Ambition for Lasting Impact
Everyone deserves the opportunity to imagine a hopeful future. One where communities are connected, people can access the services they need, safe housing is within reach, and everyone has stability, support, connection, opportunity, and a place to belong.
That is the future United Way Maritimes is building. Our first strategic plan as a regional organization is a commitment to bold, long-term actions that address the root causes of poverty and strengthen communities across the Maritimes.
Poverty is about far more than income. It’s the stress of wondering how to pay the bills, the uncertainty of not knowing where you'll live, the isolation that comes from feeling disconnected, and the barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential. Maritime poverty rates are at 10.3%, higher than most of Canada, and we have a responsibility to create lasting solutions that reduce those challenges for generations to come.
Over the next five years, United Way Maritimes will raise and invest $100 million in both preventions and interventions to strengthen social infrastructure, improve access to services in rural communities, build nonprofit capacity, expand affordable housing, and inspire new philanthropic investment to help communities succeed today and into the future.
We envision $100M from various revenue streams supporting the following:
Our strategy is a direct representation of how we work. We are a regional catalyst and convener, bringing together governments, businesses, nonprofits, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to create solutions no single organization can achieve alone.
We know there is something uniquely powerful about the Maritimes: people care deeply about one another and are willing to work together to create change. Whether it's helping someone find a safe place to call home, ensuring a family can access the support they need, or strengthening the nonprofit organizations and social infrastructure communities rely on, every act of generosity helps create new possibilities.
Our ambition is bold because the opportunity is extraordinary. Together, we can build a future where fewer people experience the stress and uncertainty of poverty, more people have the opportunity to thrive, and every community across the Maritimes is stronger, more connected, and filled with hope.
