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 85 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 F2018, United Way Calgary granted $39.9 million to other agencies, of which $6.7 million were donor-designated grants. The charity also spent $4.6 million on community programs and investments (the remaining $5.2 million in program costs consists of dues to United Way Canada and operational support expenses associated with programming). Of the $43.4 million in program costs and non-designated grants, $20.3 million went to Strong Communities, $12.8 million went to Successful Kids, and the remaining $10.3 million went to Overcoming Poverty.

In F2018, United Way Calgary worked with 90 agency partners and reached 163,667 people (up 7% from 152,824 people in F2017). It supported 190 programs and initiatives: 33 programs related to Overcoming Poverty, 70 programs related to Successful Kids, and 87 programs related to Strong Communities. This is down 17% from 229 programs in F2017.

Strong Communities funding in F2018 supported 51 social inclusion programs that were accessed by 64,170 people and 16 domestic violence programs accessed by 6,220 people. 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. In F2018, it operated five hubs that were accessed by 33,500 people.

Successful Kids funding in F2018 supported 14 mental health programs that were accessed by 19,588 people. 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 F2018, the program ran in 21 high schools across two Calgary school districts. 1,115 students received either financial assistance to bypass barriers or mentor support through Success Coaches, and 107 students received bursaries. Since the program began in F2012, it has facilitated 12,196 connections between youth and adults.

Overcoming Poverty funding in F2018 supported 18 programs that provided basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing to 17,243 people. In collaboration with Aspire Calgary, United Way Ottawa’s volunteer-run Financial Empowerment program helped file 7,721 tax returns and gave 637 people financial coaching on how to reduce debt, increase savings and build assets.

United Way Calgary is a Major 100 charity, meaning it is one of Canada’s 100 largest in terms of donations. It received $49.3m in donations in F2018. Administrative costs are 9% of revenues (excluding investment income) and fundraising costs are 7% of donations. Per dollar donated to the charity, 84 cents go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

United Way Calgary total funding reserves of $68.5m includes a $22.2m endowment fund. Excluding endowed funds, the charity’s reserves could cover annual program costs and grants at the F2018 level for 1.1 years.

The charity’s audited financials report community investment program commitments of $21.7m in F2019, $18.5m in F2020, and $15.3m in F2021.

United Way Calgary’s five largest grants reported in its most recent T3010 CRA filing, which was for F2017, are as follows: $1.9m to Carya Society of Calgary, $1.7m to Momentum Community Economic Development Society, $1.7m to Boys and Girls Club of Calgary, $1.1m to Catholic Family Service of Calgary, and $1.1m to Distress Centre Calgary.

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

Updated on August 9, 2019 by Katie Khodawandi.