If you could truly improve the lives of those in need in Jackson County ... wouldn't you do it? By pooling your contribution with thousands of others, and strategically investing those funds in the most needed services, and ensuring those services deliver, United Way is doing exactly that.  Donations of any size are welcome at any time. This year's community campaign seeks to raise $2,468,000 from individual and coproate donors.  Hundreds of your friends and neighbors are working to make this happen.  Please support them.

If your employer does not offer you annual pledging and payroll deduction, please give us a call; we would be happy to explain how easy that process is to initiate.  You may also print off our pledge form and enclose a check or instruct us to bill you quarterly, or donate by electronic funds transfer or credit card.
Whether you participate through an employee campaign or make a direct pledge, your contribution makes a difference in Jackson County!

Print a Pledge Card for My Gift

Online Pledging Now Available
You can make your donation online today by clicking the graphic to the left or by clicking here.

Donors are always encouraged to gather information about the organizations to which they contribute. Below are the top ten things donors can do to ensure their contributions are well-used:

1. Ask the organization for their latest annual report.
2. Obtain a list of the organizations Board of Directors.
3. View the organizations latest IRS Form 990 at www.guidestar.org.
4. See if the organization has a charitable license from the Michigan Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section at 517-373-1152. (Only charitable organizations that raise more than $8,000 a year are required to file.)
5. Check around – ask friends and family what they know about the organization.
6. Ask the organization how your money will be spent.
7. Understand the organizations mission and make sure you agree with it.
8. Ask the organization if a yearly independent audit is performed on its financial statements.
9. Have a general understanding regarding charitable tax deductions for your donation.
10. Ask the organization what types of internal controls are in place to ensure accountability.

The United Way's Community Investment process does all these things and more.  Our volunteers strategically invest your funds, and then review outcomes reports every six months to ensure your dollars are achieving the maximum possible impact.