Nonprofit organizations in Kalamazoo highlight urgency of 'Giving Tuesday'
News Channel 3 | Carter Landis
Published December 2, 2025
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Today is Giving Tuesday, a day amid the unofficial consumerist holidays Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
However, instead of taking, the public is encouraged to give back on this day, especially to nonprofit organizations providing services to their communities.
According to data compiled by Kalamazoo's YWCA chapter, federal funding cuts have impacted local nonprofits in a significant way.
Data reveals that $51 million has already been revoked from Kalamazoo nonprofits, and $231 million is at risk.
The data also shows that 123 nonprofit jobs have been lost with 815 still at risk, among 44 organizations reporting.
One organization that has been negatively impacted is OutFront Kalamazoo, who provides supportive services to LGBTQ+ people, especially youth.
Services Director Connar Klock told News Channel 3 the organization has lost a third of its funding in 2025.
"We've had to lay off staff," Klock said. "We haven't had to lay off staff in years. We've been on a growth trajectory for the last 10 years, and for the first time, we've had to lay off staff because of budget."
MRC Industries in Kalamazoo has not seen the same financial effects, but as a Medicaid-funded organization that works with adults with disabilities, they're keeping an eye on potential changes to Medicaid.
Susan Terranella, director of development and marketing at MRC Industries, said Giving Tuesday is a chance for people to get their eyes on nonprofits that need it.
"All of these services are here for individuals living with disabilities and severe persistent mental illness to help integrate them in the community and to uplift them, to allow them to succeed and be part of the community, which is what all of us want," Terranella said.
Nonprofits told News Channel 3 that Giving Tuesday is a chance for them to make up for funds lost, no matter how small a donation.
"It's more important for us to get those donations from the community so that we can still maintain the same level of services," Terranella said.
"Giving Tuesday is the day that we remind people that the holiday season is not just a day of consuming, but also a day of giving," Klock added.
If you would like to donate to MRC Industries or OutFront Kalamazoo, you can do so online.