United Way of Greater Nashville, founded in 1922, runs a 211 helpline that spans a 42-county Middle Tennessee region and funds local programs through more than 150 partner agencies. 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 Middle Tennessee, working with more than 150 partner agencies. It runs a 211 helpline, supports free tax preparation, and uses ALICE data to focus its work.
Its direct impact spans nine counties, while its 211 helpline reaches a 42-county Middle Tennessee region. Erica Mitchell became chief executive officer in 2025.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, the region's lifeline for connecting people to local services. The affiliate also supports free tax preparation through VITA.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | Connects callers to thousands of services across a 42-county Middle Tennessee region. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation that helps families 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 more than 150 partner agencies. |
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 Tennessee households that work but cannot afford basics like transportation, housing, food, healthcare, and childcare. The data shapes where the affiliate directs grants.
Focusing on ALICE keeps the work centered on the large share of working families across Middle Tennessee 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 in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Greater Nashville holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 62-0533104.
Connects callers to services across 42 Middle Tennessee counties.
Free tax filing that returns credits to families.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to 150-plus partner agencies.
Programs supporting students and families.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Greater Nashville (unitedwaygreaternashville.org) 211 and ALICE pages; Charity Navigator and GuideStar (EIN 62-0533104). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Greater Nashville and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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