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

Impact Stories

Supporting Homeless Youth

In Montreal, nearly one in four children grows up in poverty. That means they are more likely to drop out of high school, earn lower incomes, live in poorer conditions and continue the cycle of poverty. Centraide of Greater Montreal (United Way Montreal) is focused on shifting the odds.
Impact Stories

Food Pharmacies: Trident United Way's Innovative Approach to Health

TUW's food pharmacy partnerships embrace the concept of food-as-medicine and acknowledge the profound impact of dietary choices on overall health and wellness outcomes. As a member of South Carolina's Statewide Food Policy Council, TUW analyzes regional food systems and enhances practices that support the food-as-medicine philosophy.
Two individuals exchanging a crate of food
Impact Stories

Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday

Your hard-working mail carrier will deliver the bag to a local food bank, as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Human Trafficking Banner
Impact Stories

Combatting Human Trafficking Through Financial Stability

Human trafficking is a financial stability issue, and you can be part of the solution
collage of different workers
Impact Stories

Supporting Workers on Labor Day

Press Releases

United Way CEO Angela Williams Interviewed on The CEO Show

Angela Williams, the first Black female CEO at United Way Worldwide, was recently featured on The CEO Show, a nationally syndicated radio show with 60,000 listeners. It's ranked as the No. 1 podcast for CEOs. Interviewer Robert Reiss, founder and CEO of The CEO Forum, focuses on transformational CEOs, i.e. those “who create new value that reinvigorates a company, reinvents an industry or reboots society.”
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.