← Back to US Funders Directory

United Way Greater Toronto

Annual Giving
$104.6M
Grant Range
$50K - $2.7M
Decision Time
4mo

United Way Greater Toronto

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $104.6 million (F2025)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Varies by program (approximately 3-4 months for Community Program Grants)
  • Grant Range: Varies by program; individual grants range from community-level ($50,000+) to major anchor agency funding ($2.7 million)
  • Geographic Focus: Peel Region, Toronto, and York Region (Greater Toronto Area)

Contact Details

Office Locations:

  • Head Office (Toronto): 26 Wellington Street East, 12th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5E 1S2
  • Peel Region Office: 90 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 1500, Mississauga, ON
  • York Region Office: 80F Centurian Drive, Suite 206, Markham, ON, L3R 8C1

Overview

Founded in 1956, United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) is the largest non-government funder of community services in the Greater Toronto Area and has grown to become the largest United Way in the world. The organization fundraises from communities and distributes grants to local agencies to fight poverty, improve social conditions, and drive systemic change across Peel, Toronto, and York Region.

In F2025, UWGT distributed $104.6 million in total grants, including $69.5 million in community investments, reaching 1.8 million people through over 700 programs delivered by more than 300 agencies. The organization operates 9 community hubs across the GTA which served 5.8 million visitors in F2025.

UWGT has launched an ambitious 10-year strategic plan (UWGT 2035) with a goal to raise $1.5 billion over the next decade. Key priorities include sustaining existing community hubs and creating 10 more, investing $100 million in permanent space for nonprofits through their Community Real Estate Initiative, and expanding vital services for food, housing, mental health, and employment support. The organization holds a 97% rating on Charity Navigator and has reserve funds of $154 million, of which $35 million is donor-endowed.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Anchor Funding (Five-Year Funding)

  • Long-term, flexible funding for programming and core operational support
  • Current allocation: $33 million to 65 Anchor agencies delivering 208 programs
  • Designed to build agency capacity and allow response to evolving community needs

2. Community Program Grants (CPGs)

  • $71 million allocated over three years (announced January 2025)
  • Supports over 250 programs and services
  • Three-year funding contracts
  • Focuses on Housing and Homelessness and Inclusive Employment

3. Community Action Grants (CAGs)

  • Neighbourhood-focused initiatives supporting local priorities
  • Jane Finch CAG: $1 million program supporting local initiatives
  • Current programs: Cooksville CAG, Jane Finch CAG, South Markham CAG

4. Expanding Community Space Grants

  • Part of 10-year, $23 million commitment
  • Initial round: $2.125 million supporting 13 community projects
  • Supports new builds, retrofits, and renovations of community spaces

Priority Areas

  • Housing and homelessness
  • Inclusive employment
  • Mental health and wellness
  • Food security
  • Youth mentoring and employment training
  • Immigrant settlement services
  • Disability support
  • Services in concentrated poverty areas
  • Indigenous, Black, and equity-led organizations (27% of funded programs)

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations not registered as charities with the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Organizations not providing services in Peel Region, Toronto, or York Region
  • Organizations whose primary mandate is not social or community services
  • Organizations not serving people living in, or at risk of, poverty
  • Unsolicited grant proposals (applications must respond to formal funding calls)

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO

Heather McDonald (as of Spring 2025)

  • 25+ years of leadership in social and human services sector
  • Previously CEO of LOFT Community Services for 19 years
  • Master of Social Work; ICD.D designation

"I believe deeply in United Way's mission — and in the power of our collective efforts to improve life for the individuals and communities who need it most."

"Seventy per cent of the community organizations we support are at risk of losing their space, and they're also at risk of then being, in essence, priced out of communities that need them the most. We have a real focus on supporting those organizations."

Senior Executive Team

  • Michael Cheong - Chief Financial & Operating Officer
  • Nation Cheong - Vice President, Community Impact and Mobilization
  • Ruth Crammond - Vice President, Community Infrastructure
  • Kyla Lougheed - Vice President, Transformation
  • Nicole McVan - Vice President, Philanthropy & Marketing

Board of Trustees (2025-2026)

  • Lisa Gonsalves - Chair of the Board (33-year career in public sector, Director at York Region)
  • Nancy McConnell - Vice-Chair (Director, Strategic Customer Partnerships, Google Cloud)
  • Larry - Former Executive Director of Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
  • Islay McGlynn - Retired banking executive, Chair of Maduro & Curiel's Bank

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

United Way Greater Toronto does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Organizations must respond to formal calls for applications for specific grant programs.

Application System: SurveyMonkey Apply (SMA)

  • Organizations that have applied since May 2020 already have an account
  • New applicants must create an organization account
  • Technical support: csstechsupport@uwgt.org

Staying Informed: Organizations not currently funded can subscribe to funding updates to receive notifications about upcoming opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Incorporated not-for-profit registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Providing services in Peel Region, Toronto, or York Region
  • Serving people living in, or at risk of, poverty
  • Social or community services as primary mandate
  • Financial statements audited by licensed public accountant (or review engagement for organizations under $100,000 annual revenue)
  • At least 24 months of recent experience in the specific program area

Decision Timeline

  • Community Program Grants: Approximately 3-4 months (e.g., October deadline, January notification, April funding start)
  • Community Action Grants: Varies by program (e.g., Jane Finch CAG Round 2 notification in November 2025)

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may apply for one program per funding stream. Given limited funding, it is unlikely more than one program will be funded per agency.

Application Success Factors

Based on UWGT's documented priorities and funding patterns:

  1. Evidence-Based Programming: UWGT explicitly seeks "evidence-based programs or initiatives." Successful applications demonstrate measurable outcomes and data-driven approaches.

  2. Geographic Alignment: Programs must serve Peel Region, Toronto, or York Region, with emphasis on areas where poverty is concentrated.

  3. Equity Focus: 27% of funded programs are led by or focused on Indigenous, Black, and structurally disadvantaged groups. Organizations with equity-led governance or equity-focused services have strong alignment.

  4. Systems Approach: UWGT values programs that "address the underlying causes of poverty through a systems approach" rather than only addressing symptoms.

  5. Capacity for Flexibility: Anchor funding is designed for agencies that can "negotiate a shift in funding priorities to quickly mobilize a solution." Demonstrating organizational adaptability is valued.

  6. Community Engagement: The Jane Finch CAG model, where residents held a majority on the review committee, reflects UWGT's emphasis on community-informed priorities.

Resources for Applicants:

  • UWGT offers webinars on grant writing using data and evidence
  • Webinars on program design and development

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. No Unsolicited Proposals: You must wait for and respond to formal funding calls. Subscribe to their mailing list to receive notifications.

  2. Geographic Requirement is Absolute: Only organizations serving Peel, Toronto, or York Region are eligible—no exceptions.

  3. Equity Leadership Matters: With 27% of funding directed to Indigenous, Black, and equity-led organizations, highlight any equity credentials in governance and programming.

  4. Evidence and Data are Essential: UWGT explicitly prioritizes evidence-based programs. Prepare strong outcome data and evaluation frameworks.

  5. Long-Term Partnerships Preferred: Anchor funding and Community Program Grants offer multi-year funding (3-5 years), indicating UWGT values sustained relationships over one-time grants.

  6. Watch for Community Action Grants: CAGs offer entry points for neighbourhood-focused organizations. Current opportunities include Cooksville, Jane Finch, and South Markham areas.

  7. Build Relationships Before Applying: Given the closed application system, establishing visibility with UWGT before funding calls open may strengthen applications.

References

Accessed December 2025

← Back to US Funders Directory