United Way of Central Maryland improves lives across Greater Baltimore through the 211 Maryland Helpline, free tax preparation, and grants to local programs. It has served the region for nearly a century. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate improves lives across Greater Baltimore by promoting equity and increasing access to education, health, employment, and housing. It funds local programs and operates shared services like the 211 helpline rather than running a single charity.
Its service area covers Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. Franklyn Baker serves as president and CEO.
The fastest way to reach help is the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline, a free and confidential line that connects callers to health and human services. United Way of Central Maryland operates it, answering more than 100,000 calls a year.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 Maryland Helpline | A free, confidential line connecting callers to health and human services; more than 100,000 calls a year. |
| Free tax preparation | Volunteer tax assistance that helps eligible residents file and claim credits at no cost. |
| 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 Greater Baltimore. |
The affiliate also runs family-stability work that connects households to housing, food, and other support.
United Way uses the ALICE framework, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, to describe households that earn more than the poverty line but less than what it costs to make ends meet. The data guides where the affiliate directs grants across Greater Baltimore.
Focusing on ALICE keeps the work centered on the many working households in the region that remain financially fragile.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and the 211 Maryland Helpline.
Volunteers help in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Central Maryland's EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 52-0591543, and it is listed on Charity Navigator for donors who want to review its finances.
A free helpline answering 100,000-plus calls a year.
Volunteer tax help for eligible residents.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Connecting households to housing, food, and support.
Funding directed to local programs across the region.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Central Maryland (uwcm.org) and 211 Maryland; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 52-0591543). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Central Maryland and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]