FAQs

In today’s complex world, it often takes more than just one person, agency or program to make a big and lasting difference in people’s lives. United Way Niagara exists to support the most vulnerable people, when and where they need it, by investing in life-changing programs that strengthen the social safety net and build capacity in Niagara.

We face poverty head on, addressing the interconnected issues it causes every day; homelessness, food insecurity, isolation, mental health and addiction. 

United Way utilizes a Community Investment Process to allocate funds to programs and services that will achieve the greatest results and impact. A team of dedicated panel volunteers review funding applications and recommend funding investments based on a priority area framework evaluation. Funds are invested in Niagara’s programs and services through a mulit-year funding commitment and evaluated annually to ensure our donor’s dollars are achieving the intended outcomes.

In order to be eligible for United Way funding, an organization must be non-profit, charitable and have a clearly stated purpose and function within the social and human services sector. The organization must:

• Be incorporated and registered as a charitable organization under the Canada Income Tax Act;
• Have a voluntary Board of Directors;
• Operate programming in the human or social services sector that does not duplicate an existing program; and
• Operate within the Niagara Region;

United Way cannot fund mandated government services; programs in the arts, culture, heritage or the environment; individual, religious or political activities. United Way does not fund capital program costs or related expenses.

Agencies are evaluated on program and organizational standards. The organization must demonstrate that the program/service they are requesting funding for meets a need in the community, that their proposed program/service is effective in responding to said need, and whether they are achieving desired outcomes for those being served and the community as a whole. The organization must also demonstrate appropriate practices around organizational capacity, management and financial accountability.

United Way Niagara supports a network of local agencies that serve more than 160,000 people in our community every year. A single donation helps fund a wide range of essential programs, ensuring people receive comprehensive support, not just one service.

There’s no single solution for a family experiencing homelessness, a child struggling in school, or someone facing mental illness. United Way funds both immediate relief (food, shelter, crisis support) and long-term solutions (employment services, youth mentorship, financial stability programs). Your gift creates real, lasting change.

Our Community Investment Process is a multi-year process that provides agencies a funding commitment for three years. This ensures the programs have the capacity, stability and time to achieve outcomes. Programs are evaluated annually and after three years of funding, an agency must re-apply.

Through our investments we aim to have the greatest impact on our community’s evolving needs.

While United Way Niagara is the largest non-government funder of social and human services in Niagara, we simply aren’t able to fully fund an agency for all their initiatives. Agencies often are required to conduct their own fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives to complement United Way funding. Our funded partners work alongside our Fall Campaign to address their unique needs.

Donations to United Way Niagara are directed into the Community Fund, which supports a network of essential programs across the region. This approach ensures funding reaches the areas of greatest need, helping individuals and families overcome challenges and build a stronger future.

Unrestricted gifts allow our Community Investment volunteers to shift funds where they will make the biggest difference, whether that’s tackling urgent crises or addressing deep-rooted causes of poverty.

Every donation is used responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with donor wishes. If you choose to designate your donation to a specific community, program, or agency, United Way will honor that request.