Past Grants

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking support for a collaborative effort to grow the network of organizations in the area that utilize the Harwood Approach (an engagement model that centers on community voice for creating change in communities), build capacity to respond more effectively to community needs and aspirations, and provide support to organizational leaders who embed the Harwood Approach in their work. Collaborative members will participate in monthly coaching calls with a Harwood Institute Coach, hold two half-day “Open Tent” learning opportunities, train 10 additional community leaders in the Harwood Approach through the Harwood Institute’s “Getting Started” Virtual Lab, and provide continuing education for those already trained through the Institute’s “Unleashing Impact” Virtual lab. The collaborative will also lead a series of community conversations to engage the community in identifying their aspirations and challenges and work with Andrews University to analyze the collected data and report on the findings. Ultimately, the collaborative aims to establish the Harwood Approach as the practice of choice for community impact initiatives in Southwest Michigan.