United Way of Central Iowa, founded in 1917, mobilizes the Des Moines region through 211, free tax preparation, and grants to local programs. About 35 percent of central Iowa households are ALICE. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate mobilizes the central Iowa community so all can thrive, raising money and directing it to programs and partners across three counties. It operates a 211 helpline, runs free tax preparation, and uses ALICE data to focus its work.
Its service area covers Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. Mary Sellers leads the organization, which has united the community since 1917.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, a free, professionally curated information and referral service that helps Iowans find what they need 24/7. The affiliate also organizes free tax preparation through VITA.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | A free, 24/7 information and referral service connecting Iowans to local services. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation for income-eligible individuals and families. |
| ALICE research | Data showing 35 percent of central Iowa households cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across three counties. |
Free tax preparation returns credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families without the cost of a paid preparer.
United Way uses the ALICE framework, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, to describe households that earn above the poverty line but cannot afford the basics. In Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties, 35 percent of households are ALICE.
That figure shapes where the affiliate directs grants, toward the working families most at risk of falling behind.
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 Iowa has earned a four-star Charity Navigator rating every year since 2004, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 42-0680425.
A free 24/7 information and referral service.
Free tax filing for income-eligible families.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across three counties.
Support for students and early learning.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Central Iowa (unitedwaydm.org) 211, ALICE, and VITA pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 42-0680425). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Central Iowa and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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