Golden by the Numbers: How Our Volunteer Hub Powered Community Impact in 2025
At United Way of Greater Central Michigan, we believe volunteering should be easy, accessible, and meaningful—for both the people who give their time and the organizations that rely on it. That belief comes to life through Golden, our free online volunteer hub that connects community members with opportunities that fit their interests, skills, and schedules—all in one central place.
Golden is designed to be a one-stop hub for volunteering. Volunteers can browse opportunities anytime, anywhere, and choose experiences that align with their availability—whether that’s a one-time event, a recurring shift, or a short-term project.
For organizations, Golden eliminates the need for multiple sign-up systems and spreadsheets. Nonprofits and community groups can post opportunities, manage volunteers, and track engagement all in one place—at no cost.
In 2025, Golden proved to be more than just a sign-up tool. It became a powerful engine for community impact.
A Year of Meaningful Engagement
Over the past year, 3,070 volunteers signed up through Golden, demonstrating a strong and growing desire across our region to give back. Of those sign-ups, 1,579 volunteer sessions were completed, turning good intentions into real, hands-on support for local nonprofits, events, and community initiatives.
When we look at the value of that time, the impact becomes even clearer. In 2025 alone, volunteer participation through Golden represented $162,048.58 in the value of participant time—a meaningful contribution that helps nonprofits stretch limited resources further and focus more energy on their missions.
Strong Partnerships, Real Results
Several organizations have embraced Golden as their primary volunteer platform, creating strong partnerships and consistent engagement.
Alma College is a standout example. The college strictly uses Golden for student volunteer engagement, making it a seamless bridge between students and community needs. This partnership not only simplifies the volunteer process for students but also ensures local nonprofits have reliable access to enthusiastic, service-minded volunteers.
MyMichigan Health also leveraged Golden in a powerful way, using the platform for employee sign-ups for their monthly food distributions. By centralizing sign-ups, staff participation became easier to manage, allowing the focus to remain on serving families in need.
Several local nonprofits use Golden for all of their volunteer opportunities—and excel at it. Organizations such as: Community Compassion Network, Clothing INC, Isabella County Restoration House and Life Choices of Central Michigan have fully embraced the platform to recruit, manage, and retain volunteers. Their consistent presence on Golden makes it easier for volunteers to find opportunities and for organizations to build dependable volunteer support.
Looking Ahead, HOW TO Get Involved
The data from 2025 reinforces what we’ve always known: when volunteering is simple, accessible, and well-organized, our community thrives. Golden allows United Way to support nonprofits behind the scenes while empowering volunteers to make a difference on their own terms.
Whether you’re an individual looking to give back or an organization seeking volunteer support, Golden is here to help strengthen our community—one opportunity at a time. Visit volunteer.unitedwaygcm.org to sign up for a volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule.
Have volunteer opportunities and need a place to post them? Contact Lindsey Lintjer, Director of Engagement & Creative Services, at lindsey@unitedwaygcm.org to get started!
