United Way Elgin Middlesex is a 4-star charity. It is financially transparent, has reasonable overhead costs, and an average results reporting grade. 

United Way Elgin Middlesex (UWEM), formerly United Way London Middlesex and United Way Elgin-St. Thomas, provides grants to local organizations to address human service needs in London and Middlesex and Elgin Counties. 

Its three main focus areas are From Poverty to Possibility, Healthy People, Strong Communities, and All That Kids Can Be. In F2024, UWEM also dispersed funds for the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF). 

From Poverty to Possibility was 28% of program and grant spending in F2024. UWEM focuses on reducing the effects of poverty in the community. It reports that one in seven people in London, Ontario live in poverty. In F2024, the charity supported 22 programs. UWEM-funded partners provided 32,736 food boxes/hampers and 210,686 meals and snacks. 

CSRF was 27% of program spending in F2024. This is a government-funded program to help charities. The program supported 26 charities in the region. 

Healthy People, Strong Communities was 20% of program spending in F2024. UWEM focuses on improving the wellbeing of the community, especially through mental health services. In F2024, UWEM supported 15 programs. The charity reports that 3,985 people received mental health and addictions counselling supports. 

All That Kids Can Be was 9% of program spending in F2024. United Way Elgin Middlesex aims to help all children reach their potential. One in four children in London live in poverty, as well as one in five children in Elgin-St. Thomas. In F2024, UWEM-funded eight programs. The charity reports that 10,136 children and youths received help to ensure they can reach their full potential, and 356 children and youths were matched with a mentor.  

The remaining 16% of program spending was for United Way Community Services (12%) and Strategic Investments (4%). United Way Community Services are costs associated with managing the grants, as well as research, advocacy, and convening community partners. Strategic Investments are programs operated by United Way or through an agency to deal with emerging community issues. 

United Way Elgin Middlesex received $7.5m in donations and special events revenues in F2024. Combined fundraising and administrative costs are 17% of revenues (less investment income). Total overhead spending is 17%. For each dollar donated, 83 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.  

In F2024 the charity spent $6.5m on its grants (66% of total revenues less donor-designated grants) and $878k on its programs (9%). The charity had $804k in surplus. 

Reserve funds of $6.2m can cover program and grant expenses for ten months. Included in reserve funds are the value of two funds held at the London Community Foundation. The Forever Fund had a value of $1.3m and the Stability Fund had a value of $188k at the end of F2024.  

UWEM’s audited financial statements do not clearly separate grants to other organizations and in-house program spending. Ci allocated United Way Community Services expenses to program costs. Ci classified Community Fund, One-time donations (CSRF), and Strategic Investment expenses as grants.  

Charity Intelligence has sent this update to United Way Elgin Middlesex for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on August 21, 2024 by Alessandra Castino.