United Way’s celebration

We look forward to seeing you at our Celebration on April 24, 2025 at Grand Upton Hall at the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College. This special evening will highlight the incredible impact we make together and celebrate the people who drive our mission forward. Additional details, including how to RSVP, will be forthcoming closer to the event.

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

The VITA Program offers free tax help to people who make $67,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

see the 2025-2028 Agenda for Change

United Way of Southwest Michigan is proud to share its new 2025-2028 Agenda for Change. This agenda has been years in the making, and reflects an approach to community impact that is focused on issues, grounded in community, and acknowledges the diverse realities of people in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

our work in the news

Media Releases
United Way of Southwest Michigan Accepting Funding Requests for the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP/FEMA) Program
United Way of Southwest Michigan Accepting Funding Requests for the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP/FEMA) Program

United Way of Southwest Michigan (UWSM) announced that it is accepting funding proposals from Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County agencies for Phase 42 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP/FEMA). The National Board has awarded Berrien County the grant amount of $58,883 for this phase, Cass County the grant amount of $19,779 for this phase, and Van Buren County the grant amount of $30,843 for this phase.

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United Way of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 211 Day, Highlighting a Lifeline for the Community
United Way of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 211 Day, Highlighting a Lifeline for the Community

February 11th (2/11) is National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the go-to, 24/7 three-digit (2-1-1) resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The three-digit service connects information about resources and services available in our local community and is free to utilize.

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The Joseph N. and Rosemary E. Low Foundation Donates $50,000 Toward the 2024 Campaign to United Way of Southwest Michigan
The Joseph N. and Rosemary E. Low Foundation Donates $50,000 Toward the 2024 Campaign to United Way of Southwest Michigan

The Joseph N. and Rosemary E. Low Foundation has once again demonstrated its steadfast commitment to the community with a generous $50,000 donation to United Way of Southwest Michigan. This annual gift, made in memory of Wilma V. Low, will directly benefit the organization’s 2024 campaign, helping to drive meaningful impact across the region.

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Get Social with us

Together, we are changing lives and building a brighter future for those in need. Thank you to all who donated yesterday on Giving Tuesday! Missed out on Giving Tuesday? It’s not too late to make an impact! You can still donate and be a part o
Help us make funding decisions—join a UWSM investment team! It’s YOU, the community, who decides how United Way funding is applied to meet the needs of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Add YOUR voice to the conversation. We are loo
Choosing where to give can be tough—but when you give to United Way of Southwest Michigan, you're making a powerful choice. Your gift supports multiple programs and initiatives that help individuals and families thrive, ensuring your generosi
Choosing where to give can be tough—but when you give to United Way of Southwest Michigan, you're making a powerful choice. Your gift supports multiple programs and initiatives that help individuals and families thrive, ensuring your generosi

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