How to become a member agency
United Way Toronto supports member agencies by providing ongoing, annual funding. Typically, two additional agencies are accepted into membership each year. Membership eligibility is determined by United Way Toronto membership criteria, which include the requirements that agencies be incorporated, non-profits, with charitable status and a clearly stated purpose in the social services field. Membership selection is guided by United Way Toronto priorities and strategies. The membership admission process is volunteer-led and incorporates an application process, agency visits and interviews.
Please note that the process for new membership is currently closed.
Volunteer review process
Volunteers like Catharine Fennell are the backbone of United Way Toronto.
- Read the Toronto Star article detailing United Way’s rigorous volunteer review process.
The hallmark of United Way Toronto’s accountability is our rigorous volunteer review process, where panels of volunteers make funding decisions based on visits to agencies, interviews, and a careful review of each agency submission. The primary task of the allocations volunteers is to ensure that donor dollars are being used effectively while respecting agency autonomy. To that end, agencies are evaluated on adherence to 10 membership standards, four performance criteria and demonstrated need for United Way dollars.
Here is a breakdown of the process:
