Renfrew County United Way

The United Way has moved from being primarily a fundraising vehicle that supported service providers on the front line to an impact organization collaborating with a variety of partners to tackle the tough issues in our communities.

The United Way is unwavering in its commitment to lead through this turbulent time. Its efforts are helping people of all ages in Renfrew County and beyond cope with the challenges of COVID-19, inflation, and other social issues.

Community Impact

As a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization, Renfrew County United Way relies on the generosity of many people and organizations in Eastern Ontario. Their generosity helps us support our local communities year-round.

Renfrew County United Way’s grants are made in four focus areas: From Poverty to Possibility; Healthy People; Strong Communities; and All That Kids Can Be. Grants from these areas help vulnerable people break down barriers and improve their lives.

From Poverty to Possibility - To ensure homeless youth have the support they need to transition out of poverty and find employment.

Healthy People - To address health issues such as obesity, mental illness and addiction.

Strong Communities - To build strong communities in which people can thrive and feel safe.

All That Kids Can Be - To encourage children to be active, engaged and socially aware through a wide variety of activities.

Community Investment Fund - To provide one-time micro-grants to local charities that address specific health and social needs in our community.

Funding Priorities

United Way East Ontario works with communities in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew counties to bring people together to build strong, healthy and safe communities. Grants are made in four focus areas: From Poverty to Possibility; Healthy People; Strong Communities; and All That Kids Can Be.

From Poverty to Possibility accounted for 35% of granting in F2021. It helps people get jobs and out of poverty, so they can stay in their homes and community and provide for their families.

It supports the United Way’s Employment Accessibility Resource Network, which connects employers and service providers to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

This funding will support the development of the Rapid Intervention and Support Team, which includes a program coordinator, an officer, a paramedic, a housing navigator, an addiction navigator, a mental health navigator, a youth navigator, a women’s systems navigator and an Indigenous navigator. This team offers in-the-moment supports to residents who are homeless, experiencing mental illness or struggling with addiction and then refers them to appropriate services to improve their quality of life and decrease negative interactions with police.

Community Investment Fund

The Community Investment Fund supports local government and community based organizations in providing grants for events and initiatives that improve the quality of life for people living in Renfrew County. Grants are available for a variety of purposes including: Tourism, Economic Development, Community Engagement, and Community Safety and Well-being.

Building a robust, diversified, and professionally managed community investment fund can be an expensive undertaking. But with the right team, and a solid foundation of community leadership, you can start and run your fund with confidence.

A critical first step is to define a theory of change and a strategy for how you’ll achieve your mission. This will help you and your team stay focused on long-term goals and keep everyone aligned.

Volunteer Opportunities

Renfrew County United Way is a community of caring donors and energetic volunteers in eastern Ontario who work year-round to support our communities' needs. Funds raised help improve health and well-being, make communities safe, and give kids a chance to succeed.

Volunteer opportunities are available to people of all ages and skill levels. You can help in a variety of ways, including preparing meals, organizing gift programs for families, and cleaning up after events.

For example, you could help out at the Good Samaritan Garage and Feeding Program by assisting guests select items from the store and helping to serve them. Or you can get involved at the Golden Age Activity Centre by volunteering in the Soup Kitchen and Thrift Store.

The United Way also offers one-time micro-grants to organizations that are working in our four priority areas of From Poverty to Possibility; Healthy People; Strong Communities; and All That Kids Can Be. Grants support projects that address community issues such as poverty, healthy eating, seniors, youth development, safe & affordable housing, and transportation.