United Way of Anchorage, founded in 1956, operates the statewide Alaska 211 helpline and free tax preparation, and funds local programs across the Anchorage area. 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 Anchorage area, and it operates the statewide Alaska 211 helpline that connects people to resources. It also runs free tax preparation and uses ALICE data to focus its work.
For almost 70 years, since 1956, it has worked to improve lives in the community, and its 211 service reaches Alaskans statewide.
The fastest way to reach help is Alaska 211, a free statewide helpline whose trained community resource specialists connect callers to local services. The affiliate also runs free tax preparation through VITA.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| Alaska 211 | A free statewide helpline connecting callers to local resources and services. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free, accurate tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers for low- to moderate-income taxpayers. |
| ALICE work | Focus on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across the Anchorage area. |
Free tax preparation can return credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families without the cost of a paid preparer.
Alaska 211 is the affiliate's signature service. It is a free statewide helpline, answered by community resource specialists who listen without judgment and connect callers to food, housing, and other services across Alaska.
Operating a statewide line from Anchorage gives residents in a large, geographically spread-out state a single number to reach help.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and Alaska 211.
Volunteers help in many ways, including IRS-certified free tax preparation. United Way of Anchorage holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 92-0027948.
A free statewide helpline connecting callers to services.
Free tax filing by IRS-certified volunteers.
Focus on households that work but cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs in the Anchorage area.
Programs supporting families and essentials.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Anchorage (unitedwayanc.org) and Alaska 211; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 92-0027948). A recent CEO transition was underway at the time of review, so a current chief executive is not named here. Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Anchorage and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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