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

Press Releases

Senator Lankford (R-OK) Named United Way Champion

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) received the United Way Champion Award for his leadership on the universal charitable deduction and overall support for our nation’s charities and nonprofits. The award was presented to Lankford by Debby Hampton, the CEO of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.
Impact Stories

Communities Are Boosting Mental Health in Innovative Ways

As we close out Mental Health Awareness Month, take a minute to find out what’s going on in your community all year long. The more we know, the more we can speak out for mental health services – for every person in every community.
Press Releases

United Way Statement on Uvalde Shooting

United Way is deeply saddened by the tragic mass shootings of the last few weeks: the racially motivated attack in Buffalo, NY and the murder this week of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, the second deadliest school shooting in America’s history. Our hearts are with the families and communities.
Press Releases

United Way Statement on Buffalo Shooting Tragedy

We must do better. Racially-motivated violence can no longer be tolerated. My thoughts and prayers go out to the grieving families, loved ones, and the entire city of Buffalo. Learn more about how you can help,here.
Two individuals exchanging a crate of food
Impact Stories

Fight Hunger at Your Mailbox 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. Since its start 30 years ago, Stamp Out Hunger has become the country’s largest one-day food drive, collecting nearly 2 billion pounds of food to date. This year, 10,000 communities in all 50 states are taking part, including D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Impact Stories

Coral Reef Restoration in the Florida Keys

We're pioneering a path to economic sustainability with restoration, by incorporating educational benefits, global partnership prospects, and the potential for “voluntourism” in a unique approach to revitalizing the Florida Keys.
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.