For nearly 85 years, generous donors have helped United Way Peterborough & District (UWP) build a stronger, more inclusive community. Through strategic investments, we work to improve lives and create real change by addressing the most pressing social issues in Peterborough. Together, we’re making our community a better place for everyone to live, work, and thrive.

We encourage you to explore our past Annual Reports and Financial Statements to see how your support drives meaningful change, ensures transparency, and strengthens our shared commitment to building a better Peterborough. View them here: Reports

Community Impact Investment Model

United Way Peterborough & District’s Community Impact Investment Model is designed to ensure that every dollar invested creates measurable, meaningful change. Grounded in principles of equity and collaboration, our funding opportunities support initiatives with outcomes that align with our vision for a thriving, inclusive community.

6 Investment Principles:

  1. Reconciliation
  2. Equity
  3. Accessibility
  4. Diversity
  5. Inclusion
  6. Collaboration

2 Focus Areas:

  1. Poverty To Possibility
  2. Strong & Healthy Communities

3 Community Priorities:

  1. Basic Needs – Everyone’s basic needs are met.
  2. Life Skills – Everyone has the skills and opportunities to realize their potential.
  3. Community Supports – Everyone is supported and belongs.

4 Funding Streams:

  1. Agency Capacity Fund
  2. Priority Issues Fund
  3. Neighbourhood Fund
  4. Research & Social Planning Initiatives
Table listing United Way Peterborough Community Impact Funding

United Way Peterborough & District Community Impact Investment Model

If your organization shares our commitment to these principles and priorities, we invite you to explore our funding streams and consider applying for support.

Agency Capacity Fund

Capacity is not overhead – it’s the engine of change.

The Agency Capacity Fund helps agencies stay resilient, responsive, and ready. The Agency Capacity Fund from United Way Peterborough & District (UWP) allows agencies the flexibility to use the financial support where it is needed most. Agencies can apply for funding to deliver services that align with the United Way Peterborough & District community impact priority areas.

The Agency Capacity Fund is UWP’s largest reinvestment of donor contributions to date. This new fund supports registered human and social service charities across the City and County of Peterborough that are enhancing capacity to deliver inclusive programs and services. It reflects our deep commitment to reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion (READI), and collaboration. We prioritize organizations that elevate the voices of people with lived/living experience.

Application Period: Closed

Notification Period: December 2025

Contract Period: 3 Years. April 2026 – March 2029

Fund Amount: $25,000 annually for 3 years  ($75,000 total)

Source Of Funding: This funding comes from donations to United Way Peterborough & District. When you donate, sponsor or attend an event, a portion of that donation will go towards the Agency Capacity Fund.

Priority Issues Fund

Meeting the moment with targeted community impact investments.

The Priority Issues Fund helps agencies adapt to what Peterborough needs most to implement high-impact initiatives as determined by the United Way Peterborough & District Board of Directors.

Application Period: January 7, 2026 – February 11, 2026 noon

Notification Period: April 2026

Contract Period: 18 Months. June 2026 – December 2027

Fund Amount: To Be Determined

Source Of Funding: This funding comes from donations to United Way Peterborough & District. When you donate, sponsor or attend an event, a portion of that donation will go towards the Priority Issues Fund.

Neighbourhood Fund

Small investment, big impact.

The Neighbourhood Fund helps grassroots, volunteer-driven project based funding to build strong neighbourhoods throughout the City and County of Peterborough. Priority will go to projects that have not been funded by United Way Peterborough & District in the last 3 years.

Application Period: April 15, 2026 – May 27, 2026 noon

Notification Period: July 2026

Contract Period: 9 Months. August 2026 – March 2027

Fund Amount: $500 to $5000.

Source Of Funding: This funding comes from donations to United Way Peterborough & District. When you donate, sponsor or attend an event, a portion of that donation will go towards the Neighbourhood Fund. The maximum per year for the Neighbourhood Fund is $30,000.

Learn More About United Way’s Neighbourhood Fund & Past Recipients: Neighbourhood Funding

Research & Social Planning Initiatives

Research that listens and advocacy that leads. Turning data into direction, and stories into strategy.

United Way Peterborough & District strives to be a leader in social planning policy development, research and advocacy.

Application Period: Closed

Source Of Funding: This funding comes from donations to United Way Peterborough & District. When you donate, sponsor or attend an event, a portion of that donation goes towards collaborative research and social planning initiatives.

Reaching Home

United Way Peterborough & District is the Community Entity (defined as a local organizing committee responsible for setting direction in addressing homelessness in their community)  administers the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy funding stream locally, aiming to provide housing and supports for those experiencing homelessness or living rough.

Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to communities to help them address their local homelessness needs.  Reaching Home supports the goals of the National Housing Strategy, in particular, to support the most vulnerable Canadians in maintaining safe, stable and affordable housing and to reduce chronic homelessness nationally by 50% by fiscal year 2027 to 2028.

Reaching Home Funding Opportunities

Application Period: Closed February 2025. Next Intake To Be Announced.

Source Of Funding: This funding comes from Housing, Infrastructure & Communities Canada.

Learn More About Reaching Home: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada – Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy

Learn More About Past Funding Recipients: Reports

Looking For Past Funding Programs?

