Introducing United Way’s 2025–2027 Investment Strategy
United Way Saskatoon & Area has unveiled its 2025–2027 Investment Strategy, a bold and community-informed roadmap designed to address the region’s most pressing social challenges. Rooted in deep consultation and guided by data, this strategy reflects United Way’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable impact.
A Community-Driven Approach
The strategy was shaped through three targeted consultations, engaging a wide range of voices — from agency partners and corporate stakeholders to Indigenous leaders and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. These sessions focused on identifying emerging trends, assessing past efforts, and ensuring that future investments align with real community needs.
Key Investment Priorities
The consultations revealed several urgent areas of focus:
- Youth and School Supports: With rising concerns around food insecurity, mental health, and housing instability among youth, United Way will prioritize school-based services, mentorship programs, and youth nutrition initiatives.
- Sexual Health and Mental Wellness: Addressing the intersecting crises of sexual violence, STIs, and mental health — especially among marginalized groups — will be central. Prevention, education, and access to counseling are key pillars.
- Housing and Homelessness: Recognizing the deep ties between poverty, colonialism, and housing insecurity, United Way will support wraparound services, safe housing for vulnerable populations, and innovative solutions like tiny homes.
- 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion: The strategy acknowledges ongoing disparities in safety, access, and health outcomes for Queer and Trans individuals. United Way aims to support inclusive spaces and services that affirm identity and dignity.
- Indigenous-Led Solutions: With Indigenous communities facing disproportionate challenges, United Way will invest in culturally grounded, prevention-focused programs that support families, youth, and language revitalization.
- Seniors’ Wellbeing: As the population ages, United Way will back programs that combat isolation, improve accessibility, and support the mental health of seniors—especially those who are racialized, Queer, or low-income.
Evolving the Funding Process
In response to agency feedback, United Way is also revamping its application and reporting systems to be more user-friendly and efficient. A new digital platform and simplified evaluation rubric will reduce administrative burdens and enhance transparency.
Looking Ahead
With over $1.6 million invested in community agencies in 2023/24, United Way is poised to build on its legacy of impact. The 2025–2027 strategy is not just a funding plan — it’s a call to action for a more inclusive, resilient, and compassionate Saskatoon.
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