United Way Central Alberta has announced $594,500 in funding to support 24 community programs across the Red Deer region, marking the first year of a new three-year commitment that runs through 2029. The funding, revealed on July 20, 2026, provides partner agencies with stable, predictable dollars at a time when demand for services continues to climb.
The total represents a $77,000 increase over the last funding cycle in 2023, which saw $517,500 split among 15 programs. Applications this time around more than doubled, highlighting just how sharply needs have grown.
People throughout central Alberta rely on the funded programs for help with poverty, mental health, youth development, newcomer support, and community connection. The allocations are shaped by United Way Central Alberta’s 2026-2029 Community Impact Strategy, which concentrates on three areas: Basic Needs, Mental Health, and Brighter Futures.
The largest single grant goes to Central Alberta’s Safe Harbour Society for Health & Housing, which receives $65,000 for the Safe Harbour Many Healing Blankets program. Other amounts include $50,000 for Turning Point Society of Central Alberta and $40,000 each for the Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer & District and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer & District. The investment builds on momentum from last year, when United Way Central Alberta served 34,655 people and families through 14 agencies in 29 programs and projects.
The broader community also continues to show strong support. United Way Central Alberta’s 2025 fundraising campaign raised $1,611,585, beating its $1.6 million goal. The organization has now put more than $52 million into central Alberta over the past 60 years.
