Children in a classroom with United Way adults
Global Reach

U.S. and Canada

Map of countries in US and Canada region

Countries In This Region

Overview

United Way's roots are deep in this region with the founding of United Way tracing back to Denver, Colorado in 1887. Community collaboration is at the heart of local United Ways across U.S. and Canada. Collectively, more than 1,000 local United Ways serve millions of families in need.


From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, local United Ways bring people and resources together to tackle each communities' toughest challenges to create a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

We unite people, ideas and innovation and bring them together to solve humanity's most complex issues.

- Fahim Haque, Centraide of Greater Montreal

U.S. and Canada Impact

Bringing local ideas, people and resources together to make sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.  

7.3M

individuals served across Canada each year

900+

local United Ways in communities across the United States

750K+

volunteers across the United States each year

Stories Across U.S. and Canada

Volunteer supplying food to a person in need.
In The News

Nonprofit Face Double Crunch As Shutdown Follows Severe Funding Cuts

The shutdown has made a difficult funding environment even more perilous for non-profits that were already facing a funding crunch.
A woman pushing a shopping cart with 2 children in it
In The News

Why you might be seeing ramen at your neighbor’s door on Halloween

With the threat of SNAP benefits being cut on November 1, a movement has gone viral online to encourage the distribution of shelf-stable goods with candy.

Healthy foods being purchased at a grocery store
In The News

Hunger Looms As Millions Prepare to Lose Food Aid Amid Shutdown

United Way Worldwide's President and CEO, Angela F. Williams, has been featured in an LA Times article highlighting the crisis that the United States may be on the verge of as SNAP and WIC benefits could be disrupted due to the government shutdown.
Man pushing a pallet of food at a United Way event
In The News

SNAP Cuts Could Leave Millions Hungry, States Scramble to Fill the Gap

Federal and state leaders say the government shutdown’s halt of SNAP funding in November — the first time in history the program has been suspended during a shutdown — could leave 42 million Americans without food assistance, drawing urgent responses from food banks and grocery retailers bracing for economic fallout.
Emergency Preparedness Kit by United Way Bay Area
In The News

Mobilizing Partnerships to Strengthen Climate Resilience

Marcus Coleman Jr. is featured in the Autumn 2025 edition of The Crisis Response Journal highlighting United Way's unique ability to partnerships in times of disaster preparedness, relief, and long-term recovery.
Grown women hugging her dad on the couch
Impact Story

How 211 Specialists Care For the Carers

Individuals sitting on the ground at a temporary shelter

18M+

referrals through 211 in 2024

Supported by United Way, 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to locally available programs and resources across the U.S. and Canada. In 2024, the 211 network responded to over 16 million requests for help resulting in more than 18 million hyperlocal referrals for assistance.

How You Can Help

Take the next step to support thriving communities. Your gift now or in the future, or the gift of your time, are valuable contributions to our shared mission.