NEWSROOM
Adios, X/Twitter
Dear United Way of Rhode Island Community,
We wanted to share an important update about our social media strategy. After careful consideration, United Way of Rhode Island has made the decision to take an indefinite break from Twitter/X. While we recognize the role that digital platforms play in amplifying our work and connecting with our community, this decision aligns with our commitment to building a stronger and more equitable Rhode Island for all. (more…)
No matter who wins the presidential election, we must tackle the issues in Rhode Island ourselves
The Boston Globe RI
Addressing housing, education, and workforce problems will require a renewed commitment to collective work, community engagement, and social justice, according to United Way of Rhode Island.
United Way of Rhode Island impulsa la equidad y el compromiso cívico
WPRI 12 Informa
En una reciente entrevista en 12 Informa, María Elena Wah-Fitta, Manager of Brand Voice en United Way of Rhode Island, destacó los esfuerzos de la organización para promover la equidad racial y apoyar a las comunidades más vulnerables del estado.
Bennett Named Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer
GoLocalProv
Kyle Bennett, who has long been at the forefront of United Way of Rhode Island's legislative and policy work, has been promoted to the organization's Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer. Most recently, he served as senior director of public policy and equity, and joined United Way in 2006.
Grantmakers Council of R.I. names Bourns new executive director
PBN
Courtney Bourns, who has served as a strategy and program consultant for multiple foundations across the country for the last six years, has been named the new executive director for the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, the financial support nonprofit announced Tuesday.
Americans turn to 211 helpline amid mounting economic hardships
CBS News
The Wall Street Journal reports Americans are turning to social services helpline 211 in economic emergencies. Rachel Wolfe, consumer trends reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News to discuss.
Internet After the End of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity Program
The Public's Radio
Courtney Smith, Director of Innovation and Community Outreach at the United Way of Rhode Island joins The Public's Radio to discuss tips on accessing affordable and reliable internet after the end of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity program.
Free meals available for RI kids this summer
WPRI
State officials announced Tuesday that the Summer Food Service Program will resume in early July. Free meals will be served in communities statewide to Rhode Island students 18 and younger, with no registration required.
United Way’s Equity Challenge to honor Juneteenth
Studio10
Studio10's Ben DeCastro is learning more about... United Way of Rhode Island's Equity Challenge. The event is meant to help people and businesses become more knowledgeable about topics surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and more.
2021 Summer Learning Initiative Recap
“A year after COVID-19 turned summer learning programs upside down, youth in five communities reveled in a full return to engaging, in-person activities this summer — with recommended safety guidelines in place and the support of dozens of partners.”
Women United Invests $124K in OSTL
“Women United… has awarded… $124K in grants to three local organizations in support of increasing access to experiential learning for underserved K-3 students and to expand out-of-school time programs for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) youth.”
Uber, R.I., and 211 Partner for Vaccine Rides
“The partnership supports the State’s goal to vaccinate as many Rhode Islanders as possible by the end of summer by providing free rides to all R.I. vaccine sites for those with limited access to transportation.”
United Way Welcomes New Staff to Leadership Team
Robert Bush, Roshni Darnal, and Rob Hancock to play vital roles in delivering on organization’s LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to build racial equity in Rhode Island.
7 Leaders Selected for Second-Ever Nonprofit Innovation Lab
Fellows will spend the coming months developing and honing new solutions to pressing social issues, culminating in a “Shark Tank-like” presentation to secure funding to bring their ideas to life.
United Way Kicks Off Children’s Book Drive
“In what’s become one of the state’s largest efforts in support of childhood literacy, United Way of Rhode Island and its Women United group have kicked off their annual Children’s Book Drive. Throughout the month of May, local businesses, community organizations, families and individuals are invited to participate in any one of a number of ways.”
United Way Awards $4.5 Million in Grants
“Three months after unveiling its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan, United Way of Rhode Island is putting $4.5 million in grants to work in the community to create transformational change in the Ocean State. The funding, the first in a two-year grant cycle, was awarded to 72 organizations in support of programs targeting the root causes of… racial inequities.”
401Gives raises $2.2M for R.I. nonprofits
“[April 1] has been officially rebranded 401Gives in the Ocean State… Throughout yesterday, thousands of donors from Rhode Island and beyond came together to raise a total of $2.2M [$2,200,477] for local nonprofits during what’s become the state’s largest single day of giving. The generosity of the community helped the effort far surpass its $1.5 million goal.”
Second Nonprofit Innovation Lab Announced
“United Way of Rhode Island and Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) are launching the next iteration of the Nonprofit Innovation Lab and are inviting local executives to apply to the unique program that offers seed funding and much more. Applications open on March 18 and can be completed online; the deadline is April 23.”
401Gives Returns April 1 with $1.5M Goal
“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 $1.5 million for nonprofits across the… state in… 24 hours.”
United Way to Hold 21-Day Equity Challenge
“In alignment with the goals of its recently released LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan, United Way of Rhode Island today opened registration for its 21-Day Equity Challenge that kicks off February 24. All Rhode Islanders are invited to commit 15 minutes a day to equity with the goal of understanding how inequity and racism affect our lives and our communities.”
Larry Warner Promoted to Chief Impact and Equity Officer at United Way of R.I.
“As a key member of the executive leadership team, Warner will lead United Way’s efforts and strategies to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.”