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

Workers stack sandbags to prevent flooding damage
Stories of Resilience

West Virginia Resiliency Centers Bring Disaster Preparedness Home

Two regional Resiliency Centers, launched through a partnership between United Way Worldwide and Verizon, are working to help all 55 West Virginia counties prepare for disasters, coordinate, and recover faster.
Young person hugging Kristin Hegji
Southwest Alabama

Providing Preparedness Tools for Those with Cerebral Palsy

A micro-grant from Verizon and United Way is helping United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile, Ala. replace medical and comfort items families rely on after a disaster.
Maine mom playing with children
Impact Story

From a Hotel Room to a Stable Career: Helping a Mom Move Forward

United Way of Southern Maine connected a mother to career services and housing resources so she could improve her family's financial footing.
Amy Maffei
Impact Story

Volunteer: Amy Maffei

Amy's passion for volunteering started in college and led her to work with United Way of Greater Nashville

Ice-covered trees suspended on power line over road
Impact Story

When Winter Storm Fern Hit Nashville, 211 Answered

United Way of Greater Nashville's 211 collaborated with Airbnb.org to launch an emergency housing program to shelter hundreds of people and pets from the storm.
A person stuffing a water bottle in a go bag.
In the News

Nine Mistakes to Avoid This Storm Season

Emergency experts share the severe weather mistakes people make most — from skipping a go bag to ignoring 211. Avoid these before the next storm.
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.