Planned Giving
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNED GIVING WITH UNITED WAY
Planned giving
Planned giving offers a unique opportunity to create a lasting impact on the causes you care about – not just today, but for generations to come. It’s a way to leave a meaningful legacy.
What is the Legacy Circle?
The United Way of Rhode Island Legacy Circle honors our most dedicated donors, whose generosity shapes the future of our community and drives meaningful, lasting change in people's lives. Through their planned gifts, they create an impact that resonates not only during their lifetime but for generations to come.
How to create a legacy?
There are various financial vehicles available for planned giving. Personal financial advisors can help you design a planned gift that aligns with your financial goals and philanthropic aspirations.
Endow your gift
It generally takes a commitment of 20 times your annual contribution to endow an annual gift.
Bequests through a Will or Trust
The most popular and simplest way to make a planned gift is under your will or trust. You can provide a specific dollar amount or percentage, a residual amount, real estate, or tangible property to United Way RI.
IRA Rollover and Pension Fund Gifts
These are some of the best ways to make a charitable gift because of the ease of initiation. Donating these assets to a nonprofit, such as United Way RI, avoids double taxation under income and estate tax provisions. United Way RI can be named as a partial or contingent beneficiary of your retirement or pension plan.
Gifts of Life Insurance
With a relatively small outlay, you can make a substantial gift while obtaining tax benefits. United Way RI can be named as the sole, partial, or contingent beneficiary of a new or existing policy. Also, a paid-up policy can be donated to United Way RI as the owner and sole beneficiary.
Charitable Remainder Trust
Certain charitable vehicles can provide you with a lifetime income, with the remainder being left to charity. These options ensure an income stream during your lifetime, or the lifetime of your designated beneficiaries, leaving the residual benefit to charity. This is a simple and flexible way to maintain or increase your income while also supporting United Way RI.
Charitable Lead Trust
This vehicle can provide an annual income to United Way RI for a fixed period of years, offer an annual charitable deduction, and at the end of the time period leave significant, untaxed income for the beneficiary you have designated, which may be grandchildren, great grandchildren, or another designee.
Charitable Gift Annuity
There are many ways to fund a Gift Annuity, but cash or appreciated stock are the most common. When transferring securities to United Way RI, you can obtain an immediate charitable income tax deduction and bypass a portion of the capital gains tax as well. In addition, your income can frequently be increased in the form of a lifetime annuity payment based upon your age.
Planned Gift Notification
Sharing information about your planned gift is a meaningful way to demonstrate your generosity and help us plan for the future. It’s easy—simply let us know the type of gift, its estimated value, and any special wishes you may have.
When donors notify nonprofits of their planned gifts, it allows organizations to acknowledge their generosity, express gratitude, and invite them to participate in legacy societies or recognition programs. By keeping us informed, you enable us to honor your wishes and strengthen our relationship.
Importance of Planned Giving
Planned giving is a powerful partnership between you and United Way, offering a strategic approach to charitable giving. For you, it’s a chance to create a lasting legacy, benefit from potential tax advantages, and support the causes you care about. For nonprofits, planned gifts provide a stable, predictable source of future funding, ensuring long-term sustainability and enabling strategic growth.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING?
Planned giving is a meaningful way to create a lasting impact while optimizing your financial resources. It offers mutual benefits for both donors and nonprofit organizations:
Benefits for Donors
- Tax Benefits: Offers potential reductions in income, estate, and capital gains taxes.
- Financial Planning: Integrates charitable giving with your financial and estate planning goals.
- Legacy Creation: Provides an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on causes that matter most to you.
Benefits for Nonprofits
- Stable Funding: Predictable future income to support long-term initiatives.
- Donor Relationships: Deepens connections with donors, fostering greater engagement with the organization’s mission.
- Financial Stability: Enhanced ability to plan and allocate strategically for sustainable growth.
HOW TO GET STARTED IN PLANNED GIVING
Embarking on the journey of planned giving is a deeply rewarding experience. If you’re interested in exploring our Planned Giving options, we’re here to collaborate with you and your advisors to design a gift that best meets your needs.
Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
- Reflect on Your Values: Identify the causes that resonate with you and envision the impact you wish to create.
- Explore Your Options: Research the various types of planned gifts to determine which aligns with your financial and philanthropic goals.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult financial, legal, and tax professionals to fully understand the benefits and implications of your gift.
- Choose Your Beneficiaries: Select the organizations that inspire you and align with your values.
- Create Your Legacy: Work with your advisors to integrate your planned gift into your estate or financial plan.
- Share Your Vision: Inform us of your intentions so we can express our gratitude, honor your wishes, and include you in our legacy programs.
Getting started is easy! United Way proudly offers Free Will, a free, user-friendly tool to help you create a personalized will or other estate planning documents online.
