What United Way Elgin Middlesex does

United Way Elgin Middlesex is a registered Canadian nonprofit corporation (BN 11926 0503 RR0001) and the largest non-government funder of social services in the Elgin and Middlesex region of Ontario. Headquartered in London, Ontario, the organization raises and invests approximately $6 million annually across 44 programs at 33 local agencies, directly supporting 158,000 residents through poverty relief, food security, housing stability, mental health, gender-based violence response, and inclusion initiatives. Programs funded by the Community Fund include My Sisters' Place, the London Coffee House, Street Level Women at Risk, YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Supportive Housing, London Cares Housing Stability Program, and the London Food Coalition.

The organization operates no technology product; its infrastructure consists of a standard website (unitedwayem.ca) and donor management systems used to process contributions and report on community impact. As a charitable nonprofit, it sells no products or services. Revenue is generated entirely through philanthropic channels: recurring workplace giving via payroll deduction (corporate and labour union campaigns), individual monthly and one-time donations, a Major Donor and Leadership Giving program, legacy/bequest giving, gifts of appreciated securities, signature fundraising events (Day of Caring, Plane Pull, TD StairClimb, Ultimate Burger Battle, Share the Love 50/50), and government partnerships including the federal School Food Infrastructure Fund. Funded agencies deliver the end services to community members.

The go-to-market motion is hybrid: a sales-led cultivation layer manages workplace campaigns, major-donor relationships, and event sponsorship (Libro Credit Union has been Day of Caring presenting sponsor for nine years), overlaid with event-driven community engagement that mobilizes volunteers and donors. The organization operates within the United Way Centraide Canada Network for national brand and coordination, but is governed independently by a local Board of Directors and led by President and CEO Kim Tetley, who assumed the role in July 2026 following the departure of long-tenured CEO Kelly Ziegner and an interim period under Roxanne Riddell.

Name

United Way Elgin Middlesex

Legal name

United Way Elgin Middlesex

Website

https://unitedwayem.ca

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Way Elgin Middlesex is a Canadian nonprofit that raises and invests $6 million annually across 44 local programs in Elgin and Middlesex counties, supporting 158,000 residents through workplace giving, major donors, signature events, and government partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Nonprofit Fundraising and Social Services Investment

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Domestic Violence & Abuse Support Services (BPAGAEAD)

Keywords

• Community fundraising
• Workplace giving campaigns
• Nonprofit social services
• Charitable donation programs
• Community fund grants

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through one-time or monthly gifts. Monthly giving is encouraged as a way to amplify impact. Donations are tax-deductible and receipted.
2. Workplace Giving Campaigns: Corporate workplace giving campaigns where employees pledge donations through payroll deductions. This is a major channel for fundraising.
3. Major Donor Program: High-value donations from individual major donors and Leadership Giving program with special recognition and engagement opportunities.
4. Legacy/Planned Giving: Bequests and legacy giving options for long-term donor engagement.
5. Gifts of Securities: Donors can contribute appreciated securities directly.
6. Event Fundraising: Revenue from signature events including Day of Caring, Plane Pull, StairClimb, Ultimate Burger Battle, and Share the Love 50/50 lottery.
7. Government Partnerships: Funding from government sources including School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) administered in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

United Way Elgin Middlesex is a registered non-profit charitable organization that raises donations from individuals, workplaces, and labour unions, then invests those funds into a Community Fund that grants money to local social-service agencies delivering programs in poverty relief, food security, housing stability, mental health, gender-based violence response, and youth and seniors services across Elgin and Middlesex counties in Ontario. The organization also funds the 211 helpline navigation service and administers government-funded initiatives such as the School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) in partnership with other United Ways.

