Mile High United Way, founded in Denver in 1887, is the first United Way in the world. It serves seven metro Denver counties through 2-1-1, free tax preparation, and grants to local 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 metro Denver that address early childhood, education, basic needs, and family financial stability. As the first United Way in the world, it has anchored Denver-area giving since 1887.
It serves Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Christine Benero serves as president and CEO, and last year the organization reported reaching more than 668,700 people through its services and partnerships.
Residents can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211Colorado.org to find services, with phone assistance provided by Mile High United Way. The affiliate also runs free tax preparation through Tax Help Colorado.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 2-1-1 helpline | A free, confidential connection to local services; phone support provided by Mile High United Way. |
| Tax Help Colorado (VITA) | Free IRS-certified tax preparation; the 2025 season set a record with 11,058 returns prepared. |
| Early childhood and education | Programs supporting young children and students across the region. |
| ALICE research | Data on working households that cannot afford the basics. |
Free tax preparation through Tax Help Colorado can return credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families at no cost.
Mile High United Way traces its founding to October 16, 1887, when a group of community and faith leaders in Denver organized to coordinate local charity. That model, pooling donations and directing them where they are needed most, became the template for United Ways worldwide.
More than a century later, the affiliate still works the same way: convening donors, nonprofits, and volunteers around shared goals for the Denver region.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and shared services like 2-1-1.
Volunteers help in many ways, including IRS-certified free tax preparation through Tax Help Colorado. Mile High United Way holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100 percent score, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 84-0404235.
Free connection to local services across Colorado.
Free tax filing; a record 11,058 returns in 2025.
Programs supporting young children and families.
Support for students across the Denver region.
Funding directed to local nonprofits in seven counties.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: Mile High United Way (unitedwaydenver.org) about and Tax Help Colorado pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 84-0404235). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Mile High United Way and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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