Who we fund
We fund local community service organizations across Waterloo Region that provide important programs and services to vulnerable community members.
Investment Strategy
How we fund
Our funding model is focused on immediate community need and local solutions to address those needs. There is an open call for applications every three months to fund the most relevant programs and organizations. We are continually learning and adapting in order to improve equity and inclusion in our processes and decisions.
Applications are made available and reviewed locally by our volunteer Community Investment team.
Any organization applying for funding must be a registered charity in Canada, or other qualified donee*.
*Qualified Donee includes: registered charities; registered Canadian municipalities; registered municipal or public bodies performing a function of government in Canada
Our Focus Areas
We fund Agencies who’s mission, programs, or services align with our focus areas. By targeting your donations, we strive to produce a direct and lasting impact in three key areas:
In each area, we start by looking at community conditions. We then target our investments to produce the best possible outcomes based on information collected from research, community consultation, and local agencies. Lastly, we evaluate data from our funded partners to determine the impact of our investments.
We have created Issue-based funds that align with each of our focus areas to make it easy for you to support a cause close to your heart.
Types of Funding
Our funding model allows us to provide Agencies with two options for funding: General Operating Support and Program/Project Grants.
General Operating Support grants are unrestricted funds to support an organization’s ability to achieve its mission overall. This type of grant is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems.
Program/Project Grants provide funding for a specific program or project.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are proud to have worked collaboratively with the Government of Canada and local funders to provide additional funding opportunities to Agencies by allocating the Emergency Community Support Fund, and Seniors’ Fund.
Questions?
For questions about our funding, our Community Investment Team is happy to help!
519-888-6100 (Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 4:30pm)
grants@uwaywrc.ca | @UnitedWayWRC
Funding Opportunities
We are proud to be able to offer quarterly funding opportunities for both our General Operating Support Grants, and our Program/Project Grants.