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

close up of two people holding hands
Press Release

AARP and United Way Worldwide Expand 211 Caregiver Program to 10 New States

Expansion into additional 211 call centers brings the program to 32 states and Puerto Rico, reaching 50% of the total U.S. population, and accessible to an estimated 36 million family caregivers

A man huddling over a bill while a woman and baby look over his shoulder
In the News

Millions of Americans are Paper-Wealthy, Wallet-Poor

Many report feeling financially insecure, a trend also fueling rising calls to 211 for help

workers pile up sandbags to prepare for a flood
In The News

Three Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for Extreme Weather

From checking insurance to trimming your trees, take these steps now to help smooth your recovery from summer storms, hurricanes, fires and other disasters.
Jenney Wilson standing beside a mini-pantry in Lamar County, Texas
Impact Stories

Little Pantries Make Big Impact

Lamar County United Way takes creative approaches to fight food insecurity

Hospital safety and security staffer talking into new radio
Stories of Resilience

Communicating when every second matters

New radios and an antenna system funded by a United Way of Southwest Alabama micro-grant help a Mobile hospital reach first responders during disasters.
Volunteers in Phoenix assemble heat relief kits
Stories of Resilience

Heat Relief Kits Provide Lifesaving Help

Volunteers with Valley of the Sun United Way and Verizon assembled 10,250 heat relief kits, providing lifesaving help during Phoenix's extreme heat.
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.