Change starts here.
Change starts here.
What is United Way of the Lower Mainland?
Where is the Lower Mainland?
What is United Way's address and contact details?
Who does United Way of the Lower Mainland help?
Which communities does United Way of the Lower Mainland serve?
Why focus on seniors and children?
How does United Way work?
How can my non-profit apply for United Way funding?
How can my non-profit become a United Way member agency?
Why should I give to United Way?
Where does my money go?
What is the impact?
How many people are helped by United Way?
Does United Way measure results?
How does United Way know my dollars are used wisely?
What are United Way's fundraising costs?
I would like to donate, how?
Is personal information from donors protected?
I have a question that is not on here, who can I speak to?
What is United Way of the Lower Mainland?
United Way of the Lower Mainland is a charitable organization dedicated to creating healthy, caring and inclusive communities in the Lower Mainland. We rely on donations from individuals, work places, charitable trusts, corporate gifts, sponsorship, money raised by individuals and gifts raised during our annual campaign to improve lives and create measurably better communities.
Where is the Lower Mainland?
The Lower Mainland is a geographical area in British Columbia that encompasses communities from Pemberton to Langley including all of Metro Vancouver.
What is United Way’s address and contact details?
We are located in Burnaby, 12 km east of downtown Vancouver.
4543 Canada Way
Burnaby
BC V5G 4T4
Tel: 604.294.8929
Fax: 604.293.0010
Who does United Way of the Lower Mainland help?
United Way was established nearly eighty years ago to support non-profit social services that support those in need in the Lower Mainland. Our focus is on children and seniors. See Key Social Issues.
Which communities does United Way of the Lower Mainland serve?
United Way of the Lower Mainland serves 23 communities: Anmore, Belcarra, Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pemberton, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Whistler and White Rock.
Why focus on seniors and children?
Through years of research, evaluation, community dialogue, collaboration and experience we’ve learned that United Way can create the greatest positive change, for everyone in our community, by focusing on children and seniors and in doing so prevent social issues before they occur. See How We Work.
How does United Way work?
United Way is more than a fundraiser; we are an organization committed to making a measureable difference in our community. Experience and research tells us that to do this effectively we must get to the heart of our communities greatest challenges. Our prevention-based approach does just that, by focusing on the root causes of our communities key social issues, including crime, isolation and poverty. See How We Work.
How can my non-profit apply for United Way funding?
United Way of the Lower Mainland specifically targets investments to children age 0-6, children age 6-12, seniors and our foundational strategy of Building Stronger Communities. Occasionally, opportunities may arise where an open grant call is made available for interested non-profit social service agencies to submit applications for funding. All notices will be posted on our website homepage and updated regularly.
How can my non-profit become a United Way member agency?
United Way’s funding model no longer includes ongoing grants to member agencies. In order to most effectively accomplish our mandate to create a lasting and measureable impact in our community, the majority of our funding is now provided to partners in the community through three-year funding agreements, or specifically directed one-year grants to agencies whose mission and mandate are clearly aligned to our priority areas or the foundation strategy.
Why should I give to United Way of the Lower Mainland?
When you give to United Way of the Lower Mainland you are making a profound difference in people’s lives in your local area and improving the quality of life we all enjoy. You are helping at-risk children get the best start in life and helping them to grow up healthy, happy and resilient. You are helping isolated seniors stay connected to their communities. You are helping to build a better tomorrow for everyone.
United Way is more than a funder of social services, we are an organization committed to making a measureable difference in our community. United Way of the Lower Mainland is the only organization funding approximately 160 social service agencies to deliver more than 500 prevention-based programs for vulnerable people throughout the region. But we are more than just a funder, United Way advances social change throughout Metro Vancouver by engaging the community, advocating for change, acting on the root causes of our community’s greatest challenges and strengthening non-profits.
Where does my money go?
