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

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Impact Stories

Empowering ALICE – United Way of Southeastern Michigan Promotes Financial Security

Explore how the Detroit Financial Well-Being Innovation Challenge and the Family Mobility Savings Program are making strides in enhancing financial stability in Detroit. Learn about the impactful stories of participants overcoming economic hardships with the help of targeted financial education and support, contributing to building stronger, financially secure communities.
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Impact Stories

Save Money, File Your Taxes for Free

United Ways across the nation are connecting people to free tax preparation offerings and helping filers get the tax credits for which they are eligible.
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Impact Stories

A Pathway to Thrive: United Way of Central Florida's Success by Six Program

This Women's History Month, we celebrate the strides made in supporting women's journeys toward empowerment and self-sufficiency. United Way's interventions are a critical component of a broader mission to ensure health, education, and financial stability for all.
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Impact Stories

United Way of Greater Atlanta: Paving the Way for Economic Mobility Through Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

Betty* is a survivor of both domestic violence and human trafficking in Atlanta, Georgia. After living in transitional housing for nearly two years she faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life, but the process of gaining financial stability had proven to be slow and difficult. However, in January 2022, Betty joined United Way of Greater Atlanta’s financial empowerment program, which quickly became a lifeline, providing her with the economic support she needed to gain long-term stability.
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Impact Stories

Empathy in Action: Marie's Dedication to Caregivers

It is especially hard for the caregivers of those living with dementia who are unable to leave the house. "One woman was shut up with her husband for almost two years," Marie says. So, she offered the woman the only thing she could. She calls them 'bites,' or small pieces of self-care that allow them to get as close to their pre-caregiving lives as possible, that allow them to feel human. For the woman on the phone, that meant going outside and walking along the path between her home and the street.
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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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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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