Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

United Way is rooted in building strong and inclusive communities We strive to create opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential However, many of the issues United Way works to address have a disproportionate impact on black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, people with disabilities and other marginalized communities We acknowledge that due to systemic factors, some members of our community experience barriers to accessing programs/services and funding to support those programs.

We continue to not only focus on learning but also taking action. Below is a highlight of some of the ways we took action in 2022.

Community Investment

Launched the EDI focus area which:

Prioritized available funding for historically under-funded communities

Addressed historic barriers to obtaining United Way funding including new application and reporting processes

Trusted community members with lived experience with final decision making on granting.

Promoted community partner EDI by incorporating questions into all of our funding applications.

Organizational Culture & Practices

Completed a series of EDI training and planning sessions with our staff and board focused on how to apply EDI to our work and decision making

Proactively recruited volunteers who represent the diversity of our communities

Launched the employee Culture Club focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment

Updated our anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies and practices so staff can better understand how to address experiences of discrimination

Data Community mobilization and engagement

Collected data from community partners with an EDI lens to ensure our investments are reaching all members of our community

Used stories and data on social media to create shared community understanding about historic and current inequities

Regularly use equitable convening practices such as providing food, ensuring accessibility of physical space, providing multiple ways to participate and offering no-low cost event registration

Communication and awareness building

To combat stereotypes and stigma, we are normalizing tough conversations and creating safe spaces for them including United in Conversation, which focused on Homelessness and Harm Reduction.

Supporting Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Supporting those farthest from opportunity is an integral part of creating a strong & thriving community that prioritizes equity. In 2022, we launched our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion funding stream, with the goal of providing opportunities and support for smaller, grassroots organizations and organizations led by marginalized communities to carry out the great work they provide to marginalized groups, while improving equity, diversity and inclusion across our community. Our support recognizes the need for empowering those closest to the issues and prioritizes work led by members of the community they look to serve. We are proud to be leading the way in this area, as one of only a few funders offering support in this way.