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What is United Way?

United Way, an international, volunteer-led not-for-profit organization, has 123 local United Ways in Canada. United Way is known as Centraide in Quebec and Ottawa and other French speaking communities across Canada.

Each United Way-Centraide raises money and allocates funds locally to support its community. Each United Way-Centraide is governed by an autonomous local Board of Directors that, with other volunteers and staff, helps build caring, vibrant communities and responds to a broad range of human needs.

Why should I give to United Way?

United Way has a unique value. The solutions we provide are based on a big picture approach that considers the weight and interconnectedness of all social challenges we face as a community. We invite and connect the entire community to collaborate on strategies to improve social conditions on the whole. We maximize every contribution by pooling them to together so significant investments can be made where they will have the most positive impact. We also maintain the highest standard of investment responsibility with contributions by annually investing, monitoring and measuring results on behalf of our donors.

Why would I give through United Way when I can give directly to an agency?

United Way focuses on the bigger picture - the whole community. Our work is not about one cause - it's about being relevant to all needs and issues. And we believe in the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child," because we know that children, families, seniors and neighbourhoods have the best opportunity to succeed when they are healthy, safe and embraced by support.

We invite and connect everyone to participate and help improve their community. No other organization can say that - and no other organization can say that their efforts are carried out to benefit everyone.

Why aren't all agencies a part of United Way?

There are many important programs in the community responding to individual and family needs. Our ongoing support of member agencies is a business decision that involves a long-term financial commitment. In order to continue that support, we must make decisions that keep us within our financial abilities. The number of agencies or programs funded depends on campaign dollars raised.

In addition, some agencies choose not to apply for funding. There are currently 43 member agencies, and new member agencies are considered annually.

How are agencies evaluated?

All Member Agencies are evaluated by United Way on an annual basis.  Further to this, each Agency undergoes United Way of the Alberta Capital Region's volunteer agency review process every three years. United Way Staff and volunteers work together on Community Investment Committees (CIC) that serve to evaluate each program and conduct an on-site visit. The following criteria are considered:

• Alignment with United Way Priorities - does the program continue to fit with United Way priorities as determined by the changing needs of the region?
• Organizational Stability - is the organization positioned, financially and structurally, to leverage United Way resources effectively and efficiently?
• Program Effectiveness - did  the organization deliver on agreed-upon results and did they demonstrate positive impact in the community?
• Accessibility - is the program or initiative accessible to those it intends to serve and/or have steps been taken to address barriers?
• Resource Management - does the organization review financial statements on a regular basis and did they submit to an audit or review engagement in the past year?
• Need for Funding - does the Agency demonstrate a practical need for United Way dollars and is the proposed budget realistic?
• Agency support for United Way of the Alberta Capital Region - has the organization helped to promote United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and have they adhered to relevant policies and procedures?
• Follow-Up from Previous Report Recommendations - has the Agency addressed outstanding items identified by United Way staff and/or volunteer committee's from past reviews?