United Way of East Central Iowa unites community champions, volunteers, donors, and nonprofit partners to build a thriving community for every person across Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, and Linn counties.
Our Community
Strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re built when people come together to meet our community’s greatest needs.
In Iowa, 34% of households are living in financial hardship, including families living below the Federal Poverty Level and those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are hardworking individuals and families who earn too much to qualify for many forms of assistance but still struggle to afford essentials like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare.
United Way of East Central Iowa brings people, resources, and organizations together to address these challenges and create lasting change across our community.
1:3
households are ALICE in our 5-county area
13 of 20
most common jobs in Iowa pay less than $20 an hour
>12,000
individuals don’t have health insurance
Four Areas. One Mission.
Real, lasting change doesn’t happen in a single program or a single year. So, we focus our investments, partnerships, and volunteers where East Central Iowa needs us most.
A stable future starts with a stable paycheck
We provide resources to education, job training, and financial tools, so individuals can build thriving futures and communities.
A strong start for every child in our community
We create educational opportunities, from early childhood to career, keeping young people inspired, and on track for success.
Closing the gap between people and essential care
We connect people to resources they need to lead healthy lives, like nutritious food, health education, and quality care.
Strength comes from showing up together
We mobilize the right people, equipping communities to navigate challenges from the moment crisis strike to long-term recovery.