Click on picture below to learn about "Congregants' Choice"
VOTE FOR YOUR TOP 3 CHOICES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH.
2026 WINNERS ANNOUNCED February 22nd
- If you nominated an organization, you may be asked to invite them to a Sunday Service to talk about their work for a few minutes and to receive their check.
2026 Nominees (alphabetically)
ADVENT HOUSE
MISSION: Advent House is a place of hope dedicated to helping people out of poverty and homelessness and addressing the many different needs that surround them.
We embrace everyone with kindness and dignity.
ACTIVITIES: we connect individuals and families who are struggling with services and resources, including short- and long-term housing assistance, housing stability case management and food assistance. .
FTK (For the Kids) SNEAKER PROM
Mission : For The Kids (FTK) exists to protect, uplift, and empower youth by creating safe spaces, confidence building experiences, and community driven programs that support their growth and well being.
The FTK Sneaker Ball is a moment for kids to feel seen, celebrated, and supported by a village that actually cares. If we don’t show up early, something else will. Each child will receive a pair of sneakers.
We’re doing the FTK Sneaker Ball because kids deserve access before they’re in crisis. The Sneaker Ball is about meeting kids where they already are and using something they love to create a safe, positive space that builds confidence, community, and connection.
THE GLOBAL INSTITUTE OF LANSING
The mission of The Global Institute of Lansing (GIL) is to provide educational services to adult refugees and immigrants that enable them to earn a high school diploma in an atmosphere of peace, respect, encouragement, and inspiration.
Dedicated to Education: The Global Institute of Lansing is a non-profit organization that aims to provide adult newcomers settled in the Lansing area educational assistance and the means to attain a high school diploma in an atmosphere of peace, respect, encouragement, and inspiration.
REFUGEE DEVELOPMENT CENTER
MISSION: The RDC is a vital nonprofit organization created in 2002 to provide critical services for refugees in mid-Michigan. By providing formal and informal learning opportunities, the Center aims to be an open and inclusive place for refugees to learn and locate the resources they need to flourish as residents and citizens.
SERVICES: 1st Steps Literacy Program, English Classes, Mentoring, Tutoring, Computers, Home Visits, Cultural Broker Leadership, Women’s Sewing Circle, Driving, Housing and Health Navigation, Citizenship Classes, G.L.O.B.E. Camp, Entrepreneurship, Wellness Groups
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Our mission is to provide well-balanced, nourishing meals to the hungry people of Lansing in a caring, dignified environment where they are reassured of their worth as God's unique works of creation.
Working in our community and making a difference in the lives of community members through meeting some of the nutritional needs of those struggling with food insecurity and loneliness is our mission.
THE FLEDGE AT URBANDALE
The Fledge at Urbandale, an urban oasis in the heart of Lansing dedicated to sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, and education. Mission: improve the food supply of our community.
Your support is more than just assistance; it’s a powerful catalyst that empowers and mobilizes individuals and communities to actively engage in issues they are passionate about. We pride ourselves on our efficacy at the local level, where we not only effect change but also nurture a strong sense of connection and community.
The Fledge Foundation supports a holistic view of life where we build our own solutions to our own unique problems, causes, and environments. We work to secure liberty and justice for all through harm reduction. Free Food Pantry available 24/7!
UMH - SPARROW BREAST CLINIC
This is a new, state of the art facility for all women in our community. It offers cutting edge diagnosis and treatment for difficult breast cancer patients.
The 9,000-square-foot center, located on the first floor of the Sparrow Professional Building at 1215 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI, unites breast health services in one accessible location. It aims to improve the patient's experience by eliminating the need to travel to multiple locations for screening, diagnostics and treatment coordination. The facility features innovative technology, including ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and mammography machines with 3D technology, which is particularly beneficial for patients with dense breast tissue. This updated center also reflects the power of philanthropy and community partnership, with support from Women Working Wonders.
How do I nominate a local charitable/non-profit organization for 2027?
- Complete a nomination form which requires contact information, mailing address, their vision and mission statement to insure they operate in alignment with our values.
Forms on credenza and online "Fillable PDF" document
CLICK HERE to ACCESS a CONGREGANTS' CHOICE NOMINATION FORM for 2026
Posters will be on display Jan. 31st – Feb, 14th, 2027
MAKING YOUR CHOICE
- February 14th, 2027 Vote for your top three choices – either in person or by email UnityLansingOffice@gmail.com
Top congregational choices: portion of our tithes for 3 months.
Remaining nominees share in the 4th quarter tithes.
Note: Where voting is extremely close, tithes may be reallocated proportionally to the vote.
NOMINATIONS Nomination for 2027 will be open January 1st - January 24th, 2027
Paper Forms will be available on the credenza in the Great Hall in January 2027
Nominees can not have been nominated in 2026, but they can have been nominated previously. List of nominees through the years is posted below.
Nomination forms must be submitted by by Sunday, January 24th, 2027.
FOR 2027 Congregants' Choice Nominees NOMINATING FORM
Above link is to a fillable PDF - enter information, 'print" as pdf
and email to UnityLansingOffice@gmail.com
PAST RECIPIENTS AND NOMINEES
Congregants' Choice of 2025 - Eligible for re-nomination in 2027
Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Capital Area Humane Society, Greater Lansing Foodbank, Boys & Girls Club, Case de Rosada, Cleaning for a Reason, Justice League of Greater Lansing, LCLAA Lansing Council of Latin American Advancement
Congregants' Choice of 2024 - Eligible for re-nomination in 2026
SHARE-A-BIKE, SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY KITCHEN, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, THE FLEDGE, WOMEN HELPING PERIOD, CITY RESCUE MISSION, META PEACE
Congregants' Choice of 2023 - Eligible for re-nomination in 2025
Eve, House of Promise, Greater Lansing Foodbank, Justice League of Greater Lansing, Jax Project, Loaves & Fishes, Girls on the Run, LAAN Behavioral Health, Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, Volunteers of America Michigan
2022
Cleaning for a Readon, Guardian Angels, Care Free Medical, Fenner Nature Park, Habitat for Humanity, Human Society, Cardboard Prophets, Footprints of Michigan, The Fledge
2021
Firecracker Foundation, Greater Lansing Foodbank, Cristo Rey Community Center, Youth Haven, Potter Park Zoo, Care for the Caregivers
2020
The Fledge, Haven House, Punks with Lunch, Sunrise Movement, Rise House
2019 Recipients Girls on the Run, Advent House, The Davies Project, as well as donations to the Women's Center and the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide. We also made a special donation to the SALUS Center.
2018 Recipients Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald House, The Foodbank, Justice in Mental Health and Allen Street Neighborhood Association
2017 Recipients Capitol Human Society, Homeless Angels, Metapeace and Sparrow Hospice. Donations were also made to City Rescue Center and Justice in Mental Health.