“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.
Providence, R.I. (March 12, 2025) – As uncertainty surrounding federal funding and shifting federal policies grows, threatening the stability of nonprofits and the critical services they provide to hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders, United Way of R.I. is doubling-down on its support of local families and organizations.
“United Is The Way” will support efforts to provide needed resources to Rhode Islanders and to the community-based organizations serving them through this unpredictable time, focusing on three main areas. United Way will expand supports for nonprofits through the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact, expand services for residents through 211 and community outreach, and expand grantmaking to local nonprofits that provide vital support to their communities..
“It’s been dizzying to try and keep up with the barrage of funding and policy shifts coming out of Washington, but one thing is certain – what’s being targeted would be devastating to nonprofits and to our families, friends, and neighbors,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “The current climate and what’s at risk requires that we be swift and decisive in our actions, and that’s what we’re doing. You cannot have strong families and strong communities without also having strong nonprofits.”
The launch of “United Is The Way” includes expanded services by the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact. Through its partnerships the Alliance will facilitate and fund legal supports to help organizations navigate the new regulatory environment, and will provide technical assistance to prepare nonprofits for increased federal scrutiny. The Alliance also will equip nonprofits with the resources, tools, and training to help them continue and sustain their vital work.
Among the resources the Alliance will be offering are expanded access to professional experts in the areas of fund development and revenue generation, strategic planning, and financial management. The Alliance also will offer additional support for collaboration and innovation, discounted certification programs, and will be advocating for funding protections at the state level.
United Way is also moving to strengthen its 211 services. In anticipation of increased need among Rhode Islanders, the organization plans to add staff to accommodate an expected increase in call volume and referrals, and to expand its direct community outreach.
The United Way Board of Directors voted to allocate organizational funds to seed “United Is The Way” and its new grants, which will soon be made available via a request for proposal (RFP) process and awarded on a rolling basis. To expedite its investments in the community, United Way will be accelerating payments to its grant partners, providing them added flexibility to meet their immediate needs and those of their community.
“This is a broad-based mobilization strategy to defend our community infrastructure from federal disruptions, and do so with the heightened sense of urgency this moment demands,” said Nicolato. “We need to ensure the preservation of vital services and empower the nonprofits that deliver them. This is not a time to sit idly-by. It’s time for the caring power of the community to shine through.”
###
United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.