United Way of Central Oklahoma, founded in 1923, serves eight counties around Oklahoma City, funding local programs and supporting 211 and free tax preparation. 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 central Oklahoma, creating lasting change in people's lives. It funds local agencies, supports the area's 211 helpline, and uses ALICE data to focus its work.
Its service area covers Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, and Oklahoma counties. Rachel C. Holt became president and CEO in 2023.
Residents can dial 211 to reach the Heartline 211 helpline, available 24 hours a day, for food, housing, and other services. The affiliate uses Heartline 211's referral data in its funding decisions and also supports free tax preparation.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| Heartline 211 | A 24/7 community helpline connecting callers to local services across the area. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation that helps residents claim the credits and refunds they have earned. |
| 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 eight 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 still cannot afford the basics. The data shapes where the affiliate directs grants across central Oklahoma.
Volunteers review research briefs and Heartline 211 referral data when deciding which funded programs best meet community needs.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants to local programs.
Volunteers help in many ways, including IRS-certified free tax preparation. United Way of Central Oklahoma holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 73-0589829.
A 24/7 helpline connecting callers to local services.
Free tax filing that returns credits to families.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across eight counties.
Connecting people to volunteer opportunities.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Central Oklahoma (unitedwayokc.org) history and funding pages; Heartline 211; Charity Navigator and GuideStar (EIN 73-0589829). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Central Oklahoma and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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