United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

About United Way of the Alberta Capital Region:

Founded in 1941, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region (UWACR) gathers resources to fight poverty in Alberta. It tackles social issues in education, income and wellness. UWACR supports programs and services that address community needs and improve the lives of the poor. In F2015, it reported helping 243,024 unique participants through funded programs in Edmonton and the surrounding regions. Out of these participants, 9,977 (4%) were aboriginal and 5,922 (2%) were immigrants or refugees.

Like other United Way organizations across Canada, it has three pillars of funding: education (45%), poverty (18%) and community wellness (37%). Across these 3 pillars they have funded 92 programs and partnerships. The top 10 grantees receive 45% of total grant allocations. The top five organizations receiving grants from United Way of the Alberta Capital Region are Partners for Kids ($1.4m), Family Centre of North Alberta ($830k), Boys and Girls Club of Edmonton ($583k), Canadian Mental Health Association ($524k) and the Canadian Red Cross ($405k).

Through United Way funded programs, it reports that 92% of children and youth have demonstrated age/developmentally-appropriate skills in areas such as motor skills and problem solving. It also reports that 100% of participants accessed nutritious food for themselves and/or their children. Lastly, it reports that 86% of participants report an increased capacity to solve day-to-day problems and challenges.

In 2014, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region identified 12 desired results for its programs and has 5 main goals. These goals aim to attack the causes of poverty, support children from an early age, teach people better financial management skills, advocate for better mental health services and more employment opportunities. They aim to help 22,000 individuals over three years through programs targeting these needs.

Financial Review:

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is one of Canada’s Major 100 charities. It collected donations of $25.7m in F2016. Administrative costs are 7% of revenues while fundraising costs are 12% of donations. For every dollar donated, 81 cents goes to the cause, falling within Ci’s reasonable range. United Way of the Alberta Capital Region has funding reserves of $13.8m that can cover just under 9 months of program costs.

This charity report is an update that is being reviewed by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 15, 2017 by Josh Lam.