United Way NWT is inviting registered charities and non-profits across the Northwest Territories to apply for its 2027 Community Investment Fund (CIF). The fund supports local programs that address the most pressing needs in our communities.
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects aligned with one or more of United Way NWT’s three focus areas:
- From Poverty to Possibility: Meeting basic needs and helping people move out of poverty.
- Healthy People, Strong Communities: Improving access to health and social supports and strengthening community connections.
- All That Kids Can Be: Supporting early learning and helping children and youth thrive.
The CIF offers single-year grants for projects completed within 12 months and multi-year grants for longer-term initiatives. Applications are open until
November 25, 2026
“Local organizations know what their communities need, and the Community Investment Fund helps turn that knowledge into action,” said Ben Linaker, Board Chair of United Way NWT. “We encourage organizations throughout the territory to bring forward projects that will make a meaningful difference for the people they serve.”
In 2026, United Way NWT awarded $235,000 to 19 organizations through the fund. Ten received single-year grants: Ecology North, Northwest Territories Integration and Community Services, YWCA NWT, Yellowknife Education District No. 1, Yellowknife United Church Outreach Committee, Yellowknife Seniors Society, Makerspace, Hay River Youth Centre, Hay River Soup Kitchen, and Habitat for Humanity NWT.
Six organizations began new three-year grants: Chickadee NEST, Food Rescue Yellowknife, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Hay River Family Support Centre, Fort Good Hope Garden and Arts Society, and the Salvation Army. United Way NWT also continued multi-year support for Homebase Yellowknife, Bushkids, and Northern Birthwork Collective.
The expansion of multi-year funding reflects feedback from community organizations seeking more predictable support to plan and sustain their programs. Donations from individuals, workplaces, and partners make the Community Investment Fund possible.
Application information, eligibility criteria, and the application form are available at nwt.unitedway.ca/cif. For questions, email ed@nwt.unitedway.ca.
