The Greater Kalamazoo United Way advances the common good in Kalamazoo County by creating opportunities for a better life for all.
Originally founded in 1914 as the Kalamazoo Associated Charities, the original concept was to form an organized effort to gather and invest resources in health & human service programs to address growing community needs. In 1971, the Kalamazoo Community Chest and Community Services Council merged to form the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.
Today, GKUW continues to focus on strengthening youth & families, increasing self-sufficiency and improving physical and mental health – all in an effort to continue to build thriving communities.
GKUW continues to powerfully and positively impact our community by:
Gathering & Investing Financial Resources
Since 1971, the GKUW Annual Community Campaign has successfully raised $217,693,279. Last year, the GKUW Annual Community Campaign raised just over $9 million.
Adding Value to Contributions
Last year alone, GKUW led or assisted in securing, administering and/or leveraging more than $6 million to directly benefit our community.
Organizing Volunteers
Since 1994, 9,035 Day of Caring Volunteers have successfully completed 775 GKUW Member Agency improvement projects. Each year, thousands of community members generously volunteer their time and talents.
Partnering & Collaborating
GKUW continues to partner and collaborate across all sectors. GKUW uniquely brings together big business, small business, faith based organizations, health & human service providers, area foundations and many more to positively impact change in Kalamazoo County.
LIVE UNITED is not just a slogan, it's a movement and a way of life. When you lend a hand to one, you influence the condition of all. Every person can play a role and every role is important. You can GIVE, ADVOCATE and/or VOLUNTEER.
GIVE. GKUW is focused on the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.GKUW is working to advance the common good in Kalamazoo County. We invite you to join the movement that is committed to creating opportunities for everyone.
With your support we can achieve these goals. Please consider GKUW when considering your charitable contributions. Give as generously as you can – a gift to GKUW is 100 percent tax deductible.
We all win when a child succeeds in school, when a family becomes financially stable and when people have good health. Join the more than 19,000 people throughout Kalamazoo County that contribute to GKUW and the tens-of-thousands that volunteer annually. Please give now.
ADVOCATE. Anyone can champion the cause. Whether you’re speaking out to improve the human condition in Kalamazoo County, reaching out to members of Congress, or wearing your LIVE UNITED shirt to show your support, you can help inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. So go ahead and advocate. LIVE UNITED. Be visible. Be loud. Show your support of GKUW by spreading the word about what GKUW does for Kalamazoo County.
VOLUNTEER. GKUW has thousands of volunteer opportunities. Give a gift of your time by helping at the organizational level. It lowers our administrative expenses and puts more contributions toward program funding. Volunteer at the program level by giving your time to a GKUW-sponsored agency or taking part in a Day of Caring project. You'll be able to witness the difference you're making in the community.
