Community Impact Investment Model

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

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)

Selected Agencies: Our Partner Agencies

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 will help agencies adapt to what Peterborough needs most to implement high-impact initiatives.

In the first allocation, the Priority Issues Fund will prioritize initiatives that strengthen Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) across nonprofit organizations in Peterborough City and County—especially work that helps organizations build lasting capacity and clearly measure progress.

As part of the renewed Impact Model, United Way is trying some new approaches. This cycle of funding is intended to advance READI work—and because we want to hear from people and organizations who haven’t always been able to participate in traditional processes—United Way convened a one‑day Solutions Summit. The Summit was designed to surface community expertise, reduce barriers to participation, and co‑create funding priorities that reflect what Peterborough needs most. Online engagement opportunities were also provided.

This process replaced a traditional call for proposals. Funding recommendations will be approved by the United Way Board.

Fund Amount: Up to $300,000 over 18 months

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: 12 Months. August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027

Fund Amount: Up to $30,000 in small grants of $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

Apply for Funding: Request for Proposals

Application Period: Opens July 10, 2026, and closes August 4, 2026

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

We 💙 GM Financial!

A huge thank you to our friends at GM Financial for dropping off our first Backpacks for Success donations of the season! We’re so grateful for partnerships like these in our community. 

💡 As part of their workplace drive, employees received a work from home day in exchange for making a donation. What a creative way to encourage workplace giving!

Our Backpacks for Success supply drives wrap up on August 14, but there is still time to help! Join us on August 8 at Auto Connect Sales for our Fill the Fords event. We’ll be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting school supplies, so stop by, say hello, and help us fill the Fords! 👋🎒
We’re growing, evolving, and looking for an experienced Director, Finance & Administration to join our Senior Leadership Team.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of United Way Peterborough & District by providing strategic leadership across finance, administration, governance, and organizational operations, ensuring we remain a strong and sustainable partner for our community.

📍 Peterborough, ON
💼 Full-time
💰 Starting salary: $83,106; salary range up to $93,536
📅 Apply by August 14, 2026

Interested or know someone who’d be a great fit? Visit our website [link in bio] to learn more and apply, and please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity within your networks.
❤️Won’t you be our neighbour? 

Stay tuned, @_thetiffanyshow will be sharing the full story (and her inspiring Campaign Chair speech) soon. You won’t want to miss this!

#CertifiedNeighbour #UnitedWayPTBO
Don't miss out 👉 United Way Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Reaching Home program!

ℹ️ What is Reaching Home?
Reaching Home is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada by providing funding to communities to address local housing and homelessness needs.

Important details:
⭐ Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to community priorities, including:
• Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing
• Eviction prevention
• Outreach

⭐ The funding period is October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028

📅 Applications close August 4, 2026.

Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca
Meaningful conversations are the first step toward meaningful change. This morning, our CEO, Jason Seguya, had the opportunity to meet with MP Harrison (@emmaaharrisonmp) to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities.

Part of the conversation focused on the recently published Financial Anxiety Index, a national research project undertaken by United Way Centraide Canada and conducted by Léger. The findings are clear: nearly half of Canadians say they could cover their basic expenses for only one month or less if their income were interrupted, and many report that their financial situation has worsened in recent months. The research also highlights that single parents, newcomers, and young people are among those experiencing the greatest financial strain.

Jason also had the opportunity to elaborate on United Way Peterborough & District’s role as the Community Entity for the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program. For more than a decade, we have worked with local partners to administer federal homelessness funding, convene organizations across the sector, and support innovative, collaborative responses that help prevent and reduce homelessness in our community. Since 2020, more than $8 million in Reaching Home funding has been distributed locally to strengthen supports and services for those experiencing homelessness.

We appreciate the opportunity to share these insights and discuss the importance of coordinated community responses to poverty, housing insecurity, and homelessness. We look forward to continuing the conversation with MP Harrison in the months ahead as we work together to build a stronger, more connected community.
Breaking News: Jimothy has officially RSVP'd to our Fill the Fords event on August 8! 🎉

Want to join #Jimothy? Stop by Auto Connect between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to donate new school supplies in support of our Backpacks for Success initiative. Together, we'll help fill the Fords and backpacks so that students of all ages can start the school year with the tools they need to succeed . 🎒📚💙
United Way Peterborough & District invites community members to our 84th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, August 6, at the McDonnel St. Community Centre.

