United Way of Southern Maine, founded in 1929, serves Cumberland and York counties through 211 Maine, free tax preparation, and grants that respond to child care, food, housing, and mental-health needs. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate works with the community to respond quickly to emerging needs and tackle persistent issues, including child care, food insecurity, housing instability, and mental health. It funds local programs and leads several of its own efforts.
It serves Cumberland and York counties. Dan Coyne serves as president and CEO, and the organization has been a local force since 1929.
The fastest way to reach help is 211 Maine, a free and confidential way to connect to thousands of health and human services around the state. The affiliate also runs the CA$H Greater Portland free tax program.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 Maine | A free, confidential connection to thousands of health and human services across Maine. |
| CA$H Greater Portland | Free tax filing by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers. |
| ALICE work | Focus on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
| United 4 Child Care and Read Away | Efforts supporting child care access and early literacy. |
Free tax preparation through CA$H Greater Portland returns credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit to working families at no cost.
Beyond grants, United Way of Southern Maine leads several efforts directly, including 211 Maine, CA$H Greater Portland, Read Away, the Southern Maine Workforce Initiative, and United 4 Child Care.
Those efforts pair immediate help, like a 211 call or a free tax return, with longer-term work on child care, literacy, and the workforce.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and led efforts; it recently invested more than $5 million in the region.
Volunteers help in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Southern Maine holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 01-0241767.
A free connection to services across Maine.
Free tax filing by IRS-certified volunteers.
Work supporting child care access.
An early-literacy effort for children.
Work to strengthen the local workforce.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Southern Maine (uwsme.org) about, ALICE, and community-report pages; 211 Maine; Charity Navigator and GuideStar (EIN 01-0241767). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Southern Maine and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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