Greater Twin Cities United Way, created in 2001 by the merger of the Minneapolis and St. Paul United Ways, serves the nine-county metro and operates the 211 helpline and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across the Twin Cities metro that address basic needs, education, and family financial stability. It was created in 2001 when the United Ways of Minneapolis and St. Paul merged.
It serves a nine-county metro area, and President and CEO John Wilgers has led the organization since 2019.
Greater Twin Cities United Way operates two free helplines for the region: 211 for everyday needs and 988 for mental-health and suicide crises. Dialing 211 connects callers to food, housing, utility help, and other services.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | A free, confidential line connecting callers to food, housing, utility, and other local resources. |
| 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | A free line for mental-health and suicide crises, operated for the region. |
| ALICE research | Data on working households that cannot afford the basics, including the benefits cliff. |
| Grants to partners | Funding directed to local nonprofits across the nine-county metro. |
Operating both 211 and 988 means the affiliate is a front door for both practical needs and mental-health emergencies.
United Way uses the ALICE framework, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, to describe households that work but cannot afford the basics. The affiliate pairs that research with attention to the benefits cliff, the point where a small raise can cost a family more in lost benefits than it gains in pay.
Addressing the benefits cliff is part of the affiliate's economic-development work, aimed at helping families move forward without losing ground.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and its helplines.
Volunteers help across the region's programs. Greater Twin Cities United Way holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 41-1973442.
Free connection to local services across the metro.
A free line for mental-health and suicide crises.
Data on working households and the benefits cliff.
Funding directed to local nonprofits in nine counties.
Support for students and families.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: Greater Twin Cities United Way (gtcuw.org); Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 41-1973442). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Greater Twin Cities United Way and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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