Improving lives in Calgary and area

In 2023, United Way did what we do best: we came together with agencies, corporations, donors, volunteers, and government to improve the lives of Calgarians.

Read the 2023 Annual Report

United Way is our city’s safety net and leader for social change. We bring together partners from across our city and province to address today’s challenges, and work toward a brighter future for everyone in Calgary and our surrounding area.

How do we do this?

By digging into the root causes of complex social issues like poverty, mental illness, domestic violence, aging, and inequality. We are more than a funder – we are a proven leader in creating change that uplifts hundreds of thousands of people in our city. The work we’re doing is making an impact now, and for generations to come.

The Community Impact Framework is our strategy to deepen the impact of our investments: the programs, partnerships, and initiatives that improve the lives of thousands of people every year. Since 2020, the framework has guided our investment strategies, which are based on creating systems change, building capacity, and addressing the underlying causes of social problems by focusing on: Socioeconomic Well-Being, Mental Health, Social Inclusion, and Healthy Relationships.

See the lives changed

Meet a few of the people your support has impacted.

The Sunalta Community Garden

Something special is happening in Sunalta, a vibrant and diverse inner city community, but also a community that exists as a food desert, with residents in the area needing to travel a significant distance to get to an affordable grocery store.

Lubna

Thanks to All In for Youth and support from the Success Coach initiative, Lubna got the emotional and financial support she needed to graduate in a good way and pursue her dreams of becoming a medical doctor.

Heather

Heather is a story about resilience, support, kindness, and gratitude. As she grew into adulthood, Heather struggled to understand her trauma but found support through United Way-supported care.

Carolina

Carolina and her family left everything behind in Venezuela to start a new life in Canada, choosing Calgary because of its educational opportunities for her daughter.

Vincenzo

Vincenzo’s family struggled under the weight of intergenerational trauma – but a community of care was there.

Michele

Giving back can be life changing. For Michele, it was also life saving.

Travis

When Travis realized some of his neighbours were struggling during the pandemic, he knew just how to help.

Laura

Even when Laura's depression was at its worst, she knew there had to be hope for a different life. United Way-supported mental health resources changed Laura's life and gave her a new outlook on happiness.

Invest in your community to see change at a local level. Your gift gives your family, friends, and neighbours a hand up when they need it most.

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Take action today

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Run a workplace campaign

Improve local lives, raise your company profile, gain leadership experience, boost employee engagement, and drive team building.

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A group of sponsored employees participate at United Way of Calgary and Area's Plane Pull.

Participate in the Sponsored Employee Program

Build top talent to build business value! A unique opportunity to develop high-potential employees who want to grow their careers, capabilities, and networks.

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A team from Pembina Pipeline Corporation marches in United Way’s kickoff holding gold sponsor signs.

Become a corporate sponsor

Help build a great community and achieve your community investment goals. Specific events and programs that align with your company interests are available to sponsor.

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