United Way of Central West Virginia, serving the region since 1931, awards grants across six counties and supports WV 211 and free tax preparation. Its ALICE data shows 31 percent of West Virginians work but struggle to survive. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate raises money and awards grants to nonprofit agencies across central West Virginia, and it supports WV 211 and free tax preparation. It uses United For ALICE data to focus its work on households that struggle despite working.
Its grants serve Kanawha, Putnam, Logan, Clay, Boone, and Braxton counties. Margaret Ann O'Neal serves as president, and the organization has served the region since 1931 from One United Way Square in Charleston.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, which provides referrals 24 hours a day. You can dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898211, or visit WV211.org to find resources nearby.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| WV 211 | 24/7 referrals to local services; text your ZIP to 898211 or visit WV211.org. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation praised for efficiency and professionalism. |
| ALICE research | Data showing 31 percent of West Virginians work but struggle to afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to nonprofit agencies across six counties. |
Free tax preparation returns credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families without the cost of a paid preparer.
United Way of Central West Virginia uses United For ALICE data, which shows that 31 percent of West Virginians are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The data also finds that 77 percent of those age 25 and under struggle to meet a monthly survival budget or fall below the poverty line.
Those figures shape where the affiliate awards grants, toward the working households and young people most at risk.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and WV 211.
Volunteers help in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Central West Virginia holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 55-0402755.
24/7 referrals; text your ZIP to 898211.
Free tax filing for working families.
Data on households that work but cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to agencies across six counties.
Programs that strengthen local communities.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Central West Virginia (unitedwaycwv.org) about, counties-served, and ALICE pages; WV 211; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 55-0402755). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Central West Virginia and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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