United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey fights poverty across nine counties in two states by investing in youth success and family economic stability. Its free tax program has returned more than $526 million to families. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey raises money and directs it to programs that fight poverty, with a focus on youth success and family economic stability. It works across two states, in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Its service area covers Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, and Cumberland counties in New Jersey. Bill Golderer serves as president and CEO.
The affiliate runs a wide set of programs, anchored by free tax preparation that puts money back in families' pockets and a 211 helpline that connects people to services. It also runs digital-access and financial-empowerment work.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax filing for households earning below about $65,000; it has returned more than $526 million to date. |
| 211 Helpline | A free connection to local food, housing, and other services. |
| Digital Navigator Network | Help getting online with devices, internet access, and digital skills. |
| Financial Empowerment and Career Pathways | Coaching and training to build income and stability. |
| ALICE research | Data, through the Pennsylvania United Way network, on working households that cannot afford the basics. |
The affiliate also runs Early Learning, Community Resiliency, a Violence Prevention Hotline, and disaster-readiness work under its United We Prepare effort.
United Way uses the ALICE framework, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, to describe households that work but cannot afford the basics. The Pennsylvania network of United Ways uses ALICE data to raise awareness and shape policy.
Free tax preparation is one of the most direct responses: by claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit at no cost, working families have collected more than $526 million through the affiliate's program.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift toward youth and economic-stability work. Donations support the affiliate's programs across both states.
Volunteers help in many ways, including IRS-certified free tax preparation. The affiliate holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 23-1556045.
Free filing that has returned over $526 million to families.
A free connection to local services.
Help with devices, internet, and digital skills.
Coaching and Career Pathways to build stability.
Programs supporting young children and families.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (unitedforimpact.org) VITA, ALICE, and programs pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 23-1556045). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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