Building Community Through Family Business Partnership: Meijer and United Way

Posted June 10, 2026

For family businesses, community impact is often more than a responsibility; it’s part of the
legacy. Built on long-term relationships, shared values, and a commitment to future generations,
many family-owned companies approach philanthropy and engagement as an extension of who
they are.

Meijer offers a strong example of how that mindset can take shape through its longstanding partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way.

As a family-owned company for more than 90 years, Meijer has supported United Way efforts
for more than 50 of those years across its Midwest footprint. That consistency reflects a deeper
philosophy, one that prioritizes steady investment in people and places over time.

Rather than viewing philanthropy as a one-time effort, Meijer has embedded it into the practice of its
business through a combination of corporate giving, in-kind support, leadership involvement,
and community advocacy.

A key element of this approach is engagement at every level. Through workplace giving
campaigns, Meijer empowers team members to support the causes they care about, creating
opportunities for both individual and collective impact.

For many family businesses, this kind of engagement mirrors the way values are passed down and shared, offering meaningful ways for both current and next-generation leaders to get involved.

“Partnering with the United Way allows us to have a multiplying effect on the impact we can
create on those in need in our communities that neither organization could achieve on its own.”

– Ray Hancart, Vice President of Communications & Community Engagement for Meijer

Meijer also demonstrates how businesses can leverage their unique strengths to meet community
needs. During initiatives like the “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, the company utilizes its
business relationships, community connections, and operational expertise to help source essential
items at scale. Volunteer efforts, including participation in Operation United and support for
veterans through their mVets team, further highlight commitment that goes beyond financial
contributions.

“We strongly believe in the power of collaboration to help those in need in our communities,”
said Ray Hancart, Vice President of Communications & Community Engagement for Meijer.

“Partnering with the United Way allows us to have a multiplying effect on the impact we can
create on those in need in our communities that neither organization could achieve on its own.
We are incredibly grateful for the critical role United Way plays not only in our hometown but
across the Midwest.”

This type of partnership underscores an important truth: strong communities and strong
businesses grow together. For family-owned companies in particular, investing in the community
is an investment in long-term stability, workforce strength, and regional vitality.

As more family businesses consider how to deepen their impact, Meijer’s example offers a
compelling model, one rooted in consistency, engagement, and a clear alignment between values
and action.

Heart of West Michigan United Way is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the region since 1917. Working across Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties, the organization brings together businesses, nonprofits, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to address poverty and strengthen local communities.

Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities.

Family Business Alliance strives to help family businesses with the tools, resources, and connections to help businesses succeed. Learn more about our resources including Leading Forward, Succeeding at Succession, and Forging Frameworks of Governance that help to advance family business in our community.