NEWSROOM
United Way to Release RFP Friday for “United Is The Way” Safety Net Grants for Nonprofits Providing Critical Services to Rhode Islanders
With a priority to expand support for nonprofits and families amid growing federal uncertainty, United Way of Rhode Island is set to release a request for proposals (RFP) on Friday for new safety net grants through its “United Is The Way” initiative. (more…)
United Way: 211, Point programs save R.I. $1.2M in reduced nonemergency 911 calls
United Way of Rhode Island Inc.’s 211 and Point programs significantly reduced the state’s financial burden on nonemergency calls to 911 and to other state agencies in 2024, the organization said on Feb. 11 at the Statehouse. (more…)
United Way is Increasing Support of Nonprofits and Families Amid Federal Uncertainty, New Safety Net Grants Will be Made Available
“United Is The Way” will focus on expanding the services and supports available to local organizations and Rhode Islanders, and a special round of funding for nonprofit. (more…)
Rhode Islanders Connect 200,000+ times with United Way 211 and Point, Program Generated Significant Economic Benefit and Savings to State in 2024
For every dollar invested in the public service that’s free and available 24/7, 365, the return on investment to Rhode Island is $7.50
United In Action Amid Chaos and Uncertainty
A message from Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO
For generations, nonprofits have answered the call, stepping up to serve our communities despite being underfunded by the federal government.
Help the helpers: Rhode Island needs its nonprofits, and R.I. nonprofits need support amid chaos and uncertainty
The Boston Globe RI
While the memo from the Trump administration to freeze federal funds has been rescinded, the actions and intent have not, writes Cortney M. Nicolato the president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.
United Way’s Larry Warner named President of RI Public Health Association
Providence, R.I. (January 22, 2025) – As it continues its work to advance health equity in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Public Health Association (RIPHA) has named a new president, appointing Larry Warner, DrPH, MPH, to a 2-year term. Dr. Warner is the Chief Impact & Equity Officer of United Way of Rhode Island, and previously served on the RIPHA board as an officer. (more…)
Providence Equity Fund
United Way of Rhode Island is collaborating with the City of Providence to address the inequities that still exist in all areas of our society, and to help create a community where every Rhode Islander can thrive.
Through a historic allocation of 10 million dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), initially by former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, with a continued commitment by current Mayor Brett Smiley, United Way of Rhode Island is helping administer the granting and allocation of $3 million over 2 years through the Providence Equity Fund.
This initiative closely follows the work and recommendations of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This is a pivotal milestone for our state in addressing the systemic racial inequities and injustices that have persisted for generations, holding back our BIPOC communities.
These efforts represent one of the most significant commitments to repairing the harm done to these communities anywhere in the United States. This fund and its grants fully align with the goals of our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and reinforce our commitment to advancing racial and social equity and inclusion throughout Rhode Island.
The fund is designed to address the most pressing inequities within Providence, like systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. It also creates ways to achieve sustainable development and social justice, with an emphasis on communities of color, which have been historically underserved and disadvantaged by the existing structural systems. The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of the disparities that already existed.
United Way of Rhode Island is collaborating with the City of Providence to address the inequities that still exist in all areas of our society, and to help create a community where every Rhode Islander can thrive.
Through a historic allocation of 10 million dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), initially by former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, with a continued commitment by current Mayor Brett Smiley, United Way of Rhode Island is helping administer the granting and allocation of $3 million over 2 years through the Providence Equity Fund.
This initiative closely follows the work and recommendations of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This is a pivotal milestone for our state in addressing the systemic racial inequities and injustices that have persisted for generations, holding back our BIPOC communities.
These efforts represent one of the most significant commitments to repairing the harm done to these communities anywhere in the United States. This fund and its grants fully align with the goals of our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and reinforce our commitment to advancing racial and social equity and inclusion throughout Rhode Island.
