Community Impact
2020
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Even when we’re apart, we stand united.
By helping one person, we can create ripples of positive impact throughout our communities. In a year like no other, this has never been more true, or more important.
COVID-19 reinforced the fundamental need for the work of United Way of Calgary and Area. We helped our partners pivot in the face of the pandemic, set the stage for fundraising initiatives, strengthened existing partnerships, and built new ones. We learned a lot, and our work in 2020 will inform our priorities for years to come. Together, we are building a future where no one is left behind. Now more than ever, we need to stand united.
The biggest story of 2020 wasn't COVID-19. It was how we all came together as a community in response to the pandemic and the challenges it brought to Calgarians.
This is what response looks like.
20,752
donors
18,426
volunteers
290,977
volunteer hours
42
collaborative initiatives
348
programs and services at 261 agencies*
Helped 430,377 individuals build better lives**
This work is supported by our generous donors who rely on us to invest their resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively.
$7,676,690
invested in overcoming poverty
$9,945,523
invested in successful kids
$17,160,541
invested in building stronger communities
$9,912,313
invested in COVID-19 response*
$6,141,023+
total funds designated as donor choice**
$50,836,090
total invested into Calgary and surrounding communities
* This number only includes United Way’s investment in 2020. It does not include contributions made by Stewardship Alliance partners.
** United Way does not evaluate programs or initiatives funded exclusively through donor choice.
Vital services need vital investments
COVID-19 may have been our biggest challenge in 2020, but it didn’t stop us from investing in the vital services that keep our community running like a community.
11,778
people provided with food and shelter
19,214
people accessed mental health support
48,178
people found a sense of belonging
4,385
Indigenous people supported in their healing journey
1,241
students received financial support to continue their studies
A message from our President & CEO
When we talk about impact, it can be easy to name a few things right away: dollars raised, volunteer hours given, agencies supported. What can be harder to measure is the lives changed and the spirits lifted.
When we look at our impact, United Way of Calgary and Area goes a layer deeper to see the people behind the numbers, people who needed a hand and got one because of your support and commitment.