United Way East Ontario is a 5-star charity. It has an A Results Reporting grade, which is above average. For every dollar donated, 67 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range.

Founded in 1933, United Way Ottawa merged with three smaller United Ways: United Ways of Prescott-Russell, Lanark County, and Renfrew County, in 2017. It formally changed its name to United Way East Ontario (UWEO) in 2019. The charity aims to bring people together to build strong, healthy, and safe communities. Grants fit into three focus areas: Healthy People, All That Kids Can Be, and Poverty to Possibility. The charity’s F2025 annual report reviews the results of its F2024 grants. In F2024 UWEO also granted out through the Community Services and Recovery Fund (CSRF). The charity did not grant through CSRF in F2025.

Healthy People represented 43% of grant and program costs in F2024. UWEO works to improve equity, connections, and wellbeing for the most vulnerable people in its communities. In F2024, UWEO reached 74,957 people and recorded 111,897 program hours. The charity funded 49 programs through 43 community agencies. In F2024, 39,146 people received crisis support and 11,332 people received mental health and addiction support.  

All That Kids Can Be represented 40% of grant and program costs in F2024. UWEO partners with local agencies to provide early-childhood education, young parent support, after-school programs, mental health counselling, and support for homeless youth. In F2024, UWEO reached 13,439 people and recorded 153,709 program hours. The charity funded 46 programs through 39 community agencies. In F2024, 1,274 youth received mental health support, 1,390 youth participated in after-school programs, and 705 families received supportive resources, training, and teaching skills.

Poverty to Possibility represented 17% of program costs in F2024. UWEO partners with agencies to provide job training, mentorship for job seekers, and education for employers. In F2024, UWEO reached 4,752 people and recorded 8,931 program hours. The charity funded 17 programs across 15 community agencies. In F2024, 1,948 people received financial services and support, 1,301 newcomers to Canada received employment support, and 1,241 disabled people received employment support. 

United Way East Ontario's audited statements use activity-based costing, which is a best practice. 

United Way East Ontario received $22.7m in donations in F2025. The charity spent $7.1m on its programs and grants, which is 49% of revenue (excluding donor-designated grants). UWEO recorded a deficit of $393k, meaning it drew on its reserves to fund its operations.

UWEO spent $5.2m on fundraising, which is 23% of donations, and $2.6m on administration, which is 10% of revenue (excluding investment income). Total overhead spending is 33%. For every dollar donated, 67 cents are available to go to the cause, which is just outside Ci's reasonable range. 

UWEO has $12.9m in reserve funds (cash and investments), of which $453k is donor endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity’s reserves can cover 1 year and 9 months of its annual program and grant costs. This is within Ci’s reasonable range.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to United Way East Ontario for review.

Updated on August 12, 2025 by Liam Chapleau.