United Way of Yellowstone County: How to Get Help and How to Give

✍️ LargestCharities Editorial Team | 📅 Last updated: June 2026

United Way of Yellowstone County, trusted since 1961, serves the Billings area through Montana 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
Founded1961
HeadquartersBillings, Montana
Service areaYellowstone County
Websiteunitedwayyellowstone.org
AccountabilityEIN 81-0287507
United Way of Yellowstone County operates Montana 2-1-1, helping connect Montanans with community resources and assistance.
Donate → Volunteer

What United Way of Yellowstone County does

The affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across the Billings area, and it operates Montana 211, which connects Montanans to community resources. It also runs free tax preparation and focuses its work on ALICE households.

It serves Yellowstone County and has been a trusted local organization since 1961, based at 2173 Overland Avenue in Billings.

How to get help

The fastest way to reach help is Montana 211, which connects callers to community resources and assistance across the state. The affiliate also runs free tax preparation through VITA.

ProgramWhat it does
Montana 211Connects Montanans to community resources and assistance.
VITA free tax prepFree tax preparation by trained volunteers for eligible residents.
ALICE workFocus on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics.
Community grantsFunding directed to local programs across Yellowstone County.

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

Montana 211 and ALICE

United Way of Yellowstone County operates Montana 211, a single number Montanans can call to reach community resources and assistance. The affiliate pairs that with ALICE-focused work that targets households which work but cannot afford the basics.

ALICE, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, describes families above the poverty line who still struggle to cover essentials.

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 Montana 211.

Volunteers help in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Yellowstone County has been recognized by Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau, and Candid, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 81-0287507.

Programs

Montana 211

Connects Montanans to community resources.

VITA free tax prep

Free tax filing for eligible residents.

ALICE work

Focus on households that cannot afford basics.

Community grants

Funding directed to local programs in Yellowstone County.

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 Montana 211?
A helpline United Way of Yellowstone County operates that connects Montanans to community resources and assistance. Dial 211 to reach it.
Who can get free tax help?
Eligible residents can use the affiliate's free VITA tax preparation, staffed by trained volunteers.
When was it founded?
It has been a trusted local organization since 1961, based in Billings.
What is ALICE?
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, describing households that work but cannot afford the basics; the affiliate focuses its work on them.
How do I donate?
You can give directly, through a workplace campaign, or by designating a gift; its EIN is 81-0287507.
Where can I review its finances?
It has been recognized by Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau, and Candid; its EIN is 81-0287507.

Sources: United Way of Yellowstone County (unitedwayyellowstone.org) and Montana 211; Charity Navigator and Cause IQ (EIN 81-0287507). A current CEO was not confirmed on the pages reviewed. Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Yellowstone County and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]

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