United Way of Greater Cincinnati: How to Get Help and How to Give

✍️ LargestCharities Editorial Team | 📅 Last updated: June 2026

United Way of Greater Cincinnati, founded in 1915, serves an 11-county bi-state region across Ohio and Northern Kentucky through 211, free tax preparation, and financial-empowerment work. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.

TypeCommunity nonprofit; United Way affiliate
Founded1915
HeadquartersCincinnati, Ohio
Service area11 counties across Ohio and Northern Kentucky
Websiteuwgc.org
Charity NavigatorFour stars
United Way of Greater Cincinnati serves a bi-state region: seven Ohio counties and four Northern Kentucky counties. Dial 211 to reach its free helpline.
Donate → Volunteer

What United Way of Greater Cincinnati does

One of the region's largest nonprofits, the affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across Greater Cincinnati. It operates a 211 helpline, runs free tax preparation, and leads financial-empowerment work.

Its bi-state service area covers Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio, and Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton counties in Kentucky. Moira Weir has been president and CEO since 2020.

How to get help

The fastest way to reach help is 211, a free line connecting callers to food, housing, utility assistance, and other services across the region. The affiliate also runs Free Tax Prep through the IRS VITA program for low- and moderate-income families.

ProgramWhat it does
211 helplineFree information and referral connecting callers to local services across the bi-state region.
Free Tax Prep (VITA)Free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income families, by IRS-certified volunteers.
Financial empowermentCoaching and resources that help families build stability.
ALICE researchData on working households that cannot afford the basics.

Free tax preparation returns credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families at no cost.

Financial empowerment

Beyond emergency help, the affiliate focuses on financial empowerment: helping families increase income, build savings, and reduce debt. Free tax preparation is one piece, paired with coaching and connections to benefits.

The aim is to move households from getting by to getting ahead, rather than relying only on one-time aid.

How to give and volunteer

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 Greater Cincinnati holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 31-0537502.

Programs

211 helpline

Free connection to local services across the bi-state region.

Free Tax Prep (VITA)

Free tax filing for low- and moderate-income families.

Financial empowerment

Coaching to build income, savings, and stability.

ALICE research

Data on working households that cannot afford basics.

Community grants

Funding directed to local programs across 11 counties.

Workplace giving

Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.

By the numbers

Frequently asked questions

What area does United Way of Greater Cincinnati serve?
A bi-state region: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio, plus Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton counties in Kentucky.
How do I reach 211?
Dial 211 to reach a free helpline connecting you to food, housing, utility assistance, and other local services.
Who can get free tax help?
Low- and moderate-income families can use the affiliate's Free Tax Prep, staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.
When was it founded?
In 1915. Moira Weir has been president and CEO since 2020.
How do I donate?
You can give directly, through a workplace campaign, or by designating a gift; its EIN is 31-0537502.
Is it a reputable charity?
Yes. United Way of Greater Cincinnati holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.

Sources: United Way of Greater Cincinnati (uwgc.org) Find Help, Free Tax Prep, and financial empowerment pages; Charity Navigator and GuideStar (EIN 31-0537502). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Greater Cincinnati and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]

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