The fund is designed to address the most pressing inequities within Providence, like systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. It also creates ways to achieve sustainable development and social justice, with an emphasis on communities of color, which have been historically underserved and disadvantaged by the existing structural systems. The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of the disparities that already existed.
United Way of Rhode Island invests in organizations that support entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and job training to foster lasting economic change. Recognizing the long-term damage caused by urban renewal projects, this investment area also supports advocacy and housing initiatives aimed at rebuilding and restoring communities that have been disproportionately affected. By empowering residents and championing fair housing policies, the fund contributes to healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. Additionally, through programs that promote arts, advocacy, and education and serve the needs of diverse communities, the Providence Equity Fund helps build a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
Annual Celebration
Women United Award
This award recognizes a woman who through her selfless dedication to increasing childhood literacy in Rhode Island, and the generous contribution of her time, talent, and treasure, has empowered young minds, fostered a love of reading, and opened doors to brighter futures. Her efforts not only enrich individual lives but also strengthen the community. The recipient of this year’s award is Nancy Serpa.
Nancy is the co-chair of the Women United Executive Committee. She joined the group in 2015 and has been an active member of the Community Engagement Committee since its inception. She has facilitated the Women United “Young Minds in Motion” afterschool program at local libraries and clubs. She has also organized community partner learning series events, served as a skills-based volunteer mentor, and advocated for afterschool and summer learning programs.
Nancy has always been a dedicated ambassador for United Way’s annual Children’s Book Drive, and she currently serves as the Board Chair of Books Are Wings. She has also served on the United Way’s Community Advisory Board.
Dante F. Mollo Award
The partnership between organized labor and United Way of Rhode Island has lasted over seven decades. The Dante F. Mollo Labor United Award recognizes a leader who has provided exceptional dedication to our community. This year’s awardee is Frank J. Flynn.
Francis J. “Frank” Flynn has been an AFT vice president since 2011. Flynn had been the president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals since 2010. Prior to that, he served as president of the Cranston Teachers’ Alliance, Local 1704, for eight years. Flynn began his career in 1977 as a special education teacher. His 34-year career included working at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He was involved in developing and implementing several highly effective inclusion models to better serve the special needs student population in Cranston. Over the years, Frank served as negotiations chair, grievance chair, vice president, and president. During his tenure, he was instrumental in negotiating such education reforms as a professional development institute, a new teacher mentor program, and a teacher evaluation model. Flynn previously served on the AFT Teachers program and policy council. He currently chairs the AFT Legal Defense Fund; and serves on the AFT Constitutional Amendments and Convention Committee as well as other committees in the leadership of AFT, as well numerous educational, labor, and civic boards and committees. He sits on the executive committee of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Working Rhode Island, and the Providence Central Labor Committee. He chairs the state’s Certification Policy Advisory Board and is a board member of the Occupational and Environmental Health Center of Rhode Island.
Tocqueville United Award
This award is given to outstanding people whose values and commitment reflect the United Way of Rhode Island’s mission, and whose extraordinary concern, foresight and dedication inspire and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community. This year’s recipients are Frances and Peter Trafton.
Frances and Peter met while they were both studying in Boston. After Frances graduated from Boston University and Peter from Harvard Medical School, they moved to San Francisco for Peter’s surgical training. Following a couple of years at an Army hospital in Alaska, Peter joined the UC San Francisco faculty at San Francisco General Hospital. Frances soon retired from teaching grade school. In 1984 they moved to Providence and Peter joined Brown University’s Orthopedic Surgery Department at RI Hospital, where he worked for 20 years, until he stepped back to focus on international education with the AO Foundation and Health Volunteers Overseas, eventually becoming Emeritus Professor of Orthopedics at the Alpert Medical School in 2015.
Frances had the primary role in raising their three children, while Peter had long shifts at the hospital. Despite this, Frances found time for singing, tennis, debate club, and leadership and volunteering roles at the Gordon School.
