Founded in 1940, United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way Calgary) raises money to support local charities in the Greater Calgary area. It is one of 80 local United Way Centraides in Canada, which all share a common mission of mobilizing communities for lasting social change. As a foundation, United Way Calgary’s primary activity is distributing money to other charities, but it also runs its own initiatives. All sponsored programs and initiatives align with one of United Way Calgary’s three focus areas: Strong Communities, Successful Kids, and Overcoming Poverty.

In F2019, United Way Calgary granted $39.0 million to other agencies, of which $7.9 million was donor-designated grants. The charity also spent $4.3 million on community programs and investments. The remaining $5.1 million in program costs consists of dues to United Way Canada and operational support expenses associated with programming. In terms of grant allocations, 47% went to Strong Communities, 29% went to Successful Kids, and 24% went to Overcoming Poverty.

In F2019, United Way Calgary worked with 83 agency partners and reached 179,162 people (up 9% from 163,667 people in F2018). The charity supported 171 programs and initiatives in F2019, down 10% from 190 programs in F2018.

Strong Communities funding in F2019 engaged 43,919 Calgarians. Also, 16,445 people gained knowledge and skills to improve their mental health. 3,435 people participated in activities that helped improve their financial well-being. The charity’s Community Hubs initiative, which started in F2017, helps poor Calgarians struggling with social isolation by providing inclusive spaces where they can connect with others in the community. The charity currently operates five community hubs in the Calgary area.

Successful Kids funding in F2019 helped 18,000 youth build meaningful connections. The charity works with partner agencies to invest in mental health, education, and employment opportunities for youth of all ages. Specifically, 1,044 students received the support of success coaches. The charity also provided career talks to 1,103 students, covering 140 different occupations. All In for Youth is a city-wide program that works with youth to keep them in school, help them finish school, and then transition into the workforce. In F2019, the program ran in 25 high schools across two Calgary school districts.

Overcoming Poverty funding in F2019 provided basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing to 11,445 people. To further support low-income Calgarians, United Way Calgary invests in Aspire Calgary, a city-wide financial empowerment collaborative that helps Calgarians reduce debt, grow savings, and build assets.

United Way Calgary is a Major 100 charity, meaning it is one of Canada’s largest charities in terms of donations. The charity received $51.3m in donations in F2019. Administrative costs are 9% of revenues and fundraising costs are 5% of donations. For every dollar donated, 86 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

United Way Calgary’s total funding reserves of $72.3m include a $4m donor-endowment fund. Excluding endowed funds, the charity’s reserves could cover 1.7 years of annual program costs.

The charity’s audited financial statements report community investment program commitments of $27.1m in F2020 and $12.9m in F2021.

Some of United Way Calgary’s largest grants, as reported in its most recent F2018 T3010 CRA filing, are as follows: $3.2m to Boys and Girls Club of Calgary, $2.4m to Carya Society of Calgary, $2.1m to Momentum Community Economic Development Society, $1.3m to Catholic Family Service of Calgary, and $1.3m to Distress Centre Calgary.

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

Updated on June 30, 2020 by Tenzin Shomar.