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Major Gifts, Foundations, and Endowments

Some gifts don't just help. They change everything.

A major gift to United Way Maritimes is one of the most powerful acts of generosity you can make. It is a declaration that you believe in this region — in its people, its potential, and its future. Together with a distinguished group of visionary donors, you can move the needle on the issues that matter most: poverty, housing, mental health, social inclusion, food security, and more. 

Your Impact

What a major gift makes possible. 

Major donors are the engine behind United Way Maritimes' most ambitious work. These gifts fund initiatives that power the kind of deep, systemic change that annual campaigns alone cannot sustain. 

$10,000

funds a year of after-school tutoring support for 40 children

$25,000

funds deep, ongoing counselling and crisis support for dozens of families and individuals

$50,000

funds multiple community-based solutions for social isolation reaching 500+ individuals

$100,000+

creates enduring, multi-year change across the Maritimes

Endowments

Give once. Change the maritimes forever.

Annual campaigns sustain our work foundations and endowments transform it. A gift that grows over time — invested, protected, and deployed year after year — is how United Way Maritimes builds the financial resilience to tackle the deepest, most complex challenges facing our communities. 

Whether you are an individual building a legacy, a family channelling generations of generosity, or a corporation formalizing its commitment to the Maritimes — this is how your values outlive you. 

Why an endowment?

An endowment is a permanent fund. The principal is invested and protected; only the annual returns are spent on community impact. That means your gift today is still working in 10, 50, and 100 years. It is the difference between a donation and a legacy. 

Protected Principle

Grows Over Time

Defines Your Legacy

Weathers Any Storm

Three kinds of visionary donors 

Foundation and endowment giving is not reserved for the ultra-wealthy. It is for anyone who wants their generosity to be more than a moment — and who wants expert support to make it happen. 

I want to build a lasting personal legacy

Individual & Family

You've spent a lifetime building something — a career, a family, a community. An endowment gift to United Way Maritimes is how you ensure that what you built extends beyond you. Leave something permanent in the communities that shaped you. 

We have a foundation and want a trusted granting partner

Private & Family Foundation

Private and family foundations often know what they value but face a real challenge: identifying credible, vetted organizations doing impactful, accountable work in the Maritimes. United Way Maritimes does that work for you. Partner with us to direct your foundation's grants toward the community initiatives with the greatest demonstrated impact. 

Access United Way's deep network of vetted Maritime nonprofits and community programs: 

  • Co-invest in multi-year initiatives aligned with your foundation's priorities 
  • Receive transparent, detailed impact reporting for every grant 
  • Simplify CRA compliance through our established charitable infrastructure 
  • Engage family members in meaningful, guided community investment decisions 

We want to formalize our company’s community commitment

Corporate Foundation

Employees, customers, and communities are asking companies to demonstrate their values — not just state them. A corporate foundation gives your company a credible, visible, and lasting charitable identity that goes beyond the annual campaign. It highlights your giving, reinforces your brand, and engages your workforce in something meaningful. 

  • Align grantmaking with your company's ESG and community investment priorities 
  • Engage employees in fund governance and grant making decisions 
  • Receive public recognition and reporting suitable for annual reports and ESG disclosures 
  • Benefit from United Way's trusted community infrastructure 

 Ready to start a conversation? We’re here to help.

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