United Way British Columbia is a 4-star charity. It is financially transparent, has reasonable overhead costs, and has a below average results reporting grade. The charity has $94.4m in reserve funds, which can cover program costs for a year and six months.

United Way British Columbia (UWBC) was formed on July 1, 2021 after six United Ways merged. The merger combined United Way of the Lower Mainland, United Way of Trail and District, United Way Southern Interior BC, Thomson Nicola Cariboo United Way, United Way East Kootenay, and United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island. There are now four independent United Ways in British Columbia: United Way BC, United Way Southern Vancouver Island (Victoria), United Way of Northern BC, and Powell River and District United Way.

UWBC's main focus areas are Seniors, Residents and Communities, Children and Youth, Food Security and Urgent Need.

Seniors – 52% of program spending

UWBC works to help seniors overcome loneliness and isolation. Its Healthy Aging program encourages seniors to stay active and engaged in their communities. In F2023, the charity ran 331 Healthy Aging initiatives, providing over 605,000 services. 37,700 seniors received these support services. United Way British Columbia also manages the Better at Home program, funded by the Government of British Columbia. Better at Home provides services such as light housekeeping, meal delivery, and transportation to seniors.

Residents and Communities – 18% of program spending

United Way British Columbia runs programs that encourage community involvement. These include the Hi Neighbour program which supports events that bring communities together. In F2023, the charity supported 12 Hi Neighbour initiatives, bringing together 9,000 neighbours. UWBC also runs the Period Promise campaign, which increased access to free menstrual products. The charity reports that half of those who mensurate in BC have struggled to buy menstrual products at some point. The campaign aims to remove the barriers that a lack of menstrual products can cause, such as missing out on events and feeling ashamed.

Children and Youth – 11% of program spending

In F2022, United Way British Columbia ran 54 School’s Out programs in 159 sites across the province, to encourage the mental and physical wellness of children, and provide them with food and support during the school year. 6,577 children received support from the program. The charity also offers a School’s Out Summer program, to support the children that rely on their school programs for necessities during the school year. The Youth Futures Education Fund supports former youth in care who are pursuing post-secondary education. In F2023, the charity reports supporting almost 500 young people through this fund.

Food Security – 10% of program spending

The charity states that, in 2020, one in six Canadians lived in a household facing food insecurity. This was about one in five for households with children. Today, this problem is worsened by inflation. United Way British Columbia has 20 regional community food hubs. In F2023, it delivered 3,1 million meals and 215,000 hampers to 81,500 families and individuals across BC. It also held nearly 1,500 food security educational sessions and workshops.

Urgent Response – 9% of program spending

UWBC's Urgent Response program assists those affected by natural disasters and helps refugees from Ukraine now living in BC. In F2023, the charity connected 400 displaced Ukrainians to housing through its Ukraine Urgent Response Initiative. The charity also runs a help line, which is available 24/7, 365 days a year. In F2023, the charity answered 81,000 help line call requests and made over 165,000 referrals.

United Way British Columbia is financially transparent. Its audited financial statements are publicly available on its website.

United Way British Columbia received $33.5m in donations in F2023. Fundraising and administrative costs were 11% of revenues (less investment income). For each dollar donated, 89 cents are available for programs. This is within Ci's reasonable range for overhead spending.

UWBC has $94.4m in reserve funds, of which $7.6m is donor endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, UWBC's funding reserves can cover program and grant costs for a year and six months. Included in total funding reserves is the value of UWBC's funds held in trust at the Vancouver Foundation ($29.9m). 

On the financial statements for F2023 and F2022, the grant amount ($50.5m for F2023) is divided into two categories: Grants ($35.3m for F2023) and Distributions including allocations ($15.2m for F2023). Figures for F2021 were not provided. Ci has reported the total amount as grants for F2023, F2022 and F2021. 

Figures for F2021 are unaudited and may not be comparable to F2023 and F2022 figures. 

This is a charity update that has been sent to United Way British Columbia for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on June 26, 2023 by Victoria Allder.