United Way of Rhode Island is excited to announce that the Rhode Island Afterschool Network (RIAN) will expand its efforts effective October 1, 2023 with Rhode Island Foundation serving as its fiscal sponsor.
Founded by United Way of Rhode Island in 2002, the Network has transformed the out-of-school-time (OST) learning environment and experience while empowering youth in Rhode Island. In the intervening years RIAN, advised by an Executive Committee of OST experts, has elevated the importance and quality of afterschool and summer programs and fostered a growing network of expert practitioners in the field.
After twenty years of growth and development, the Network will take on a new more autonomous structure with fiscal sponsorship provided by Rhode Island Foundation.
Last fall, United Way of Rhode Island and the executive committee for RIAN announced plans to explore and identify the right structure that will allow the organization to expand its commitment to the out-of-school time learning community.
Through a comprehensive process, it became clear that fiscal sponsorship by the Rhode Island Foundation provides an excellent opportunity for RIAN to continue to grow its membership and impact. United Way of Rhode Island will continue to support RIAN as a lead funder and advocate in afterschool and summer learning programs. Rhode Island Foundation will provide fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services aimed at supporting the independence and capacity of the Network.
“Since its inception, RIAN has transformed out-of-school-time learning through a grassroots, member-driven model of engagement and advocacy,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “We are proud to have helped RIAN get to this milestone, in partnership with the RIAN executive committee, and we are confident that RIAN will be in excellent hands with our long-time partners at the Rhode Island Foundation.”
“The Foundation is so grateful to United Way of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Afterschool Network members for their diligent work to expand afterschool opportunities for Rhode Island’s students and families over the last 20 years,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of Rhode Island Foundation. “We’re pleased to provide fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services aimed at supporting the independence and capacity of the Network into the future and look forward to this continued partnership.”
For questions regarding the RIAN network at the Rhode Island Foundation, please contact Lisa DiMartino, Senior Strategic Initiative Officer, email ldimartino@rifoundation.org.