The evening will begin with a Community Conversation and Welcome Gathering from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., where you’ll have the opportunity to meet our CEO, Jason Seguya, hear about his vision for the future, and join the conversation about strengthening our community together. A reception with light appetizers will follow.

At 5:30 p.m., we’ll officially convene our Annual General Meeting to reflect on the past year, celebrate the impact we’ve made together, and conduct the business of the organization.

Space is limited! Please RSVP using the link in our bio.
🎒🚗 Introducing Fill the Fords! 🚗🎒

We’re teaming up with @autoconnectsales for a brand-new community event in support of our Backpacks for Success program, and you’re invited!

Join us on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to help us fill the Fords with new backpacks, school supplies, and financial donations for local students preparing to head back to school.

❤️Last year, nearly 500 local students received fully stocked backpacks through Backpacks for Success. With your help, we can make an even bigger impact this year.

Make a day of it!
🍔 Community BBQ featuring offerings from @kingstmarket
🍦 FREE @central_smith ice cream for the first 100 eligible donations (you heard that right)
🐻 Meet some special mascot guests

Whether you donate a backpack, a pack of pencils, lined paper or make a financial contribution, every gift helps a local student start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

📍 Auto Connect Sales 1175 Lansdowne St. West
📅 Saturday, August 8
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Save this post, tag a friend, and help us #FillTheFords for local students! 🛻✨🎒
👏 A huge thank you to @islinsurance for stepping up to support Backpacks for Success this year! 

Their workplace donation drive is officially underway, and it's a great reminder that making a difference is easy, and can start right at work.

Want to get your workplace, business, or organization involved? Hosting a Backpacks for Success supply drive is easy, fun, and has a direct impact on local students as they head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed.

💬 Comment "BACKPACK" below, and we'll send you everything you need to get started, including our workplace toolkit, wish list, and all the details.

Together, we can help ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn. 📚✨
Every great leader has a story... and today, we're excited to share the beginning of @_thetiffanyshow story as your 2026 United Way Campaign Chair.

As we launch our 85th Community Campaign, we're turning the page to a new chapter - one rooted in connection, collaboration, and the incredible power of community. Tiffany has spent years shining a spotlight on the people, organizations and stories that make Peterborough & District such a special place to call home. Now, she'll help lead a Campaign that celebrates what we can accomplish when we come together.

This grand reveal wouldn't have been possible without the creativity and generosity of Johanna Hawkshaw and the incredible team @yourtvptbo who helped bring our vision to life. Thank you for embracing the fun and helping us tell this story in such a memorable way.

If UW Campaign Chairs came with a Netflix special, we're pretty sure this would make the final cut 🎬🍿 ... 

A special thank you as well to our 2025 Campaign Chair, Paul Rellinger, and our amazing staff for being great sports and helping kick off this exciting new chapter.

Here's to 85 years of neighbours helping neighbours, and to everything we'll accomplish together this campaign.

Welcome to the team, Tiffany! We can't wait to see what we are able to accomplish together.

#UnitedWayPeterborough #CommunityCampaign #85YearsUnited
Now Accepting Applications!📣

United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to announce that we are once again accepting proposals for funding through Reaching Home. 

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. 

📝To apply, please visit our website at uwpeterborough.ca
‼️All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, August 4, 2026. 

If you’re interested in applying but aren’t sure if you’re eligible, or if you have questions that aren’t answered in the online checklist, please reach out to us at ℹ️ reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca.
Well prepared and ready to learn! 📚✏️
That’s what Backpacks for Success is all about! Your support helps ensure that students across Peterborough & County have the materials they need to take on the 2026 school year with confidence.

Whether you host a collection drive, become an event sponsor, or make a monetary donation, every contribution makes a difference to school aged students from grades K–12. 

📲 Contact us today to get involved!
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