Peter and Frances are impressed by United Way of Rhode Island’s focus on identifying needs and opportunities for improvement in their communities, and they have given regularly through United Way. They devote much of their time and energy to helping Rhode Island achieve a just and equitable transition to renewable energy and a resilient, joyfully livable environment for all Rhode Islanders.
Community United Award
This award honors the collective impact needed to make progress in our state, and illustrates the power of the many to address key issues. This year’s awardee is the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.
This delegation is a dedicated assembly of individuals who are approachable, present, and always fighting to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders. They are true strategic partners to the United Way, and have worked with us over the years to reduce the barriers that Rhode Islanders often face when seeking stability, health, and prosperity. This past year, they partially funded the 211 and the Point call centers.
At the national level the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation has led the charge on encouraging the Bureau of Labor Statistics to release nonprofit employment data on a quarterly basis, just like every other employment sector does. This allows us to understand the sector’s landscape in real time as it changes, and to react in a timely manner when necessary.
Top Corporate Partners
Each year, about 70% of the funds we raise come from our Corporate Partners Workplace Campaigns. These companies have shown a consistent and generous commitment to the United Way and to Workplace Giving. Many of them have been United In Action with us for decades, and some of them for close to a century. The funds these companies help us raise truly help us move the needle towards a more equitable community.
These partnerships extend beyond financial support. Our Top Corporate Partners all run impactful employee giving campaigns, and support other United Way initiatives like 401 Gives. In addition, they engage deeply with the community through our volunteering programs and other initiatives like VITA.
United Way Hosts 13th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.
United Way Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration
It’s been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.
United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign
Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]
United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.
Paola Fernandez Appointed Chair of United Way Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has named a new chair of its board of directors, appointing Paola Fernandez to the volunteer leadership position. Fernandez is senior vice president, community development officer for Centreville Bank and succeeds Dolph Johnson, retired executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Hasbro, Inc., who recently completed his three-year term as chair.
United Way Hires Tiffany Reed as Chief Development Officer
United Way of Rhode Island has welcomed a new chief development officer (CDO) to its team. The organization today announced the hiring of Tiffany Reed, who officially began her new role on Sept. 5. Most recently, Reed served as CDO for Tufts Medicine after holding the position of vice president, development, at Tufts Medical Center.
United Way Announces $1.5M in Providence Equity Fund Grants
During a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 14, United Way of Rhode Island and the City of Providence announced the recipient organizations of $1.5 million in funding from the Providence Equity Fund. In total, 15 organizations have been awarded grants to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.
United Way Hosting Equity Challenge
As part of United Way of Rhode Island’s ongoing commitment to and demonstration of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organization is preparing to host its 2024 Equity Challenge. All Rhode Islanders, individuals, and families, as well as local businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to participate in the challenge, which is being offered at no […]
United Way Accepting Applications for Providence Equity Fund
In collaboration with the City of Providence and aligned with its mission to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Providence Equity Fund grant program. Available funding is to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.
United Way Selects Leaders for Executive Director Learning Circle
Laser-focused on its work to support the needs of the state’s nonprofit community… United Way of Rhode Island has kicked off its latest Executive Director Learning Circle. The organization has selected 11 local nonprofit leaders to participate in the yearlong program that focuses on strategic development and increasing their organizations’ capacity to deliver their social impact work.
401Gives Registration Is Open to All Rhode Island Nonprofits
401Gives is returning on Monday, April 1, and United Way of Rhode Island invites all local nonprofits to participate and raise funds to support their mission-driven work. This year’s 401Gives is the fifth anniversary of what is the Ocean State’s largest single fundraiser to benefit and uplift the nonprofit sector.
Rhode Islanders Can Find Help With Medicare Open Enrollment
United Way of Rhode Island is offering assistance to those age 65 and older and adults with disabilities who need help enrolling in or reviewing their Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 coverage. The current open enrollment period ends on Dec. 7 and is the only time at which individuals can make changes.