Agencies delivering vital programs to fight poverty across York Region, Peel and Toronto will share $33 million in funding over five years, thanks to a successful United Way Greater Toronto campaign poised to achieve its $110-million goal.
United Way Greater Toronto CEO Daniele Zanotti and community campaign chair Darryl White announced the successful 2022 campaign at a Feb. 21 event, and awarded renewals of five-year flexible funding with a $33-million re-investment to 65 community agencies delivering 208 programs in Peel, Toronto and York.
“United Way Greater Toronto is committed to taking bold actions and investing to tackle the root causes of poverty in our local neighbourhoods. Through the generous support of volunteers, workplaces and donors, we can rally post-pandemic to meet the needs of those most affected by poverty: Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving groups," said Zanotti.
"United Way Greater Toronto knows that individually, we can make a difference, but united we can change the future of Peel, Toronto and York so everyone has the supports they need, close to home,” he added.
In total, 2,200 volunteers in more than 800 workplaces, and 80,000 donors contributed to the United Way Greater Toronto, which funds and partners with a "balanced portfolio of poverty-fighting anchor agencies."
According to the United Way, anchor funding is a unique model offering longer term flexible funding for programs and operational support, aiming to build long-term capacity within the organizations and deliver solutions that will "meaningfully move the needle" on poverty issues.
"Flexible funding also ensures that as community and resident needs evolve these agencies can negotiate a shift in funding priorities to quickly mobilize a solution, such as responding to an unexpected crisis like the pandemic, supporting refugees, or providing food and clothes," the agency said.
“United Way Greater Toronto 'gets it' when it comes to building the social safety net — we can’t simply rely on government funding. We need to build community, connect people, reduce isolation and build civic muscle," said Elisha Laker, CEO of Family Services York Region. "In these days of heightened anxiety — COVID, traumatic world events and a risky economy — any one of us can be impacted and need relief, support and the help that anchor agencies provide.”
United Way Greater Toronto will also continue to provide community program grants and make additional investments to Indigenous, Black and other structurally disadvantaged groups later this year.
Last year, more than two million people accessed services and programs funded by United Way Greater Toronto and the number is expected to increase for 2023 as most agencies are seeing spikes in demand — particularly from first-time visitors.
Agencies receiving United Way funding in York Region include 360kids, Community Living York South and Family Services York Region.
“Today’s announcement of multi-year funding to 65 community agencies serving residents across the GTA represents a major contribution to the strength and sustainability of our social safety net. Facing unprecedented demand for their services, these agencies are the frontline heroes that help our community continue to make progress — I’m proud that 80,000 thousand residents across Peel, Toronto and York responded, stood up for their community, and delivered record generosity this year," said White, CEO of BMO Financial Group and United Way 2022 community campaign chair.
