United Way of Northwest Michigan announced Friday that it will end operations effective September 30 after a 50-year run, saying its "current model was no longer sustainable." The northwest Michigan region will now be served by the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) starting October 1.

The United Way board made the decision "after a thorough assessment and careful consideration," according to a release. "Leveraging the expertise and resources within the state network of United Ways will allow for continued programs that create local impact in the northwest Michigan region, including 211 services and regional support for ALICE (Asset Limited Income-Constrained Employed) families."

211 services will continue uninterrupted, with financial support through MAUW and operational support provided by Regional 211 contact center partners Heart of West Michigan United Way and Call 211. Community members will continue to have 24/7 access to the local information and referral service going forward.

County-specific data for northwest Michigan will continue to be included in United Way’s ALICE Report, providing community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local policymakers withdata on household incomes, living costs, and unmet needs. This regional ALICE data will remain available at no cost.

Beginning October 1, MAUW will start processing donations to support northwest Michigan.
Those funds will be directed to programs that address local needs, including for 211 services and
other support for ALICE families.

United Way was incorporated as the Grand Traverse Area United Way in 1976 and adopted its current name in 1997 to reflect its expanded regional reach. The organization led programs like Day of Caring and in recent years expanded into direct service programs, including for early childhood development and childcare.

Another such program was a dental clinic called United We Smile, which opened in 2023. Staff who worked on that program criticized its abrupt closure in January, expressing concerns that clinic funds were being redirected to support United Way operations. For its part, United Way said the closure was the resulte of "increased financial and resource capacity constraints." Patient records, dental equipment, and supplies  were transferred to the nonprofit Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc.

United Way’s northwest Michigan service area currently includes Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet,
Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, and Wexford counties. Board members said in a statement they are "deeply grateful for the generosity and partnership of this community and proud of the difference we have made together."

Kaitlynn Lamie, president and CEO of the MAUW, said they "welcome the northwest Michigan region and look forward to demonstrating how continued community support and local impact can be achieved through the strength and partnership of the Michigan United Way network." More information is available online here.