United Way of Toronto and York Region

About United Way of Toronto and York Region:

Founded in 1917, United Way Toronto merged with United Way of York Region in 2015 to form United Way Toronto and York Region (UWTYR). UWTYR works to improve lives in the communities it serves by collecting and distributing money to local charities. In F2017, $106.6 million in grants was distributed to 219 local charities. Collectively, these charities aim to help the 265,000 low-income families in the Toronto area with services targeting kids, youth, seniors, newcomers to Canada, and anyone at risk of homelessness. UWTYR also conducts research to identify sources of poverty and inequality in the Toronto area.

On April 1, 2018, UWTYR merged with United Way of Peel Region to form United Way Greater Toronto. As this was after F2017 year end, this report focuses solely on UWTYR. Future reports will detail the newly created United Way Greater Toronto.

Of the grants distributed in F2017, $34.7 million was allocated to charities and other United Way organizations as requested by the donors. The remaining $72.0 million in unrestricted funds was distributed at the discretion of UWTYR. Family Services Toronto received the largest grant reported by UWTYR with $3.8 million, followed by Canadian Red Cross with $2.5 million, and Jewish Family and Child Services Toronto with $1.9 million.

Results and Impact: United Way Toronto and York Region surveyed grant recipients in F2017. Of respondents, 88% maintained or expanded programs, 89% increased collaboration with community members or other organizations, and 90% reported increases in the efficiency of its management team.

In F2017, UWTYR reports that more than 1,190 youth were enrolled in a netWORKS program which connects students with an adult mentor for job advice. Of youth who responded to a UWTYR survey, 88% reported that their networking skills had improved.

Financial Review:

United Way Toronto and York Region is one of Canada’s Major 100 charities, with donations of $134.0m in F2017. Administrative costs are 5% of revenues and fundraising costs are 11% of donations. For every $1 donated, 84 cents go to the cause, falling well within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. UWTYR has $126.1m in funding reserves, of which $23.0m is donor-endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, UWTYR could grant at the F2017 level for 1.2 years using reserves.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to United Way Toronto and York Region for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on August 20, 2018 by Madison Kerr.