Our Investments
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
Feed
Root
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.
For more information, contact communityinvestment@uwhh.ca
At United Way Halton & 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 the 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.