United Way of Greater St. Louis, founded in 1922, helps more than a million people a year across 16 counties in Missouri and Illinois, funding over 170 health and human service organizations. 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 the bi-state St. Louis region, funding more than 170 health and human service organizations in 16 counties. It also operates shared services like 211 and a regional volunteer center.
It helps more than a million people a year. Michelle D. Tucker serves as president and CEO, and the organization traces its founding to 1922, when it began as the Community Fund.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, a free line connecting callers to local services. The affiliate also runs free tax preparation and a volunteer center, and coordinates community crisis response.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | A free connection to food, housing, utility, and other local services across the region. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation that helps individuals and families claim credits and refunds. |
| Volunteer Center | A regional hub that connects people to volunteer opportunities. |
| United for Families and crisis response | Family support and coordinated response to community crises. |
Free tax preparation returns credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families at no cost.
United Way of Greater St. Louis is one of the larger United Ways in the country, funding more than 170 nonprofits across 16 Missouri and Illinois counties. That breadth lets it back a wide safety net, from basic needs to youth and family programs.
Its work is anchored by 211 and a volunteer center, which connect residents to help and connect volunteers to the organizations that need them.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants to more than 170 organizations.
Volunteers can plug in through the regional Volunteer Center. United Way of Greater St. Louis holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 43-0714167.
A free connection to local services across the region.
Free tax filing that returns credits to families.
A regional hub connecting people to opportunities.
Support for families across the bi-state region.
Coordinated response to local crises.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Greater St. Louis (helpingpeople.org), 211, and Volunteer Center; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 43-0714167). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Greater St. Louis and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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