United Way of the Midlands, founded in 1923, serves the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro across Nebraska and Iowa through a 211 helpline and grants to local programs. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate bridges the business and nonprofit sectors to create what it calls a Circle of Support, raising money and directing it to programs and partners across the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. It operates a 211 helpline and funds local work in basic needs, education, and financial stability.
Its service area covers Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County in Iowa. Shawna Forsberg serves as president and CEO.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, which connects people across Nebraska and southeast Iowa to the resources they need and can assist callers in 240 languages through translation services.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | Connects callers across Nebraska and southeast Iowa to local services, in up to 240 languages. |
| ALICE-focused programs | Support aimed at households that work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across the bi-state metro. |
| Basic needs and education | Programs spanning food, housing, and student support. |
The 211 line connects callers to food, housing, utility help, and many other services across the region.
United Way uses the ALICE framework, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, to describe households that earn above the poverty line but cannot afford the basics. The data helps the affiliate focus its grants across the bi-state metro.
Focusing on ALICE keeps the work centered on the many working households in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area that remain financially fragile.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and 211.
Volunteers help across the region's programs. United Way of the Midlands holds a three-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 47-0376605.
Connects callers across NE and southeast IA, in 240 languages.
Support for households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across the metro.
Food, housing, and utility-assistance support.
Programs supporting students and families.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of the Midlands (unitedwaymidlands.org) and its 211 pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 47-0376605). This is the Omaha-based United Way of the Midlands, distinct from a similarly named affiliate in South Carolina. Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of the Midlands and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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