United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.
We help neighbors strengthen their resilience by advancing health, youth opportunities and financial security.
Funded Programs Dashboard
The dashboard below is an interactive visualization to explore detailed insights into how funding is allocated, track different agencies' performance, and assess the impact of our contributions.
Each year, United Way of Central Illinois invests over a million dollars to mobilize communities to close gaps and open opportunities so that all can thrive. Our focus is on improving health, expanding education, growing livelihoods, and addressing essential needs. Together, we can transform the world.
Download the 2026-2027 Funding Sheet here.
Our current grant cycle will run from 2026-2029- check back in 2028 for more information about applying for grants.
Give the Gift of Reading - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
A small investment in our children today will pay a lifetime of dividends!
2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers.
211: Get Connected. Get Answers.
Need help? Dial 211 or call 1-888-865-9903.
211 connects people with local health and human service resources across Sangamon and Menard Counties. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, trained specialists help callers find the support they need quickly and confidentially.
How 211 Can Help
211 provides referrals for:
- Utility assistance
- Food and meal programs
- Housing and rent assistance
- Child care and after-school programs
- Elder care services
- Mental health and crisis support
- Substance use resources
- Financial assistance and literacy programs
- Job training and employment services
- Volunteer opportunities
What to Expect
When you call 211, a trained specialist will assess your needs and connect you with available local resources. Services are free, confidential, available 24/7, and include multilingual and TDD support.
Online Resource Center
The United Way Resource Center offers information on a wide range of health and human service topics, along with local nonprofit and community resources. You can also search Illinois 211’s online database of services.
Why 211 Matters
Finding help can be overwhelming. 211 simplifies the process by providing one easy-to-remember number that connects people to the right resources. The service strengthens communities, improves access to care and support, and helps coordinate responses during emergencies and disasters.
Contact 211
Dial 211
Call 1-888-865-9903
SingleCare Prescription Drug Card
United Way partners with SingleCare, formerly known as Familywize, to provide a free prescription drug discount card to the community. Individuals can save up to 30% on their prescriptions and since launching the program more than 10,000 residents, saving more than $1 million, in our region have signed up for the card. To obtain a card, visit www.singlecare.com.
We deliver these savings by distributing free prescription drug discount cards. These pharmacy discount cards are provided free of charge to those who use the card. All funding for the SingleCare prescription card program is provided by part of the dispensing fee that is included in the cost of medicines when a SingleCare card is used to save you money, and by in-kind donations and reduced costs from the program sponsors.
How the SingleCare Prescription Discount Card Works
It’s easy to use a SingleCare Card. There are no forms to fill out, waiting period or registration. The card is really just like a reusable prescription coupon on all FDA approved medicines. Anyone in your family, your work, your church or your neighborhood can use it. Immediately. You can even use it if you have health insurance, both during deductible periods and for anything your insurance does not pay for.
MyFreeTaxes - Income Tax Assistance. Easy. Free. Tax help you can trust.
No one loves filing taxes, right?
But this year, it’s easier than ever for simple returns if you use MyFreeTaxes.com
MyFreeTaxes® is a long-standing partnership of United Way and H&R Block, which provides the software.
Anyone of any income level can file simple returns for free. That means simple federal and up to three state tax returns – without spending any money in tax preparation fees.
So far, MyFreeTaxes has helped 1.2 million people save $250 million in tax filing fees and brought more than $1.7 billion back in returns.
The software links you to a secure H&R Block website. It walks you through the filing process and screens for common tax deductions and credits you may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit. That’s part of our effort to make sure you get back every penny possible. There is 24/7 chat help, and a helpline with *real people* (IRS certified experts) who are available every day, 10 am-10 pm EST at 1-866- 698-9435.
Other simple tax situations covered in MyFreeTaxes include: W-2 income; limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV; student education expenses, credits or student loan interest; unemployment income; claiming the standard deduction; EITC; child tax credits; child and dependent care expenses.
Unfortunately, MyFreeTaxes no longer provides a free return to filers who are self-employed. Self-employed filers will need to report all of their income and expenses on a Schedule C form, which is not included in the
MyFreeTaxes software. If you are self-employed, and wish to use MyFreeTaxes to file your taxes, you will only be charged $24.99 for a federal return and $18.50 for each state return (a 50% discount).
In any case, MyFreeTaxes is fast. It’s easy. You can do it from anywhere: your phone, tablet or laptop. You can start on one device, and finish on another. You can upload your W-2 form, letting MyFreeTaxes fill in all the
details.
To learn more, visit www.myfreetaxes.com.