NEWSROOM
Calls to 211 spiked in 2020
The Providence Journal
"2020 saw a dramatic increase in calls to 211, from 170,860 in 2019 to 255,164 last year… 'With COVID hitting us we became extremely busy with a lot of rental assistance calls, housing calls… food assistance, you name it,' said Evelyn Cabrera, 211 call center manager and senior bilingual community resource specialist."
211 has received 90K+ calls about pandemic
WPRI
"United Way's 211 call center has been inundated with questions and concerns from Rhode Islanders regarding the coronavirus pandemic… during an interview Wednesday… [United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO Cortney] Nicolato said the call volume increased roughly 40% from previous years, 'and [we] were already taking the most calls per capita in the country.'"
401Gives Aims to Raise $1.5M on April 1
GoLocalProv
"Rhode Islanders will have the opportunity to support… more than 300 local nonprofits when 401Gives, the state’s largest… day of giving, returns on April 1. After exceeding the $1 million mark for the effort’s first-ever year, United Way of Rhode Island has upped the ante, setting a goal to raise $1.5M for nonprofits across the… state in… 24 hours."
United Way pledged $100M toward equity
The Brown Daily Herald
"United Way of Rhode Island has pledged $100M to promote racial equity through accessible education, affordable housing, and employment for Black, Indigenous and People of Color in Rhode Island as part of the organization’s LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to help address systemic racism… [Brown] University has pledged… $600,000… [over] the next four years toward the LIVE UNITED 2025 campaign."
Shekarchi unveiled legislative package
WPRI
"House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on Monday unveiled a legislative package... that he said could go a long way toward addressing the state’s affordable housing challenges. 'Housing is a fundamental right for all humans and that’s not a reality today,' [United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO Cortney] Nicolato said. 'We know we have to do better.'"
Leading Ladies 2021: Brooke Havens
Hey Rhody
"I find people have so much to give – time, talent, and treasure – but often don’t know where to start,” Brooke Havens, United Way of Rhode Island's chief resource & engagement officer, explained. “The best part of my job is discovering why people want to give back to their communities, and helping them figure out the how.”
United Way starts 21-Day Equity Challenge
Rhode Island Monthly
"If you’d like to learn more about equity and its role in the fight against systemic racism, United Way… is here to help. Starting on Wednesday, February 24, Rhode Islanders can take part in United Way’s 21-Day Equity Challenge. Participants will receive a daily email that will feature different topics on racial equity, [including] racial identity, implicit bias… and allyship."
Labor Vision TV: LIVE UNITED 2025
Labor Vision TV
"Erica Hammond sits down with United Way of Rhode Island's CEO[,] Cortney Nicolato. At the start of the new year[,] United Way… introduced its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan… The pair... discuss the importance of explicitly addressing systemic inequity, specifically racial inequity, and the role all of us can play in the fight against poverty throughout Rhode Island."
11 Ways Nonprofits Can Garner Feedback
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"As with any business, [nonprofits must] balance… where… donors want to go and what… [customers] desire… [and] find a way to make giving feedback as painless as possible… To help, 11 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council discuss how [nonprofits can] generate feedback from both donors and customers to better plot the trajectory of the organization."
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 Hosts 12th 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 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.
Medicare Open Enrollment Events 2023
United Way of Rhode Island is offering free 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. In addition to the community events listed here, individuals can find help with Medicare open enrollment by calling the Point at (401) 462-4444.
Statement on Rhode Island Afterschool Network Transition
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.
Sandra Mazo Appointed to Women United Global Council
The Washington Trust Company… today announced that Sandra Mazo, mortgage loan officer (NMLS # 269909), has been appointed to the Executive Committee for the Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide. Women United® represents 55,000 members working with United Way in more than 200 communities across the globe. Sandra was nominated by United Way of Rhode Island.
Nancy Wolanski Hired as Director of Nonprofit Resource Center
United Way of Rhode Island has hired Nancy Wolanski as the inaugural director of the state’s new Nonprofit Resource Center. She assumed the role on Monday, July 31. Most recently, Nancy was executive director of the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island.
Power The Future Career Exploration Event Open to R.I. Students
Planned to be the state’s premier youth and family career exploration and workforce development event, United Way of Rhode Island will host its first annual Power The Future on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The empowering day is open to all local students and their families, at no cost.
United Way Investing $10 Million in Community Programs
With a focus on achieving the goals of its LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island is investing $10 million in the work of community organizations over three years. These latest grants have been awarded from United Way’s Community Impact Fund and received by… 45 local nonprofits.