2021 Charity Ratings
For the seventh consecutive year, United Way Blackhawk Region’s sound fiscal management practices, commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the local nonprofit organization a 4 out of 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.

United Way Blackhawk Region has also earned for the sixth year in a row, a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, its highest rating available.

“Our unwavering commitment to responsible stewardship of donor dollars is reinforced by consistently earning top ratings from two of the nation’s most trusted nonprofit evaluators, Charity Navigator and GuideStar,” said United Way President and CEO Mary Fanning-Penny. “The board of directors and lean team is incredibly proud of this accomplishment and what it should symbolize to donors – a gift to United Way is a prudent investment in our community.”

Founded in 1994, GuideStar has helped drive the nonprofit transparency revolution. GuideStar released the first-ever searchable electronic database of nonprofits in 1996. Over the years, GuideStar expanded the database to include all tax-exempt organizations registered with IRS; the database currently comprises profiles of 2.7 million organizations.

Fanning-Penny added, “Thanks to donors from across the Blackhawk Region, we fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We steward generosity and direct resources where they’re needed most, to achieve the greatest impact.”

United Way Blackhawk Region encourages undecided donors to do their research and recommends Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau as effective tools for analysis. Additional information on United Way Blackhawk Region’s charity ratings and financial accountability may be found on the financial accountability page of our website.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
We count ourselves lucky to live in and serve the Blackhawk Region. Thank you to every donor, volunteer, and community partner, who joins us in the fight for the health, education, and financial stability of our community.

"It is in the shelter of each other that the people live," - Irish Proverb

We believe this old proverb is a nod to the importance of Living UNITED. We recognize that we are all interconnected and together, we can accomplish so much more than any one of us can alone.
My Free Taxes
For the 12th year, United Way is providing MyFreeTaxes, a free online tax filing software to help taxpayers easily and accurately file simple federal and state tax returns from their computer or smartphone.

United Way provides the service as part of our fight for the financial stability of every person in every community.

Key features include:
  • Screening for credit and deduction eligibility such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit to ensure you receive your maximum tax refund
  • Showing how and why your refund amount is changing in real time
  • Live tax assistance from IRS-certified specialists
  • Opportunity to claim any missed stimulus payments