How We Invest in Our Community
Launched in 2021, United Way Halton & Hamilton’s new Investment Framework consists of three funding streams designed to balance agency stability, maintenance, innovation, and systems–level transformation.
Seed fosters the planting of new ideas and growth in the social sector through short-term, flexible, project-based funding focused on social innovation and capacity building.
Feed is three-year, program-based funding for established programs that align with UWHH investment priorities. Feed recipients report annually, and are evaluated through results-based accountability.
Root is five-year agency-based funding for organizations meeting additional criteria and seeking to strengthen their agency at the core. Root funding supports programming, as well as foundational operating needs.
Why Seed, Feed, Root?
Investments into this framework go beyond serving clients in need. In addition, they strengthen the non-profit sector by encouraging:
- Investment into collaboration with other agencies and sectors
- Root-cause solutions and wrap-around service delivery
- Continuous improvement
- Strategic planning and capacity to leverage funding to secure additional resources
All United Way investments align with one or more focus areas and investment priorities.
Feed Grant application portal opens November 6th. For more information click here
For more information, contact communityinvestment@uwhh.ca
At United Way Halton and Hamilton, we believe that true transformation begins within our communities. Our Community Impact Cabinet stands at the forefront of this transformation, embodying the spirit of positive change and collective action. If you have a passion for making a meaningful difference and a vision for a brighter future, we invite you to become a part of this dynamic team.
What is Community Impact Cabinet
The Community Impact Cabinet is a dedicated group of volunteers who play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our community impact initiatives. They bring together their diverse skills, unique perspectives, and unwavering commitment to drive social change. The community impact cabinet members will be engaged with the community impact team of United Way Halton and Hamilton on various front. Particularly for evaluating the grant application. The community impact cabinet plays a very important role, supporting United Way’s investment decisions and capacity building supports to non-profit agencies.
The Purpose & Impact
United Way strives to make our investment process fair, transparent and accountable. As part of this, we facilitate a community decision-making process about the investment of donor dollars, where a diverse group of community volunteers review applications using United Way’s overall investment strategy and established criteria. Together, volunteers evaluate the alignment and impact of the grant applications, then make recommendations to United Way which is in turn brainstormed by the team of united way Staff and put forth to the Board of Directors for final investment decisions.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to embark on this rewarding journey of community impact, we invite you to apply for a volunteer position in the Community Impact Cabinet. The application form is attached below, outlining the details we need to get to know you better and eligibility criteria. Once completed, please send your application to communityinvestment@uwhh.ca.
Focus Areas & Investment Priorities
Poverty to Possibility
United Way helps to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Through our supported programs, we help individuals become economically independent, access affordable goods and services, and develop skills to prepare for a better future.
- Employment and Financial Security
- Food Security
All That Kids Can Be
Children and youth face many barriers that can prevent their healthy development and achievement. For example, poverty, bullying, social exclusion, and lack of academic support can negatively impact their chances of success. United Way helps children and youth realize their full potential.
- Youth Supports
- Family Supports
Healthy People, Strong Communities
Wellness and belonging are the foundation of strong communities for everyone, regardless of age, race, ability, income or personal experience. Good mental health boosts our ability to deal with challenges. Similarly, people thrive when they are valued in community.
- Mental Health & Safety
- Community Inclusion
*Within our focus areas and investment priorities, UWHH aims to invest across identified priority populations. Priority is given to individuals and groups facing higher rates of systemic barriers. These include: individuals and families experiencing low income, people living with mental health challenges, including addictions, newcomers, individuals with cognitive and/or developmental disabilities, women and girls, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, and racialized individuals.
For more information, including eligibility criteria, application process, reporting and additional funding stream details, please see full Investment Framework Guide.
Community Services Recovery Fund
United Way Halton & Hamilton is proud to be taking part in the Community Services Recovery Fund, a collaboration between United Way Centraide Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada to provide funding to Community Service Organizations, including non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies, and Registered Charities located across Canada. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and non-profits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Service Organizations can apply from January 6, 2023 until February 21, 2023. Visit http://www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants, and sign up for upcoming webinars.
Centraide Halton & Hamilton est fier de participer au Fonds de relance des services communautaires, une collaboration entre Centraide United Way Canada, la Croix-Rouge canadienne et les Fondations communautaires du Canada pour fournir du financement aux organismes communautaires, incluant les organismes à but non lucratif, les corps dirigeants autochtones et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés situés partout au Canada. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est une réponse aux besoins actuels des organismes de bienfaisance et organismes à but non lucratif. Il les aidera à s’adapter aux effets à long terme de la pandémie de COVID-19. Les organismes de services communautaires peuvent soumettre leur demande entre le 6 janvier et le 21 février 2023. Visitez http://www.fondsderelancedesservicescommunautaires.ca pour savoir comment présenter une demande, découvrir des ressources pour les demandeurs et s’inscrire à des webinaires.