United Way of Canada

A Movement for change

Every day, Canada’s 117 United Ways – Centraides (UW-Cs) work locally to change living conditions for the better. The issues they face may vary, but the values and purpose that drive them are the same: to strengthen their communities and improve quality of life for Canadians.

Each of Canada’s 117 United Ways – Centraides is an autonomous organization operated by a voluntary Board of Directors chosen from the community it serves. They are built upon a long history of bringing together diverse partners at the local level to initiate action on community issues and problems.

Next to governments, the UW-C Movement is the largest funder of the voluntary sector and social services in Canada.  Each year, UWs-Cs raise upwards of $480 million, the vast majority of which is reinvested in local communities to support programs and services directed at improving the social conditions of Canadians.

The Movement employs approximately 900 staff and engages tens of thousands of volunteers in various capacities.

At the national level, the United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada (UWC-CC) provides guidance and support to the Movement as a whole. We work with and for local UW-Cs, providing strategic direction and creating connections for sharing information and resources. The national organization also maintains a close relationship with other United Way organizations around the world through United Way Worldwide (UWW).