How we do it

United Way is able to help improve lives and build potential because of the generosity of our community. Individuals, companies, unions, governments and foundations invest in their community through United Way because it is the most efficient and effective way to improve the quality of life of people living in London and Middlesex County.

In 2009/2010 United Way’s total gross revenue was $9,124,158.

Campaign

United Way’s largest source of revenue - representing approximately 90% of overall revenue - is our annual Campaign. The 2009 Campaign raised $7,733,783 from:

• Individual and corporate donations (includes payroll deductions, direct mail and major gifts)
• Special events
• Sponsorships

The annual United Way Campaign is a team effort, led by the volunteer-led Campaign Cabinet. Hundreds of volunteers, led by Employee Campaign Coordinators, run their own campaigns at over 750 workplaces in London and Middlesex County. These employees receive training and support from United Way staff and Sponsored Employees. Sponsored Employees are people who are loaned out by their employers to work exclusively on the Campaign.

Other revenue

Other revenue includes:

• Earned interest on cash flow and from Forever Fund
• Grants and special gifts from government and other funders for specific projects or initiatives
• Bequests
• Labour adjustment

Forever Fund

The Forever Fund is an endowment fund in which planned gifts are invested to generate support for future community programs and services. Planned gifts to the fund include bequests, life insurance, memorial donations, cash, securities or charitable remainder trusts. A gift to the Forever Fund is a lasting one because the original gift is never spent; only the interest earned from investments will be used.

Allocating community investments

At United Way, we work hard to keep overhead costs low so that your donations are efficiently directed to where they are needed most. In 2009/2010, 79% of all revenue went to programs that help strengthen our community:

• Funded agencies
• Donor directed funds
• Strategic investments
• United Way community services

Investment decisions are decided through our volunteer-led allocations process. For more detailed financial statements, please review our annual report.