United Way of Thunder Bay introduces new Better Is Possible funding model at annual kick-off breakfast.

United Way of Thunder Bay is changing the way they fund local programming with their new Better Is Possible initiative. The organization announced the new funding model at their Better Is Possible Breakfast at the Valhalla Inn this morning.

“After 60 years of Local Love, we believe it’s time for change,” says United Way CEO, Albert Brulé. “United Way of Thunder Bay aims to build on our six-decade legacy of impact by inspiring hope and fostering collective efforts to create a better community for all through the Better Is Possible initiative.”

Better Is Possible invites community partners to come forward with bold proposals that can significantly impact economic prosperity, community health and social well-being. With support from United Way of Thunder Bay, in cooperation with other funders and donors, community groups and collaboratives will have the opportunity to secure transformative grants for their innovative solutions. These new and exciting projects will require multi-agency collaboration, multi-year timeframes, and will be eligible for multi-year funding.

The new strategy is being launched this fall, which includes a consultation phase with community leaders, service providers, and funding partners to determine which collaborative projects best address the most pressing needs of Thunder Bay. The first initiative under this new model is expected to be announced in early 2025.

Says Brulé; “We hope that this new model will foster cross-sector collaboration and lead to bigger, more impactful solutions to the ever-growing challenges our community faces. Together, we can make meaningful progress in reducing poverty and improving the lives of everyone in Thunder Bay.”

Breakfast attendees were also given an exclusive first look at the Better Is Possible video, which highlights local change-makers and showcases the power of a united community working together to create a better future for all.

The breakfast is an annual event that brings together friends, supporters, and community members to share their love for the community and to learn what’s new at the United Way. It’s a great opportunity for those invested in the United Way to celebrate collective achievements, spend time with other change-makers in the community, and learn new ways to get involved.

Says Carole Williams, Acting Campaign Director; “Everything we’ve accomplished over the past 60 years is thanks to our generous donors, partners, and volunteers, and we’re so grateful to receive support from those who share our same love for community. Sitting down for breakfast is a way for us to reconnect, share, celebrate what we’ve accomplished, and look forward to what we will achieve by working together. This was our biggest breakfast so far – proof that as the needs of the community grow, so does its willingness to step up and make a difference.”

Corporate sponsors were in attendance as well to show their ongoing support for community programs and services. Among them, Tbaytel announced their Local Love matching gift incentive at the event, pledging to match all donations made to United Way of Thunder Bay until October 6^th up to $10,000!

Aside from the breakfast, the United Way will host a variety of events throughout the month, including the Wasaya-United Way Plane Pull, a 60^th Anniversary & President’s Council Reception, and Local Love Cupcakes from Carol’s Cakes.