United Way of Northwest Vermont: How to Get Help and How to Give

✍️ LargestCharities Editorial Team | 📅 Last updated: June 2026

United Way of Northwest Vermont, founded in 1942, serves three counties through Vermont 211, free tax preparation, and grants to local programs. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.

TypeCommunity nonprofit; United Way affiliate
Founded1942
HeadquartersSouth Burlington, Vermont
Service areaChittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties
Websiteunitedwaynwvt.org
Charity NavigatorFour stars (97%)
For tax households making about $69,000 or less, you can dial 2-1-1 to book a free tax preparation appointment with a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance volunteer.
Donate → Volunteer

What United Way of Northwest Vermont does

The affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across northwest Vermont, and it supports Vermont 211 and free tax preparation. It funds local work and uses ALICE data to focus its grants.

Its service area covers Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties. Jesse Bridges serves as CEO, and the organization has served the region since 1942.

How to get help

The fastest way to reach help is Vermont 2-1-1, a statewide, confidential information and referral helpline answered by a real person who can connect callers to food, shelter, and healthcare. Free tax help is also booked through 211.

ProgramWhat it does
Vermont 211A statewide, confidential helpline; a real person connects callers to local services.
VITA free tax prepFree tax preparation for households making about $69,000 or less; book by dialing 211.
ALICE workFocus on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics.
Community grantsFunding directed to local programs across three counties.

Free tax preparation returns credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families without the cost of a paid preparer.

ALICE and Vermont 211

United Way of Northwest Vermont pairs Vermont 211, the statewide helpline answered by a real person, with ALICE-focused work. ALICE, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, describes households that work but cannot afford the basics.

Dialing 211 also books free tax preparation appointments, held at the University Mall in South Burlington, for households making about $69,000 or less.

How to give and volunteer

You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and Vermont 211.

Volunteers help in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Northwest Vermont holds a four-star Charity Navigator rating with a 97 percent score, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 03-0217229.

Programs

Vermont 211

A statewide confidential helpline answered by a real person.

VITA free tax prep

Free tax filing for households earning about $69,000 or less.

ALICE work

Focus on households that work but cannot afford basics.

Community grants

Funding directed to local programs across three counties.

Education and basic needs

Programs supporting families and essentials.

Workplace giving

Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.

By the numbers

Frequently asked questions

What is Vermont 211?
A statewide, confidential information and referral helpline where a real person connects callers to food, shelter, healthcare, and other services. Dial 211 to reach it.
Who can get free tax help?
Households making about $69,000 or less can dial 211 to book a free VITA tax preparation appointment, held at the University Mall in South Burlington.
What counties does it serve?
Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties.
When was it founded?
In 1942. Jesse Bridges serves as CEO.
How do I donate?
You can give directly, through a workplace campaign, or by designating a gift; its EIN is 03-0217229.
Is it a reputable charity?
Yes. United Way of Northwest Vermont holds a four-star Charity Navigator rating with a 97 percent score.

Sources: United Way of Northwest Vermont (unitedwaynwvt.org) and Vermont 211; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 03-0217229). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Northwest Vermont and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]

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