United Way Greater Toronto

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $122.2 million (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Varies by programme (approximately 3-4 months for Community Programme Grants)
Grant Range: Varies by programme; individual grants range from community-level ($50,000+) to major anchor agency funding
Geographic Focus: Peel Region, Toronto, and York Region (Greater Toronto Area)

Contact Details

Website: www.unitedwaygt.org
Phone: 416-777-2001
TTY: 1-866-620-2993
Email: uweditor@uwgt.org
Technical Support for Applications: csstechsupport@uwgt.org
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 am – 4:45 pm

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 organisation 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 programmes delivered by more than 300 agencies. The organisation 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 organisation holds a 97% rating on Charity Navigator and has reserve funds of $154 million, of which $35 million is donor-endowed.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

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 programmes
Designed to build agency capacity and allow response to evolving community needs

2. Community Programme Grants (CPGs)

$71 million allocated over three years (announced January 2025)
Supports over 250 programmes 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 programme supporting local initiatives
Current programmes: 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 organisations (27% of funded programmes)

What They Don't Fund

Organisations not registered as charities with the Canada Revenue Agency
Organisations not providing services in Peel Region, Toronto, or York Region
Organisations whose primary mandate is not social or community services
Organisations 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

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 organisations 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 organisations."

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. Organisations must respond to formal calls for applications for specific grant programmes.

Application System: SurveyMonkey Apply (SMA)

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

Staying Informed: Organisations 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 organisations under $100,000 annual revenue)
At least 24 months of recent experience in the specific programme area

Decision Timeline

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

Reapplication Policy

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

Application Success Factors

Based on UWGT's documented priorities and funding patterns:

Evidence-Based Programming: UWGT explicitly seeks "evidence-based programmes or initiatives." Successful applications demonstrate measurable outcomes and data-driven approaches.
Geographic Alignment: Programmes must serve Peel Region, Toronto, or York Region, with emphasis on areas where poverty is concentrated.
Equity Focus: 27% of funded programmes are led by or focused on Indigenous, Black, and structurally disadvantaged groups. Organisations with equity-led governance or equity-focused services have strong alignment.
Systems Approach: UWGT values programmes that "address the underlying causes of poverty through a systems approach" rather than only addressing symptoms.
Capacity for Flexibility: Anchor funding is designed for agencies that can "negotiate a shift in funding priorities to quickly mobilise a solution." Demonstrating organisational adaptability is valued.
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 programme design and development

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

No Unsolicited Proposals: You must wait for and respond to formal funding calls. Subscribe to their mailing list to receive notifications.
Geographic Requirement is Absolute: Only organisations serving Peel, Toronto, or York Region are eligible—no exceptions.
Equity Leadership Matters: With 27% of funding directed to Indigenous, Black, and equity-led organisations, highlight any equity credentials in governance and programming.
Evidence and Data are Essential: UWGT explicitly prioritises evidence-based programmes. Prepare strong outcome data and evaluation frameworks.
Long-Term Partnerships Preferred: Anchor funding and Community Programme Grants offer multi-year funding (3-5 years), indicating UWGT values sustained relationships over one-time grants.
Watch for Community Action Grants: CAGs offer entry points for neighbourhood-focused organisations. Current opportunities include Cooksville, Jane Finch, and South Markham areas.
Build Relationships Before Applying: Given the closed application system, establishing visibility with UWGT before funding calls open may strengthen applications.

References

Accessed December 2025

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