Product overview

United Way Elgin Middlesex is a non-profit charitable organization that serves as a community foundation and social services funder. They do not offer a technology product or software platform. Their core offering consists of charitable programs including community fund grants, donation collection services, community impact initiatives, housing stability programs, food security programs, and advocacy for social issues. The organization connects donors with local social service agencies and community programs to address poverty, homelessness, mental health, and other local needs in Elgin and Middlesex counties in Ontario, Canada.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community Fund Grants Annual competitive grant program that distributes pooled donor dollars to local non-profit agencies for poverty relief, housing stability, mental health, food security, and belonging programs; invested approximately $4.2M into 44 local programs in 2024-25.
• Workplace Giving Campaign Program Structured annual giving program where corporate, government, and labour-union workplaces run employee payroll-deduction pledges during the fall campaign season; includes United at Work toolkit and Caring Cup workplace competition.
• Major Donor and Leadership Giving Program High-value giving program with personalized cultivation, recognition events, and engagement opportunities for individuals donating at leadership levels.
• Legacy / Planned Giving Program Bequest, estate, and long-term planned-giving options enabling donors to leave gifts through wills, life insurance, and other legacy instruments.
• Gifts of Securities Program accepting donations of appreciated publicly-traded securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) with associated tax benefits.
• Day of Caring Community Volunteer Event Annual signature one-day volunteer event mobilizing 400+ corporate workplace volunteers across 23+ community-service projects at funded agencies; presented by Libro Credit Union.
• Plane Pull Fundraising Event Team-based signature fundraising event where workplace teams compete to pull a plane, raising funds for the United Way community fund.
• TD StairClimb Fundraising Event Signature stair-climb fundraising event hosted at Canada Life Place with 700+ participants climbing 1,000 stairs in support of the community fund.
• Ultimate Burger Battle Fundraising Event Annual burger-themed fundraising competition among local restaurants and community teams; 2025 edition raised $57,284.
• Share the Love 50/50 Lottery Community 50/50 raffle lottery with proceeds supporting United Way community programs; tickets sold online to regional supporters.
• 211 Ontario Helpline Funding Partnership United Way is a funder of the 2-1-1 information service that helps people navigate government and community programs free, confidentially, 24/7 in 150+ languages by phone, live chat, and email.
• School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) Local Administration United Way Elgin Middlesex administers SFIF funding locally — $138,000 distributed to school food programs including Corner Cupboard Food Bank, East Elgin Secondary School, South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, and Type Diabeat It — under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national program via United Way East Ontario.
• Strathroy Housing Initiative Targeted housing-stability investment program in Strathroy-Caradoc (Middlesex County) operated by United Way Elgin Middlesex with localized investment strategy and Community Impact Advisory Committee.

Quantifiable outcome

• 158,000 local people thriving from United Way funded programs and services
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, flagship and minor.

