United Way has five primary roles: funder, researcher, partner, convener and advocate. Money is raised through employee giving in workplaces, corporate gifts that match workplace donations, individual contributions from community members or planned giving. Panels of volunteers recommend distribution of funds to support the primary roles under four strategies: Opportunities, Social Capital, Neighbourhoods and Healthy Living.

Established in 1965, the Carthy Foundation is a private Foundation that works to enhance the future prosperity of Canada by creating opportunities with, and providing education for young people.

Inspired by the vision of Catherine Donnelly, the Foundation seeks radical and creative ways of responding to the most urgent needs of society in the areas of housing initiatives, adult education initiatives and opportunities and environmental enhancement initiatives.