In 2026, United Way NWT awarded grants totalling $235,000 to 19 non-profit organizations as part of its annual Community Investment Fund.
The Community Investment Fund is supported by generous donations from individuals, workplaces, and partners across the Northwest Territories and Canada. Each year, these contributions help strengthen communities by investing in initiatives that address basic needs, support well-being, and create opportunities for children, youth, and families.
Grant recipients are selected by United Way NWT’s Community Investment Fund Committee following a review of applications from across the territory. Projects are assessed based on their alignment with United Way’s three key focus areas:
• From Poverty to Possibility: Moving people out of poverty and meeting basic human needs
• Healthy People, Strong Communities: Improving access to social and health-related support services and supporting resident and community engagement
• All That Kids Can Be: Supporting early childhood learning and helping young people thrive
This year, ten organizations will receive one-time grants to support their 2026 programming:
• Ecology North
• Northwest Territories Integration and Community Services (NWT ICS)
• YWCA NWT
• Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1)
• Yellowknife United Church Outreach Committee
• Yellowknife Seniors Society
• Makerspace
• Hay River Youth Centre
• Hay River Soup Kitchen
• Habitat for Humanity NWT
In response to feedback from community organizations and the growing need for stability in program funding, United Way NWT has also made a significant shift toward multi-year funding commitments. Multi-year grants provide organizations with greater predictability and allow them to plan, retain staff, and build stronger programs over time. This year marks an important step in that transition, with several organizations receiving new three-year commitments through the Community Investment Fund.
Six new multi-year grants were selected:
• Chickadee NEST (Multi-Year Grant: Year 1 of 3)
• Food Rescue Yellowknife (Multi-Year Grant: Year 1 of 3)
• Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (Multi-Year Grant: Year 1 of 3)
• Hay River Family Support Centre (Multi-Year Grant: Year 1 of 3)
• Fort Good Hope Garden and Arts Society (Multi-Year Grant: Year 1 of 3)
• Salvation Army (Multi-Year Grant: Year 1 of 3)
United Way NWT will also continue to support multi-year initiatives currently underway, including:
• Homebase Yellowknife (Multi-Year Grant: Year 2 of 3)
• Bushkids (Multi-Year Grant: Year 2 of 3)
• Northern Birthwork Collective (Multi-Year Grant: Year 3 of 3, via intermediary)
“This year’s funding reflects both the incredible work happening across Northern communities and an important shift in how United Way NWT supports that work,” said Ben Linaker, Chair of the United Way NWT Board of Directors. “Based on what we’ve heard from organizations across the territory, we know that predictable, longer-term funding can make a meaningful difference. Expanding our multi-year commitments is part of our ongoing effort to listen, learn, and continually improve how we support community partners building a stronger North.”
Executive Director Linda Bussey, noted that the Community Investment Fund continues to be one of the most meaningful ways United Way NWT supports local impact.
“Every year we see the dedication, creativity, and compassion that exists across the North,” said Ms. Bussey. “From food security and youth programs to cultural initiatives and family supports, these organizations are making a real difference in people’s lives. It has been an honour to work alongside such committed partners throughout my time with United Way NWT.”
The Community Investment Fund is an annual opportunity for non-profit organizations across the Northwest Territories to apply for support for programs that strengthen communities and improve quality of life for residents.
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About the Community Investment Fund
The United Way NWT Community Investment Fund supports non-profit organizations delivering programs and services that address urgent social needs and strengthen communities across the Northwest Territories. Funding priorities focus on reducing poverty, improving access to supports and services, and helping children and youth reach their full potential.
About United Way NWT
United Way Northwest Territories exists to promote the capacity of people across the North to care for one another. Through grants, capacity-building efforts, and emergency response programs, United Way NWT supports local non-profits and charities in addressing social challenges and building stronger communities. To learn more, visit https://nwt.unitedway.ca/.
Media Contact:
Linda Bussey – Executive Director, United Way NWT
ED@nwt.unitedway.ca | 1 (867) 669-7986
