United Way Greater Toronto Celebrates Local Leaders
February 20, 2025 (Toronto, ON) – Imagine a family in Jane and Finch, navigating rising costs and systemic barriers—until local organizations, backed by a $1 million investment, expand community programming that provides connection, opportunities, and that helps families thrive.
Picture a young person in Mississauga, struggling to access meaningful career pathways—until mentors and employment programs, powered by UWGT and workplace partners, connect them with training and opportunities that lead to a stable, well-paying job.
Envision an elder in Markham, at risk of isolation—until grassroots organizations, led by dedicated volunteers, provide culturally grounded services that help them find connection, dignity, and care in their community.
This is the impact of local leaders—our donors, volunteers, and community champions—who step up to make change happen, any way we can.
From keeping families housed to helping youth achieve their potential, these investments reached 1.8 million residents, showing the collective power of generosity, determination, and action across this great region.
What Impact Looks Like
- $71 million in Community Program Grants (CPGs): Over the next three years, this funding supports 250+ programs addressing critical issues like housing, mental health, employment, and food security.
- Wigwamen Incorporated, led by Indigenous community leaders, blends traditional practices with essential housing supports, helping at-risk families find stability.
- The Weston Frontlines Centre, supported by local mentors, has already trained 90 youth in property management skills, opening pathways to well-paying careers.
- $33 million in annual operational funding to the United Way Network of Agencies: Supporting 200+ agencies with long-term, flexible funding, keeping essential services running smoothly.
- Last year alone, this funding:
- Kept 30,000 families housed.
- Provided mental health support to 20,000 individuals.
- Connected 15,000 newcomers with job training and employment pathways.
- Last year alone, this funding:
- $100 million in Community Real Estate Funding over the next decade: Ensuring nonprofits have the spaces they need, supporting 10 new community and everything from daycares to legal clinics and job training spaces.
The Ripple Effect of Generosity
Each of these outcomes began with you—our donors, volunteers, labour and workplace partners who have stepped up as community champions. Every dollar given, every hour spent volunteering, fueled these programs and extended hope to families, individuals, and neighborhoods in need.
Together, we will support:
- 35,392 youth with skills and tools to achieve their potential.
- 30,883 individuals at risk of homelessness in securing or maintaining stable housing.
- 149,314 community members with nutritious, culturally relevant food.
The numbers tell a story of impact, but it’s the local leaders behind them—residents, partners, and supporters—who bring these results to life.
The Road Ahead
This year’s accomplishments are only the beginning. With 27% of GTA families living on a low income and demand for services at record highs, the challenges ahead are great.
But so too is the opportunity to create lasting change.
United Way Greater Toronto is committed to listening, learning, and leading boldly as we strive to build a future where no one is left behind.
Because impact starts here. And it starts with all of us.
Any Way We Can.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to:
Meetu Madahar
Manager, Communications
United Way Greater Toronto
(416) 817-4668
mmadahar@uwgt.org
About United Way: As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.