It is that time of year when, here at United Way, we start to plan our annual Kick Off Events and Day of Caring projects! In the last few years we have seen a drastic increase in those wanting to get involved locally in Barry County through volunteerism. Last year brought together our highest number of volunteers ever – over 600 community members participating in both in person and “nontraditional” opportunities. Our goal is to keep the progress moving and make 2026 even bigger and better with your help. Volunteers are eager to get involved and give back to our community – this annual event gives them that opportunity! Day of Caring 2026 events will kick-off with volunteer projects on Thursday, September 17th after our campaign kickoff event and will continue on Saturday, September 19th, 2026.
A wide variety of projects are needed from service organizations. Our local volunteers always love Day of Caring events and have proven just how powerful a group can be in getting things done. With that being said, plan your project carefully and ensure you have all the necessary supplies available on that day. In past years we have needed additional last-minute projects to fill the need by volunteers – by increasing the number of projects these volunteers will be able to give back even more.
Keep in mind, there are two different types of “projects.” We will continue with our IN PERSON projects, but we also will keep the addition of our Caring in Action VIRTUAL options as well. Please note that the project form has two different pages showing the varying project choices.
** DAY OF CARING MINI GRANTS **
The Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center is awarding participating Day of Caring agencies mini-grant requests up to a maximum of $1,500 per agency (Grant requests can be made in smaller amounts). The purpose of these projects are to engage volunteers within our Barry County community in a 1-time service project as a part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring, thus encouraging volunteerism and community pride. Please see the enclosed mini-grant application. Deadline to submit is Friday, July 25, 2025. Grants are paid based on actual costs/receipts submitted in final report.
If you need project ideas, please feel free to call the Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center at (269)945-4010. Please submit your completed project descriptions no later than Friday, July 31, 2026. You may submit more than one project description and we WILL be taking last minute projects after the deadline – the deadline is there so we can publish as many options as possible to volunteers from the beginning of registration.
We look forward to the opportunity to partner with you in an effort to strengthen our community through volunteerism and service, especially during times like this!
