Metro United Way, founded in Louisville in 1917, serves a seven-county bi-state region across Kentucky and Southern Indiana through 211, free tax preparation, and financial-stability programs. 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 Greater Louisville while running shared services like 211 and free tax preparation. It serves Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, and Shelby counties in Kentucky, and Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana.
Adria Johnson has been president and CEO since 2021. The organization traces its roots to 1917, when it formed as the Louisville Federation of Social Agencies.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, a free line connecting callers to local services. The affiliate also runs free tax preparation through VITA and financial-stability programs like Bank On Louisville.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | Free connection to food, housing, utility, and other local services. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation that returns credits to working families. |
| Bank On Louisville | Helps residents open safe, affordable bank accounts and build financial footing. |
| ALICE research | Data on working households that cannot afford the basics. |
The affiliate also runs programs including workforce financial coaching, the CORE Home Repair Hub, and youth-focused work like YALift!.
Metro United Way pairs emergency help with longer-term financial-stability work. Bank On Louisville connects residents to safe, affordable banking, and free tax preparation puts refunds and credits back in families' pockets.
Workforce financial coaching and related programs aim to help households build income and savings rather than relying only on one-time aid.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and 211.
Volunteers help in many ways, including IRS-certified free tax preparation. Metro United Way holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100 percent score, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 61-0444680.
Free connection to local services across the region.
Free tax filing that returns credits to families.
Help opening safe, affordable bank accounts.
Coaching to build income and savings.
Coordinated home-repair support for residents.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: Metro United Way (metrounitedway.org) impact and programs pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 61-0444680). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Metro United Way and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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