what we do

 

SINCE 1947, WE HAVE WORKED TO ENHANCE THE WORK OF UNITED WAYS ACROSS THE STATE.

 

By creating opportunities for Local United Ways to work with one another, we improve performance, reduce costs, and create greater impact at the local and state level.

The Michigan Association of United Ways serves 36 Local United Ways who represent the largest network of non-governmental service providers and service funders in Michigan, collectively raising and distributing over $90 million dollars annually to support local health and human service organizations. MAUW strives to create innovations that improve communities through system-wide partnership and collaboration.

Our Mission

The Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) is a partner in developing powerful responses to current and emerging issues in local communities. The State Association provides leadership in policy influence and capacity building to affect positive change in local communities.

We are systems builders.

 

The Michigan Association of United Ways brings together leaders in philanthropy, state government, and business to harness the power of the Michigan United Way Network and build more equitable, sustainable systems that help Michigan families thrive.

Whether you’re looking at our work with MiBridges and Michigan Benefits Access, Michigan 2-1-1, or our COVID Vaccine outreach - MAUW has played a critical role in crafting a stronger health and human services safety net across the state. Our longstanding relationships with trusted partners positions us to work efficiently and effectively in building a better Michigan.

Our Guiding Principles

  • Financial

    We operate with integrity and transparency, demonstrating good stewardship of our members’ investment.

  • Relevance + Impact

    We provide value to our members and their communities by delivering effective, meaningful impact through partnership, shared goals and collective expertise.

  • Commitment to Relationships

    We place high importance on our relationships with member agencies and other partners engaged in the mission of United Way.

  • Inclusiveness

    We commit to providing opportunities for all voices with an interest to be heard and considered in decision-making for our association, our members and their communities.

  • Advocacy

    We advocate with and for our members and their communities, leveraging our relationships with policymakers to advance the common good for all.

  • Greatness

    We strive to create long-lasting, high-quality impact on the issues upon which our members seek our partnership and support.

  • Shared Information

    We communicate clearly, consistently, and effectively, fostering dialogue and information sharing so that we and our United Way members can learn and grow together.

  • Local Communities

    We remain committed to the betterment of our local communities through the work of local United Ways, relying upon effective partnerships to advance meaningful change.

United Ways are at the core of understanding and collaborating to solve the needs of their individual communities. Our association leverages the unique value-add of local united ways to address similar challenges at a statewide scale, while developing strategies that enhance value back to local communities.

Statement of principle

The Michigan Association of United Ways serves more than 30 Local United Ways across the state of Michigan. These Local United Ways represent the unique and diverse communities that make up our great state.

The Michigan Association of United Ways takes the broadest possible view of diversity. We have and will continue to advocate for a state where all people thrive, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, social-economic status, or physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. Alongside our local counterparts, we are committed to the health, education, and financial stability of every person, in every community.

 We recognize the immense harm caused by systemic racism. We are committed to utilizing the power of our Network to deconstruct systemic racism and institutional bias, creating space for partnership, and engaging in collective work with United Ways across the state to advocate for policy changes that dismantle inequitable systems.