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

Valley of the Sun volunteers in Phoenix assembling heat kits through United We Prepare
Press Release

New Research: Over Half of Adults Worry About a Disaster, But Cost Keeps Them from Preparing

United Way Worldwide and Verizon survey finds cost is the leading barrier to preparedness, while new data underscores the importance of planning and personal networks.

Member of United Way of Chicago's Young Leaders United packing emergency kits
Stories of Resilience: Chicago

Packing Kits, Building Resilience

Members of United Way of Metro Chicago’s Young Leaders United assembled disaster preparedness kits through United We Prepare to help families in Austin, Brighton Park, and Little Village prepare for flooding and other emergencies.
Volunteers at the United Way Resiliency Center in new Orleans hold up emergency kits
Stories of Resilience: New Orleans

New Orleans Resiliency Center Provides Hub to Help Weather Storms

Discover how United Way of Southeast Louisiana's Resiliency Center helps families prepare for disasters, build stability and strengthen community resilience.
Three TSA agents standing by tables filled with water and food
Impact Story

Standing With Working Families

United Way of Kentucky worked with the AFL-CIO to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers during the 2026 partial government shutdown.
Wildfires burn by a shopping center in Valdosta, Georgia
Impact Story

School Starts, Recovery Continues

As families continue recovering from Georgia wildfires, Greater Valdosta United Way is connecting them to critical resources and long-term support.
Stuff-the-Bus volunteers with United Way of Greater Nashville pose in front of a school bus at Nissan Stadium
Impact Story

Providing Binders, Backpacks, and Belonging

United Way's Stuff the Bus campaign mobilizes volunteers and donors nationwide to provide essential school supplies and support student success.
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.