How We Invest

United Way complies with all Canada Revenue Agency Guidelines when distributing contributions from donors. Funding is distributed on an annual cycle to organizations with a charitable business number.

Agency Funding

Volunteers, supported by United Way staff, are recruited to recommend funding for agencies.  After an indepth training session, volunteers join Funding Panels and review programs, results, budgets, agency challenges, new opportunities and fit with United Way visions and principles.

Volunteers recommend funding to the Board of Directors and agencies are notified of the Board's decision in March.

Emergency Funding

United Way receives donations through payroll deduction, (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly) from workplaces and funds are committed in advance to agencies and United Way initiatives. In an emergency, there are opportunities to rally donors, corporate supporters and volunteers to come together to help provide support that may be required.  

Management Grants

Grants are available to support human resource training and upgrading at funded agencies. United Way subsidizes half of the training amount to help staff receive critical professional development

Neighbourhood Grants

Periodically funds are donated by generous contributors wishing to support projects targeted to specific neighbourhoods. Currently Neighbourhood Grants have been distributed through Action for Neighbourhood Change in Spryfield and Dartmouth North. These grants are designed to help residents change their neighbourhoods.