United Way of Greater Victoria

About United Way of Greater Victoria:

Founded in 1937, United Way of Greater Victoria (UWGV) is a leader in the social service sector as both a fundraiser and a community funder. United Way Greater Victoria seeks to address the immediate needs of the Greater Victoria community and targets root causes of social issues by uniting community partners, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders. United Way of Greater Victoria funds over 109 programs and services in three priority areas: All That Kids Can Be (31% of funding), Poverty (24% of funding) and Strong Communities (45% of funding).

United Way of Greater Victoria funded 72 social services agencies in F2017. The largest five recipients are Pacifica Housing Advisory Association ($250k), bc211 ($232k), Victoria Cool Aid Society ($177k), Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria ($165k) and Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre ($160k).

In F2016, United Way of Greater Victoria reported that through its funded programs, 10,196 individuals and families were helped to better cope with life’s challenges, 3,849 youth received support to succeed in school and develop life skills and that 936 families acquired an affordable, safe and permanent place to live.

In partnership with other United Ways in BC, UWGV helped implement the bc211 service in the Greater Victoria area. This service connects individuals and organizations to community, social and government services.

Financial Review:

United Way of Greater Victoria is considered a big-cap charity with donations of $5.5m in F2017. Its administrative costs stand at 3% of revenues and fundraising costs are 23% of donations. For every dollar donated, 74 cents goes to the cause, falling within Ci’s reasonable range. It has funding reserves of $10.3m which can cover program costs for 2.2 years.   

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

Updated on August 31, 2017 by Josh Lam.