United Way Winnipeg is a 4-star charity. It is financially transparent and has reasonable overhead costs. It had an above-average results reporting grade, and with current reserves it can cover annual program costs for one year and seven months.

Founded in 1965, United Way Winnipeg (UWW) grants funds to local charities to improve lives and build stronger communities in Winnipeg.  UWW runs three main programs: All That Kids Can Be; From Poverty to Possibility; and Healthy People, Strong Communities. The charity does not provide a spending breakdown by program. 

UWW funded 43 agencies as part of its All That Kids Can Be program. UWW reports that 20% of kids in Manitoba live in poverty. It funded 37 youth counseling and crisis intervention services. It supported 33 out-of-school and summer programs. The charity reports that more than 12,500 young people took part in after-school and out-of-school programs. It also supported 32 leadership and mentorship programs and six Huddle Youth Wellness Hubs. 

In F2024, UWW provided funding to 16 agencies as part of its From Poverty to Possibility program. According to UWW, 12% of people in Winnipeg live in poverty. The charity supported 33 life and employment skills services, 25 agencies helping homeless people, and 18 money management programs.  

UWW funded 59 agencies under its Healthy People, Strong Communities program in F2024. UWW reports that in 2020, drug overdose deaths in Winnipeg increased by 87%. The charity funded 88 counseling, wellness, and education services, 57 life skills services, 30 mental health and addiction services, 32 community development services, 27 community safety and community building services, and 68 family support services. The charity reports that more than 64,000 Winnipeggers had opportunities to build skills to help improve lives. Also, more than 95,000 people spent time at agencies that offer drop-in or safe-space programming. 

United Way Winnipeg received $28.5m in donations in F2024. It also received $12.7m in government funding (28% of total revenues).

Fundraising costs are 18% of donations and administrative costs are 2% of revenues. Total overhead costs are 20%. For every dollar donated, 80 cents are available for programs. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.  

In F2024, the charity spent $33.6m on its programs and grants, which is 76% of total revenues (excluding donor-designated grants). The charity had a surplus of $4.4m, which is 10% of total revenues.  

United Way Winnipeg has $53.8m in net reserve funds ($54.1m in cash and investments less $298k in interest bearing debts). These reserve funds can cover annual program and grant costs for one year and seven months. 

This charity report is an update that has been sent to United Way Winnipeg for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated July 29, 2024 by Alessandra Castino