United Way of the Lower Mainland funds approximately 160 non profit social service agencies that deliver more than 500 prevention-based programs for vulnerable people throughout the Lower Mainland. For example: in 2008, United Way invested approximately $5.1 million in Success By 6 for children age 0-6, $3.3 million helping children age 6 to 12 and $2.4 million helping seniors remain independent and engaged in their community. Click here for a list of non-profit social service agencies we support.
What is the impact?
When you donate to United Way you ensure children in your community are growing up able to take advantage of opportunities and their families are empowered to help them succeed. Seniors are no longer isolated and are able to share their wisdom and experience with the rest of their community. In simple terms, the work United Way of the Lower Mainland does – researching, planning, funding programs and services and evaluating who and how we are helping - has lasting impact. With your help, we are making the Lower Mainland stronger. Read more about our impact.
How many people are helped by United Way?
Success By 6
In 2008, United Way funded 75 organizations that used the funds to deliver 140 early childhood programs benefiting nearly 18,000 children, over 14,500 caregivers, and 15,000 families. United Way also funded 62 programs and initiatives at 38 agencies across the region that target a broader population of which children age 0 to 6 are a part.
Children 6-12
In 2008, United Way funded 53 organizations that used the funds to deliver 115 programs benefiting 42,000 school-age children, nearly 3,500 caregivers, and over 3,000 families. United Way also funded 62 programs and initiatives at 43 agencies across the region that target a broader population, of which children age 6 to 12 are a part.
Seniors
In 2008, United Way funded 42 organizations that used the funds to deliver 74 seniors programs benefiting over 49,600 seniors and nearly 700 of their caregivers. United Way also funded 48 programs and initiatives at 33 agencies across the region that target a broader population, of which seniors are a part.
Does United Way measure results?
Yes. Periodic research projects and outcome reports examine agency effectiveness in order to ensure programs are strong and have a poaitive impact on individuals and the community. Regular meetings between United Way and agency Executive Directors help to ensure strong communication links and exchange of information. United Way also provides training and support to agencies to ensure programs are effective, efficient and accessible.
How does United Way know my dollars are used wisely?
United Way monitors the programs it funds to ensure your dollars are being well managed and used effectively. United Way's application process has high standards that each agency must meet prior to receiving funding. We works closely with agencies to understand how your donation is invested and the impact your gift makes in our community. United Way is then committed to communicating that information back to our donors. See Our Impact.
What are United Way’s fundraising costs?
Efficiency matters. United Way of the Lower Mainland has one of the lowest net fundraising costs in the country -- 14 cents for each dollar raised. This is well below the Canadian average of 26 cents* for each dollar raised. Thanks to generous sponsors of materials and events and supporters of the Loaned Representative Program, we are able to do this. Our Endowment Fund also helps offset already low fundraising costs and ensures 86 cents of every donated dollar is used to support programs in our community.
*(Source: Canadian Centre for Philanthropy / Canada West Foundation 1996 survey of 1516 charities.)
United Way of the Lower Mainland’s annual campaign presents donors with several giving options. One option allows donors to directly designate gifts to any registered Canadian charity. There are costs associated with the administration of designations. The United Way of the Lower Mainland Board approved the implementation of a $12 fee for designations as a way to equitably distribute the cost of this designation service. The designation fee became effective in 2006.
I would like to donate, how?
If you would like to donate online please donate now.
If you would like to donate by phone please call Bea Togher at 604.294.8929, ext. 2326
If you would like to run a United Way fundraising campaign at your place of work please contact Tammy Danforth today via e-mail or at 604.268.1342.
Is personal information from donors protected?
Yes. United Way of the Lower Mainland is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors, volunteers, employees and other stakeholders. We value the trust of those we deal with and of the public, and we recognize that maintaining this trust requires us to be transparent and accountable in maintaining the confidentiality of the personal information that you choose to share with us.
United Way of the Lower Mainland embraces the principles of the Personal Information Protection Act to ensure that all personal information is properly collected, used only for the purposes for which it is collected, and is disposed of in a safe and timely manner when no longer required. For more information view our complete privacy policy.
I have a question that is not on here, who can I speak to?
Please click here to see contact details for United Way staff who will be happy to help you.
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