United Way Southern Vancouver Island is a 3-star charity. It is financially transparent and has overhead costs outside of Ci's reasonable range. It has an average results reporting grade.

Founded in 1937, United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI), formerly United Way of Greater Victoria, grants funds to local charities to improve lives and build a stronger community. UWSVI’s four main grant areas are Mental Health and Addictions; Families; Seniors; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

At the time of this update, the charity has not yet published the F2024 Annual Report. As such the information below comes from the F2023 annual report.  

In F2023, UWSVI granted $3.5m. Of this amount, $557k was donor-designated. The remaining $3.0m in grants is divided into the four main grant areas: 

Families - 40% of grants. In F2023, 43,960 people benefitted from 49 programs. 13,368 children, youths and their families accessed nutritious and affordable food, skills training courses, housing support, and intervention services to help them navigate crisis situations. 

Mental Health and Addiction - 27%. In F2023, UWSVI-funded agencies ran 31 programs, helping 21,818 people. 4,418 kids, youths, adults, and seniors accessed affordable counselling services. 8,068 children, youths, adults and seniors were helped through outreach and peer-to-peer mental health support. 

Seniors - 21%. UWSVI-funded agencies ran 16 programs in F2023. These programs helped 8,808 people. 2,394 seniors and their families and caregivers were provided with essential supports like hygiene and other basic needs. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - 12%. In F2023, UWSVI funded ten programs, helping 1,478 people. 343 primarily Indigenous adults and youths took part in culturally supportive and enriching programs. 

United Way of Southern Vancouver Island received $4.2m in donations in F2024. Administrative costs are 26% of revenues (excluding investment income) and fundraising costs are 32% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 58%. For every dollar donated, 42 cents are available for programs. This is outside Ci’s range for overhead spending. This is partially due to an increase in administrative costs of 251% since F2022. 

In F2024, UWSVI spent $2.2m on its grants, which is 49% of total revenues, excluding donor-designated grants. The charity also spent $245k (5% of revenues) on programs. This program spending includes the costs and salaries related to the management of the grants and is 11% of grants.  The charity also had a deficit of $350k. 

UWSVI has funding reserves of $6.6m, of which $1.7m are endowed by donors. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity can cover its program and granting activities for just over two years. 

This charity report is an update that has been sent to United Way of Southern Vancouver Island. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on August 1, 2024 by Alessandra Castino.