Thanks to over 80 years of donor support, United Way Peterborough & District has a proud history of collaborating with local social service agencies to transform our community. United Way works to change social conditions and create opportunities for a better life for individuals and families by making the City and County of Peterborough a better place to live for everyone.

Some of our past funding programs include:

  • Innovation Fund
  • Community Services Recovery Fund
  • Women United Fund

Learn more about these funding programs by reading our past financial statements and annual reports: United Way Peterborough & District Reports

Social Posts

It’s with a profound sadness that United Way Peterborough and District, staff, Board of Directors, and Campaign Cabinet remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Ann Farquharson. 
 
Ann was a dedicated member of our Campaign Cabinet - a community builder with admirable determination. Her legacy spans decades of dedicated civic leadership, and her impact is woven into every corner of our community. We will miss Ann’s voice in our community, and around our tables. 
 
To her family, many friends, and colleagues: we offer our deepest condolences. To our United Way community: we pledge to honour her memory by continuing the work that she so believed in. 
 
Thank you, Ann.

Photo courtesy of: @jordanlyallphotography
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand united against gender-based violence.
Let's raise awareness, support those who have experienced violence or are struggling and work towards a future free from violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, dial 2-1-1 for support and services.
✨🍔There’s still PLENTY of time left in the search for Peterborough & Districts Ultimate Burger of the Year!🍔✨

Peterborough and County - your mission this weekend is simple: get out, try an ultimate burger (or two or three), and head to the 🔗 link in our bio to cast a 🗳️vote for your favourite!

A huge shout out to our incredible participating restaurants for bringing the heat all month long🔥: @agavebyimperial @thevine_ptbo @thedirtyburgercompany @therinktapandgrill @theloonlakefield @chemonglodge @doubledz_s @pizzavillabridgenorth 

And a massive thank you to our Burger Ambassadors for taste-testing, cheering loudly, and keeping the friendly competition alive all month long! @ptboeaters @dangotoole @neildmorton @_thetiffanyshow @nourm_ @petedalliday77 @artofwilkins @rellyelton 

PLUS - big gratitude to our media and community partners @kawarthanowcommunity and @corus_entertainment for helping spread the love and the flavour ❤️

📍Every Ultiamte Burger sold donated $2 back to United Way Peterborough & District, supporting programs that build community and change lives 
🗳️ Cast your people’s choice vote at the link in our bio!

#UWPUBB #UltimateBurgerBattle
Today is #NationalChildDay.

United Way Peterborough & District provides children and youth with the support they need to thrive, succeed in school, and reach their full potential.

To learn more about our work in this area, visit the "Our Research" link in bio.
🎟️ The November 50/50 post is live and growing! The next of our monthly draws takes place on Black Friday - November 28. 

Secure your tickets today at the link in our bio for your chance to win big, give back and change lives ❤️.

*Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets. Ontario residents only.
United Way Peterborough & Distirct has been running Coats for Community for many years, and every year our community shows up with generosity and heart ❤️. 

For the past two years, this program has been run in collaboration with our friends @path_ptbo (Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes). 

This video shares a glimpse into how this long-standing program has evolved over the years. 

If you’re able, we’re encouraging community members to donate warm winter items to support our neighbours facing the cold months ahead. Blankets, and men’s coats size L - XL are urgently needed at the moment, but every donation helps. 

📍Drop off: 385 Lansdowne St E
🗓️ When: Wednesday (10-3) and Saturdays (9-3)

#CoatsForCommunity #buildingcommunity #UnitedWayPTBO #peterborough
Black Friday sales are popping up left and right, but the best deal of all isn’t in a catalog it’s right here: United Way Peterborough & District’s 50/50 draw! 🎟️ ✨ 

All month long, you can purchase your tickets, and not only will you be entered for a chance to win big, but you’ll also be giving back to your local community. Proceeds from ticket sales are invested directly into Peterborough and the surrounding areas through the work of our 20 local partner agencies. These agencies address a range of needs, including homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, unemployment, addiction, and more.

Buy your tickets today using the link in our bio and discover the joy of giving back! 💫 
*Winner announced November 28th*
Paul wants 🫵YOU🫵 to have the opportunity to win big, give back and change lives through our monthly 50/50 draws! 

Visit the link in our bio to secure your tickets. 

Next draw takes place Friday, November 28! 

*Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets* 

#UnitedWayPTBO #buildingcommunity #peterborough #5050
On November 11, we remember.
From all of us at United Way Peterborough & District, we express our deepest gratitude to the brave individuals who served with courage and dedication.
Today, we honour and salute all Veterans as we work towards a brighter future together.
For help and support, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca
❄️ Our first snowfall has arrived, and so has Coats for Community 🧥
We have once again partnered with @path_ptbo to ensure our neighbours stay warm this winter. 
📍 Drop-off location: 385 Lansdowne St. E
🗓️ Wednesdays (10-3) and Saturdays (9-3)
We’re collecting (and in urgent need of) BLANKETS, coats, snow pants, sweaters, socks, underwear, gloves, towels, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and more!
❤️ If you’re able to donate, please ensure all items are clean and in good condition. 
#CoatsForCommunity
👉 There’s more than one way to make a difference! Paul’s got options, and so do you❤️. Learn more about how you can contribute to your 2025-26 Community Campaign on our website [link in bio].
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