NEWSROOM
Statement from United Way of Rhode Island on the Election of Senate President Valarie Lawson
United Way of Rhode Island congratulates Senator Valarie Lawson on her election as Senate President. As an educator, labor leader, and dedicated public servant, President Lawson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to equity, opportunity, and community engagement.
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While the memo from the Trump administration to freeze federal funds has been rescinded, the actions and intent have not, writes Cortney M. Nicolato the president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.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.
United Way Launches Nonprofit Leadership Development Series
United Way of Rhode Island is launching a new leadership development series for staff of local nonprofits with annual budgets of $5 million and under and is currently accepting applications from interested participants. The no-cost program is the Deputy Director Learning Circle, and it was developed specifically to strengthen the competencies of nonprofit staff who aspire to become executive directors.
United Way Issues VITA Program RFP
In support of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that returns millions of dollars to the pockets of eligible Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island is making a total of $500,000 in funding available over a two-year grant cycle.
Olneyville Programs Awarded $182,708
Through its Olneyville Community Fund, United Way of Rhode Island has awarded $182,708 in grants to programs whose work is strengthening the Providence neighborhood it calls home… Investments focus on creating opportunities for all by improving access to services for residents, enhancing educational offerings for children through adults, and increasing nonprofit capacity to meet community need. Eleven organizations received funding.
Leaders Chosen for Nonprofit Innovation Lab
“The leaders of 10 local organizations have been selected as fellows to participate in the latest Nonprofit Innovation Lab. This marks the third cohort of the joint effort of United Way of Rhode Island and Social Enterprise Greenhouse that launched in 2020. The unique program challenges organizations to think outside the box to develop new solutions to pressing social issues.”
State of Black RI Issues Homeownership Report
“Disparities in homeownership for Black Americans have persisted over time, but in Rhode Island, the rate of Black homeowners lags behind the national figure. However, the implementation of policy recommendations outlined in the newly released The State of Black Rhode Island: Homeownership Report can help to reduce, and possibly eliminate, these disparities.”
United Way Honors Community Champions
“During a special celebration on Thursday, June 9, United Way of Rhode Island honored a slate of community champions for their commitment to creating change in our communities and for their philanthropy. Recognized were Barbara Papitto, Sandra and Kenneth Pattie, and Maryclaire Knight.”
Seeking Input for Nonprofit Resource Center
“The Design Team working with United Way of Rhode Island to create a vision and plan for a statewide Nonprofit Resource Center is seeking input from the community to help guide what the center could offer. The first virtual session will look at current nonprofit capacity, followed by a number of visioning sessions focused on brainstorming strategies to strengthen nonprofits.”
Olneyville Community Fund RFP Released
“Continuing its commitment to strengthening the neighborhood it calls home, United Way of Rhode Island has released a request for proposal (RFP) for funding from its Olneyville Community Fund. More than $100,000 in grants is being made available to nonprofits located in Olneyville and those whose work specifically serves the Olneyville community.”
11 Leaders Selected for Design Team
“Work to create a Nonprofit Resource Center to support Rhode Island organizations is picking up steam with the selection of the members of the Design Team that will be tasked with cocreating a vision and plan for what the effort will look like. United Way of Rhode Island… has named 11 nonprofit leaders to the team.”
401Gives Raises More Money than Ever
Rhode Islanders have done it again, rising to the occasion to support local nonprofits and their work during 401Gives. After kicking off at 6 a.m. on Friday, April 1, the effort that’s become the largest single day of giving in the Ocean State tallied $3.1 million raised for 507 different organizations.
United Way Hosts 10th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! From April 1 – May 25, we’re teaming up with Women United and 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 Gains $1M for Nonprofit Center
The vision… led by United Way of Rhode Island to create a statewide Nonprofit Resource Center has received… a $1 million commitment from the Papitto Opportunity Connection. The funding will help… accelerate the development of the business model… and will be spread across four years.
