United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is a 5-star charity. It is financially transparent and has reasonable overhead costs. It has an above average results reporting grade of A. 

Founded in 1941, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region (UWACR) raises money to support programs and initiatives that fight poverty in Edmonton and surrounding areas. This includes Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Strathcona County, St. Albert, Leduc County, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County.

UWACR distributes grants to local organizations and runs its own community programs, including Homeless Connect, Tools for School, Kid Kits, and All in for Youth. All mission spending goes toward one of three focus areas: Break the Cycle, Lift People Out, and Provide a Safety Net. UWACR states that it helped 244,745 people through United Way funded programs in F2022.

Break the Cycle funding supports early childhood development, after-school, literacy, and general support programs that help kids break the poverty cycle and succeed academically. UWACR states that in F2022, 4,053 individuals received early learning and parenting supports. 26,612 students participated in healthy development programs. Also, 3,470 children participated in nurturing after-school programs and 806 at-risk youth were supported to stay in school. UWACR’s All In for Youth program helps support families and students to ensure high school completion. In F2022, the program expanded from five to eight schools.

Lift People Out funding helps people access basic needs (healthy food and housing assistance) and supports employment and financial literacy programs. In F2022, UWACR helped 5,700 people file their income taxes and access benefits. Also, 1,025 vulnerable community members received financial literacy training and 1,404 individuals got help obtaining and retaining employment.

Provide a Safety Net funding supports programs that provide mental health counselling, referral services, domestic violence support, or work with at-risk youth. UWACR reports that in F2022, 66,461 participants accessed healthy meals or food hampers. Also, 591 people received help to obtain or maintain housing. UWACR states that in F2022 20,466 individuals facing mental health challenges received timely counselling and 2,896 people who experienced domestic violence received caring supports.

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region received $15.8m in donations in F2022. Administrative costs are 9% of revenue (excluding investment income) and fundraising costs are 17% of donations. Per dollar donated to the charity, 74 cents go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Funding reserves of $16.8m include $17.4m in cash and investments net of $591k in mortgages. UWACR could fund annual program costs and grants at the F2022 level for just over 10 months with existing reserves.

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region’s five largest grants to funded partners reported in its audited financial statements are: $886m to the Family Centre of Northern Alberta, $493k to Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton, $412k to Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region, $318k to Bissell Centre, and $243k to e4c. Also included in grants are community partnerships and initiatives costs, which include $2.4m on All in for Youth and $321k on Empower U.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to United Way of the Alberta Capital Region for review. Comments and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 15, 2022 by Emily Downing.

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