United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, founded in 1924, serves 11 localities across central Virginia through 211, free tax preparation, and grants to local partners. 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 central Virginia, in both urban neighborhoods and rural areas. It supports 211, runs free tax preparation, and funds local services in education, health, and financial stability.
Its 11 localities include the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights, plus Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan counties. Barbara Couto Sipe serves as president and CEO.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, a free, confidential line available around the clock. The affiliate supports 211 Virginia and runs a free tax assistance program across the region.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 Virginia | A free, confidential 24/7 line connecting callers to health and human services; supported by the affiliate. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free in-person tax preparation for households with income of about $67,000 or less. |
| ALICE research | Data on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across 11 localities. |
Free tax preparation can return 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 households that earn above the poverty line but still cannot afford the basics. The data shapes where the affiliate directs funding across central Virginia.
The research helps focus grants on prevention, reaching working families before a single setback becomes a crisis.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and the 211 line.
Volunteers help in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 23-7375346.
A free 24/7 line connecting callers to local services.
Free filing for households earning about $67,000 or less.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across 11 localities.
Programs supporting students, families, and health access.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg (yourunitedway.org) initiatives and history pages; 211 Virginia; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 23-7375346). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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