Our Documents
Here are some helpful documents to help get you started.
UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND’S LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS
The Eugene P. Carreiro Revocable Family Trust*
Victor R. Charles
William H. Claflin*
Karen A. Davie & Garrison A. Hull
Sarah and Charley Denby
Christine Ann Farrands
Anonymous
John D. Flynn, Jr.
Ms. Patricia A. Gauvin
Mary & Tom Gilbane Jr.
Anonymous
Jonathan W. & Cornelia K. Hall
Ashley M. Jankowski
Lauren Amy Johnson
Georgeanne Keith
Marie Langlois & John Loerke
Catherine Lewis
Linda J. Marty
David & Cortney Nicolato
Anita Oliver*
Carol A. Peterson
Anonymous
Ms. Irene K. Plaga*
Dennis E. Stark
Susan & Alec Taylor
Thomas & Sharon Veronneau
Donald & Crystal Way
Contact us
For more information on how you can make a lasting impact as a member of UWRI’s Legacy Circle, please contact:
Jessica Barry
Senior Director of Donor Relations
401.444.0640
Jessica.barry@unitedwayri.org
Reflecting the Communities We Serve
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state.
Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities.
Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive.
This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make.
Why it matters: When leadership reflects the community, solutions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective.
Internally United
As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island.
Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices.
Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow.
Our JEDI commitment is woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island.
Why it matters: When we build an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, we attract and retain the talent needed to advance equity and strengthen communities statewide.
JEDI STAFF Testimonials
“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”
Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI
“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”
Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI
Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change
Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts.
Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared language and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable Rhode Island.
The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways.
One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change.
Why it matters: When we build a shared understanding of equity, we lay the foundation for a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive.
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
Signing of Minimum Wage Bill is a Win for Rhode Island Workers and a Step Forward for the Ocean State
Earlier today, Monday, August 4, United Way of Rhode Island had the honor and the privilege to be represented at the ceremonial signing of the legislation that increases Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 an hour by 2027,
Lawyers’ Committee for RI seeks Volunteer Attorneys to help Nonprofits Navigate the Evolving Regulatory and Funding Landscapes
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact – Sept. 19th
Celebrate the power of Women United—from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund—including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.
📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Featured Speakers:
• Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Esq. – Women United Global Leadership Council, United Way of Lake County (IL)
• Jenny Holsman Tetreault – Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Litigation & Compliance TPI Composites, Inc.
• Carolyn Kennedy Chubb – Women United Executive Council Chair, United Way of Northern New Jersey
• Roshni Darnal - Director, Community Investments, United Way of Rhode Island
United Way Gearing up for “Back to School Celebration of RI”
Event on August 23, Volunteers Needed to Help
Free Backpacks and School Supplies : beloved annual event expected to draw 1,000+ children and their families to the organization’s Valley Street headquarters for a day of community & fun
Providence, R.I. (August 11, 2025) – As children across Rhode Island prepare to return to the classroom, United Way wants to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and is looking to the community to lend a helping hand.
On Saturday, August 23, United Way’s 50 Valley Street headquarters in Providence will be one of 12 “Back to School Celebration of RI” sites across the state distributing free backpacks full of school supplies to students. The sprawling community event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is expected to draw 1,000+ children and their families, and volunteers are needed for various roles.
Among the volunteer opportunities are:
• Family Registration: greet guests, manage entrance line, and provide “Backpack Passport”
• Vendor Registration: welcome exhibitors and provide table signs
• Backpack Distribution: collect stamped passports and distribute one backpack per child
• Food Area Support: help distribute food, water, and snacks
• Children’s Play Area: supervise play zones and encourage safe play
• Book + Supplies Table: organize books and school supplies for children to choose from
Those interested in volunteering may sign up online or by emailing Jennifer Remmes at jennifer.remmes@unitedwayri.org. Volunteers must be aged 13 or older and accompanied by an adult, and available to arrive prior to the start of the event.
In addition to the backpack and school supplies giveaways, United Way’s “Back to School Celebration” event will feature entertainment, food, music, and a robust assortment of social service partners.
Attending families are encouraged to visit the partners’ stations to learn about available community resources such as utilities assistance, SNAP benefits, education and workforce opportunities, afterschool programs, 211, and more. There also will be a dedicated area with kids activities, including coloring, face-painting, hula hoop, and other fun treats.
50 Valley Street. Providence, Rhode Island 02909 | (401) 444-0600 | unitedwayri.org“We could not be more excited to once again host this incredible event at United Way – it’s all about ensuring every child starts the school year not only with the supplies they need, but with the confidence that their entire community stands behind them,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of RI. “As we celebrate the start of a new school year, we’re also reaffirming our deep commitment to building stronger, more resilient families across Rhode Island, because when families thrive, our entire community thrives.