United Way

When we work together, anything is possible. 
Donations will be accepted until Dec. 21 

UCalgary’s goal of $325,000 will help support many Calgarians

We all feel the effects of inflation. Every time we make a purchase, we are reminded of the rising cost of essential goods and services. When an individual or family can’t afford the basic needs for survival, it creates a ripple through every aspect of their lives.

The United Way and the University of Calgary are working together to tackle issues like the inflation crisis through the lens of four key outcomes: Socioeconomic Well-being, Mental Health, Social Inclusion and Healthy Relationships. 

One hundred per cent of your donation goes to United Way’s Community Impact Fund which provides stable funding to more than 120 agencies, ensuring Calgarians can access services and supports when and where they need them. Check out United Way's Impact Calculator to see how far your investment will go in your community.

With your help, UCalgary is aiming to raise $325,000 for the United Way this year. Through your donation, you are choosing to invest in programs and collaborations that provide vital services available to all Calgarians. 

Hope is in your hands.


Events

Participate in one of our fundraising events. Thank you for supporting the Schulich School of Engineering’s United Way Campaign – together, we can strengthen our community!

The Sparks of Gratitude campaign is a fun and meaningful way to spread positivity while supporting a great cause! This campaign is all about celebrating your colleagues by sharing messages of thanks, encouragement, or just letting someone know how they make UCalgary a better place to work and learn.

Put your brainpower to the test and support a great cause!

Join us for the Schulich Trivia Challenge, a fast-paced trivia challenge supporting United Way. Whether you're wanting to challenge your solo trivia skills or join as part of a team of up to four, this is your chance to compete and contribute to a fantastic charity.

  • Dates: Nov. 21, tickets are $5 per person. 

Get ready to move to the beat and support a great cause!

Join us for the Schulich Beat Saber Challenge, a high-energy VR dance competition in support of United Way! Whether you're a Beat Saber pro or trying virtual reality for the first time, this is your chance to compete, have fun, and contribute to a fantastic charity.

Two Ways to Win!

  • Best Player: Highest score wins! Precision, speed, and timing will be your best friends.
  • Best Dancer: Show off your moves! Our guest judges will be watching for style and creativity, regardless of how accurate you are.
  • Dates: Nov. 24, tickets are $5 per person. 

We’re thrilled to bring back the SSE Raffle. Every ticket purchased contributes to the life-changing work the United Way does for our community.

Let’s come together to make a difference. Whether you’re aiming to top the trivia leaderboard or hoping to score a raffle prize, every contribution counts. 

United Way is excited to announce our online Lucky Local 50/50 fundraiser! - Grab your tickets now!

United Way works toward a better tomorrow locally by helping reduce poverty, house people, and supporting mental health and well-being. We fund over 30 programs and services, each specializing in an area of need. We also research, plan, share and advocate for systems change by speaking up about social issues and leverage community knowledge and perspective to create tangible solutions to complex issues.

Funds raised by this raffle will support the work of United Way.

The winner will be contacted to claim their prize.

Thank you for your support!

  • Dates: Nov. 4 to Dec. 21, 2025. The draw will take place on Dec. 22. 

Why donate to United Way?

Your investment with United Way stays local and is strategically invested right where you live, work, and raise your family. Donations go toward addressing immediate needs and supporting long-term solutions through organizations and programming like: 

Community Hubs

Promoting inclusion, support, and belonging in all quadrants of the city. 

Learn more

All In For Youth

A city-wide strategy to increase high school completion rates.

Learn more

Healthy Aging Alberta

Supporting older Albertans to age with dignity.

Learn more

Planet Youth Calgary

Supporting youth mental health and reducing substance abuse.

Learn more

Help us reach our goal of $325,000

Raised in 2024: $326,541

Ways to give

One-time donation

Select any lump sum amount you wish to give and share your love. To donate, log in with your UCalgary email address/account. 

Donate now

Payroll donation

With no minimum, you are able to contribute each pay check throughout the year. 

Donate now

Participate in our events

Check out some of our SSE fundraising activities below and also explore our UCalgary initiatives. 

See UCalgary events

Investment Levels

Core Giving

Every donation has the power to change a local life. Core Donors are the cornerstone to positive change in communities across the Calgary area, coming together to improve lives locally with an individual annual donation of $1 or more. 

Learn more about core giving

Leadership Giving

Leadership Giving includes donations between $1,200 and $9,999, and is a critical part of UCalgary’s United Way Workplace Campaign. Through your generous support last year, we were able to raise $376,540. Almost $200,000 of last year’s total came from Leadership Giving donors.

Learn more about leadership giving

Major Giving

Major Donors serve as inspirational philanthropic leaders with generous donations of $10,000 or more annually. You are committed to making a difference in helping people overcome poverty and strengthening communities.

Learn more about major giving


Meet the people whose lives have been improved thanks to your support.

Through your donation, you are choosing to invest in programs and collaborations that provide vital services available to all Calgarians. United Way continues to make lasting impact in our communities by taking dollars raised and strategically investing in collaborations, change initiatives and agency partners that strengthen our city.