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

United States of America
Canada

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

Impact Stories

United Way of Greater Waterbury: Bridging the Gap in Food Security Through Collective Action

In a nation where abundance often stands in stark contrast to scarcity, food insecurity is a crisis that quietly affects the vulnerable. This crisis is acute for households with children and Black and Hispanic communities in Connecticut. Greater Waterbury experiences a 16.5% rate of food insecurity and a 12% poverty rate. Despite changes in economic conditions, one thing remains constant: Food insecurity is a part of daily life.
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father and son food volunteering
Impact Stories

The Imperative of Preparedness: New Jersey 211’s Disaster Response

Authorized under the state's emergency plan, the 211 service is not an ad hoc arrangement but a well-integrated element within New Jersey's strategies for mass care, public health, and communication. The initiative ensures that 9-1-1 lines are reserved for emergencies, while 211 handles non-emergency inquiries ranging from public safety to social services.
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Impact Stories

From Red to Resilience: The Community-Driven Battle Against Missoula County Wildfires

Wildfires are not restricted to Missoula County. Around the world, communities, and the United Ways that support them, struggle with wildfires every year. On August 8, a devastating blaze spread across Maui taking more than a hundred lives and destroying the Lahaina community.
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boy reading
Impact Stories

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: Tackling Global Learning Crisis

Parents, caregivers and other experts know that building language is fundamental to a child's development.
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Impact Stories

The Promise of Opportunity: Sierra's Story

In Nashville, Tennessee, educational and employment statistics reveal an inequality marked by racial disparities. While 88.7% of black residents over 18 possess high school diplomas, this compares to 94.5% of their white counterparts and 54.2% of their Hispanic peers. The divide further widens after high school, with just 29.6% of black students earning bachelor's degrees compared to 55.3% of white students.
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Impact Stories

Rally Around Maui: United Ways Respond to the Wildfire Disaster

The Maui Wildfire Disaster stands as the deadliest natural catastrophe in Hawaii's history. On August 8, deadly wildfires, fueled by a combination of land and atmospheric conditions, including a drought and powerful winds, devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui.
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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.

Learn About 211

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.

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