United Way of Central Alabama, founded in 1923, serves six counties around Birmingham through a 24/7 211 helpline, free tax preparation, and grants to local programs. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
One of the largest and most established United Ways in the state, the affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across central Alabama. It operates a 211 helpline, runs free tax preparation, and uses ALICE data to focus its work.
Its service area covers Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties. Drew Langloh serves as president and CEO.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, a free line answered around the clock that connects people to food, housing, and mental-health support. The affiliate also runs free tax preparation through VITA.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | A free, 24/7 line connecting callers to food, housing, mental-health, and other local services. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation for thousands of residents, by IRS-certified volunteers. |
| ALICE research | Data on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across six counties. |
Free tax preparation can return credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families without the cost of a paid preparer.
United Way of Central Alabama has held Charity Navigator's top four-star rating for 19 consecutive years, a streak few nonprofits match. It has anchored Birmingham-area giving since 1923, when it began as the Birmingham Community Chest.
That track record reflects the affiliate's emphasis on directing as much of each dollar as possible to local programs.
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. United Way of Central Alabama holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 63-0288846.
A free 24/7 line connecting callers to local services.
Free tax filing for thousands of residents.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across six counties.
Programs supporting students, families, and health.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Central Alabama (uwca.org) 211 and tax pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 63-0288846). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Central Alabama and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
More United Way profiles and giving guides