United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, founded in 1909, serves four counties through 211 and grants to local programs, and has invested more than $1 billion in the community over its history. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County raises money and directs it to programs and partners across four southeastern Wisconsin counties. Since its start in 1909, it reports investing more than $1 billion to address the community's most serious problems.
Its service area covers Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. The affiliate operates 211 and funds local work in education, health, and financial stability.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, available around the clock. You can dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or use the 211 Wisconsin app to connect with local services.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | A free, 24/7 line; dial 211, text your ZIP to 898-211, or use the 211 Wisconsin app. |
| Education programs | Work supporting students and early learning. |
| Health and financial stability | Programs that support health access and family stability. |
| ALICE research | Data on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
The 211 line connects callers to food, housing, utility help, and other services across the four-county region.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is one of the longer-running United Ways in the country, dating to 1909. Over its history it reports investing more than $1 billion to tackle the community's toughest problems.
Today that work runs through 211 and grants to local programs, paired with ALICE data that keeps the focus on working households 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 211.
Volunteers help across the region's programs. United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County's EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 39-0806190, and it is listed on Charity Navigator for donors who want to review its finances.
A free 24/7 line; dial 211 or text ZIP to 898-211.
Support for students and early learning.
Programs that support health access in the region.
Work that helps families build stability.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County (unitedwaygmwc.org) Get Help pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 39-0806190). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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