Investment Reports

456,719 people who were struggling received supports in 2025.

A strong and vibrant community is better equipped to respond to new and urgent needs and challenges. United Way of the Alberta Capital Region takes a systems-wide approach to collaborate and deliver local programs and services that address multiple facets of community well-being.

Our United Way is focused on:

  • Strengthening mental well-being, so people can cope with life’s stress and build stronger connections.
  • Eliminating barriers to educational success, which strengthens our entire community.
  • Empowering financial security, so people can build a stable future for themselves and their families.

Together, we can build the foundation of a strong community that can tackle any challenge.

Eliminating Barriers to Educational Success

Graduating high school sets a strong foundation for a successful and stable future. But too many families experience barriers that make it harder to stay in school.  

Students stand and sit together in a school stairwell

United Way and our partners break down these barriers, walking alongside people on their path to educational success.  

We support services and resources that improve school readiness and academic achievement, increase school and community engagement, and develop resilience to handle life’s challenges. By championing equitable educational opportunities from early years to high school, we help students — and families — thrive academically and socially. 

2025 Impact

In 2025, 153,658 people accessed educational supports through United Way programs and funding, helping young people find the support to stay in school and reach graduation, including: 

  • 3,598 students were provided wrap-around supports through All in for Youth.
  • 226,620 meals and snacks were provided All in for Youth.
  • 27.4% higher graduation rates were seen for students with 3+ years in All in for Youth. 

Strengthening Mental Wellbeing

Strong mental health is a vital aspect of a person’s overall well-being. It influences how they cope, learn, work, and contribute to our community. There is a significant unmet need for community-based mental health supports in our region, and it’s challenging to navigate the system. 

Mom reading a book with baby boy at home. Early age children education, development. Mother and child spending time together. Candid lifestyle.

United Way collaborates with partner agencies to support mental health in our community, championing accessible resources, raising awareness, improving navigation, and promoting early intervention. By developing a robust network of resources and improving accessibility, we make it easier for people to find the support they need. 

2025 Impact

In 2025, 275,641 people strengthened their mental well-being through United Way, including: 

  • More than 120,000 contacts were supported by 211 Alberta, connecting people to essential community resources by highly-trained navigators.  
  • 199,000 connections were made to community programs and services by 211 Alberta.   
  • 240 languages make support accessible through 211 Alberta’s phone service.

 

Empowering Financial Security

To build a resilient community, people must have access to a diverse range of employment and income opportunities that enable financial security. Key steps along the path to financial security include job training, employment opportunities, and financial education.  

  • In the Alberta Capital Region approximately 1 in 6 people – and 1 in 5 children – are experiencing poverty, grappling with the challenge of meeting basic needs on insufficient incomes. (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2022) 
  • Most low-wage earners are adults. In the Alberta Capital Region, over half (56%) of those earning $16/hr or less are between the ages of 20 and 44. (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020) 
  • A good credit score can save a family up to $150,000 on their mortgage payments and positively impact employability, as many employers now check credit scores before hiring. (Prosper Canada, 2019) 

United Way and our partners support comprehensive programs and initiatives that provide financial education, resources, and opportunities for economic empowerment. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the knowledge, tools, and confidence to secure a brighter future.

2025 Impact

In 2025, 195,312 people improved their financial security with United Way support including:  

  • 289 people completed the Empower U financial education programming. 
  • $91,000+ was saved through matched savings by Empower U participants 
  • 81% of Empower U participants made progress toward their financial goals.