Day of Caring 2026: Project Applications and Volunteer Registration Now Open
United Way of the Lakeshore is excited to announce that planning is underway for Day of Caring 2026, taking place on Friday, April 24, 2026, across Muskegon County.
As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, Muskegon Community College will partner with United Way of the Lakeshore to host this countywide day of service, bringing together hundreds of volunteers to support nonprofit organizations, schools, and community spaces through hands-on projects.
A Special Spring Day of Caring
Day of Caring is typically held in the fall, but in 2026 Muskegon's event will move to the spring to expand participation from local businesses, students, and community members. Muskegon Community College will serve as the official kickoff location, welcoming volunteers to campus before they head out to project sites throughout Muskegon County.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to service, education, and community impact, and we are proud to celebrate MCC's centennial year through collective action.
Project Applications Now Open
Nonprofit organizations, schools, and community partners in Muskegon County are invited to submit a Day of Caring Project Request.
At this time, we anticipate accommodating approximately 10-12 projects in Muskegon County. Projects will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis through Monday, March 2, 2026. The application will remain open after March 2 in the event additional projects can be added based on volunteer registration and capacity.
Day of Caring projects are typically well-suited for groups of volunteers and may include activities such as:
- Painting, cleaning, or organizing
- Light landscaping or outdoor cleanup
- Assembly, sorting, or preparation projects
- Other hands-on opportunities that create visible community impact
Project Application Link: Click Here!
Volunteer Registration is Also Open!
Individuals and teams can now register early to volunteer for Day of Caring in Muskegon County.
Whether you are signing up on your own, with friends or family, or as part of a corporate or community team, Day of Caring offers a meaningful way to give back while connecting with others who care about our community.
Volunteers will receive:
- A morning kickoff celebration at Muskegon Community College
- Assignment to a community project based on interests and availability
- All necessary tools and materials
- Meals and event-day support
Early registration helps us better match volunteers to projects and expand the number of projects we can support.
Volunteer Registration Link: Click Here!
Day of Caring events in Newaygo and Oceana Counties will continue to take place in the fall of 2026. Project nomination and application information for these counties will be announced at a later date.
Questions?
If you have questions about submitting a project, registering a team, or getting involved in Day of Caring 2026, please contact Sara Sherwood at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org. We are happy to help you explore ways to participate.
Together, Day of Caring is an opportunity to show what is possible when neighbors show up for neighbors and work towards a stronger Muskegon County.