• United Way Centraide Canada NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way Elgin Middlesex is a member of the United Way Centraide Canada Network, the national umbrella organization for United Way chapters across Canada. This partnership provides brand affiliation, national coordination on advocacy issues, and shared resources for community impact.
• United Way East OntariomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for administering the School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) program locally. United Way East Ontario received $1 million funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to distribute to eligible organizations across Ontario and Nunavut, with United Way Elgin Middlesex as one of five partner United Ways implementing local projects.
• Libro Credit UnionflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor of Day of Caring for 9 consecutive years. Major workplace partner demonstrating corporate citizenship by supporting the community. Regional Manager Jordan Moat participated in kick-off events. Partner since 2017 for community volunteering initiatives.
• BMO Financial GroupmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner participating in Day of Caring events. Volunteers from BMO supported John Howard Society during 2025 Day of Caring with 23 projects across the region.
• Harrison PensaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm participating in Day of Caring volunteer events. Students from Harrison Pensa volunteered at SOAHAC during 2025 Day of Caring.
• 3M CanadaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-term corporate partner hosting annual Harvest Lunch events in St. Thomas and London that launch the United Way campaign. Major donor with significant workplace giving participation. Hosted 3M Harvest Lunch 2024 and 2025 events.
• LiUNA Local 1059flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilding trades union with record $200,000 donation in 2023 (23rd annual charity golf tournament). Major labour partner with ongoing advocacy and volunteer support. Supports Day of Caring events and community initiatives. Highly valued for partnership and community building.
• Unifor Local 27majorGTM or Marketing PartnerLabour union partner recognized at Labour Appreciation Awards. Members including Christine Firby (3M), Georgiana Slack (St. Joseph's Hospital), and Thomas Lincoln (General Dynamics Land Systems) received recognition for community contributions.
• CUPE Local 107majorGTM or Marketing PartnerLabour union representing City of London workers. Dario Novoa recognized at 2024 Labour Appreciation Awards for founding Simple Reflections for Artists and commitment to inclusive community building.
• OPSEU Local 109majorGTM or Marketing PartnerLabour union representing Fanshawe College support staff. Amy Stark recognized for volunteering and community building including painting women's shelters and visiting community organizations.
• OPSEU Local 159minorGTM or Marketing PartnerOPSEU local at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, recognized as part of partnership led by OPSEU Local 159 at the hospital.
• 211 OntariocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner211 is a helpline service helping people navigate government and community programs. United Way is a funder of the 2-1-1 information service. Available free, confidential, 24/7 in 150+ languages by phone, live chat and email.
• CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health organization operating My Sisters' Place and London Coffee House, both funded by United Way. Programs provide drop-in services, meals, and support for those experiencing homelessness or at risk.
• YWCA St. Thomas-ElgincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen's shelter and housing organization operating Supportive Housing Program. United Way funded program helps women rebuild lives after abuse. Lynda's story demonstrates program impact. Also involved with New Beginnings Loan Fund.
• Street Level Women at Risk (SLWAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way funded program supporting women engaged in survival sex work. Achieved 100% success rate in securing housing through collaboration with London Police Service and dozens of local partners.
• St. Thomas Elgin Second Stage HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecond stage housing for women escaping abusive relationships. United Way funded program offering longer-term lodging and support to regain independence. Natalie Ingram serves as program care coordinator.
• London Food CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership of 25+ local organizations rescuing food that would otherwise be wasted and redirecting it to families in need. Over 3,500 people rely on the London Food Bank. Rescued over 1 million pounds of food with refrigerator truck.
• London CarescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way funded housing stability program. Case worker Jasmine helped Shayla find long-term stable housing. Program helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness find sustainable housing solutions.
• South London Neighbourhood Resource CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way funded Essential Services Program providing emergency food and basic needs support. Community hub in designated food desert serving 50 children daily through breakfast program. Completed $60,471 kitchen refurbishment through SFIF.
• Westminster CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity hub located between two nearby schools, served by South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre. 40-year-old kitchen refurbished to serve children and families in food desert area.
• Type Diabeat ItcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization growing and distributing culturally relevant produce to African, Caribbean, and Black youth. Expanded 1.5-acre farm and commercial kitchen through SFIF funding ($24,860). Pairs meal delivery with food literacy education.
• Corner Cupboard Food BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood bank in Aylmer providing support for families in East Elgin area. Key partner in school food infrastructure initiative, upgrading East Elgin Secondary School's Nutrition Program Kitchen serving 1,000 students.
• East Elgin Secondary SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRural high school receiving $53,250 SFIF funding for food programming space upgrades. Serves approximately 1,000 students from diverse rural communities with limited transportation access.
• Fanshawe CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution where Sara Stapleton, a LDALR program participant, is studying Early Childhood Education. Sara graduated with 90% in English after being told she was unlikely to earn a diploma.
• Aylmer Advisory CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Impact Advisory Committee for Aylmer (Elgin County) launched by United Way to bring together local leaders, service providers and community members to understand resources and identify service gaps.
• Strathroy-Caradoc Advisory CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Impact Advisory Committee for Strathroy-Caradoc (Middlesex County) launched by United Way to strengthen rural community support through localized investment strategy.
• London Police ServicemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw enforcement partner collaborating with Street Level Women at Risk (SLWAR) program. Collaboration contributed to 100% success rate in securing housing for women served by the program.
• Women's Rural Resource CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization whose Executive Director Elyssa Rose served as keynote speaker at 2024 Labour Appreciation Awards, sharing insights about New Beginnings Loan Fund helping women and children escape familial abuse.
• London Food BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor food distribution partner of London Food Coalition. Over 3,500 people rely on the London Food Bank for food assistance. United Way supports through funding and partnerships.
• TD BankmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner winning 2023 Caring Cup for workplace giving competition. Hosted TD StairClimb event at Canada Life Place with 700+ participants climbing 1,000 stairs.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• United Way Greater Moncton & Southeastern New Brunswick: Smaller regional United Way serving southeastern New Brunswick with similar workplace giving and community fund model; useful size and operating model comparable.

Direct peers

• United Way Toronto & York Region: One of the largest United Way chapters in Canada serving the Greater Toronto area, using the same workplace giving, major donor, and community fund model to invest in local social services. Highly comparable structure, donor base, and program delivery approach.
• United Way Halifax: Regional United Way chapter in Halifax running workplace campaigns, signature events, and community fund investments. Similar operating scale and structure.
• London Community Foundation: Local community foundation based in London, Ontario that grants to charitable causes in the same geography. Direct competitor for local donor dollars and grantmaking influence in Elgin Middlesex.
• United Way British Columbia: Provincial United Way operating across BC with similar workplace campaigns, major donor programs, and community fund grants to local social service agencies. Same operating model and community-funder role as UWEM.
• United Way Winnipeg: Mid-sized Canadian United Way chapter running workplace campaigns, labour partnerships, and major donor programs to fund local social services. Comparable scale, structure, and community investment model.
• United Way Ottawa: Regional United Way chapter serving Ottawa, using workplace giving, signature events, and community fund grants to invest in poverty reduction, housing, and mental health programs. Same operating model and donor segments.

Broad incumbents

• Community Foundations of Canada: National network of 191 community foundations across Canada that grant to local charitable causes. Operates a parallel grantmaking ecosystem that competes for some of the same donor and fund segments.
• United Way Centraide Canada: National umbrella organization for United Way chapters in Canada; UWEM is a member of this network. Comparable mission and brand but operates at a national scale providing advocacy, coordination, and shared resources.

Others

• 211 Ontario: Free helpline funded in part by United Way that connects Ontarians to social services. Adjacent / ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor, but operates in the same social-services navigation space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/unitedwayemca

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Way Elgin Middlesex