Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269
401Gives Sets New Highs Across the Board
2023 becomes the most successful 401Gives yet, with record numbers reached for total dollars raised, nonprofits helped, donors, and gifts made
Providence, Rhode Island (April 4, 2023) — 401Gives has reached new heights, setting record highs in every way in its fourth year. Powered by United Way, Rhode Island’s premier philanthropic effort to support the state’s nonprofits closed at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 3, having raised more money for more nonprofits than ever — the result of more donors making more gifts than any previous year.
All told, 401Gives raised $3,483,997 for 546 local nonprofits. The total reflects a staggering 24,015 gifts made by 15,210 individual donors. In its four years, 401Gives has now raised $10,222,047.
“This is simply awesome,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island’s president and CEO. “We come into 401Gives each year with a lot of optimism, and the incredible generosity of Rhode Islanders never, ever disappoints. It truly goes to show how important and how impactful our nonprofits are to our state and to the lives of our neighbors. Right now, local nonprofits have more than three million dollars to support their work that they did not have just a few days ago, and that’s extremely powerful!”
Not only does 401Gives generate immediate returns; there are also long-term impacts for nonprofits, which this year enjoyed the first-ever “Weekend Edition.” Thanks to the effort’s broad reach and its organic spread across social media, participating organizations benefit from being introduced to new donors who often become consistent, regular supporters of their work.
For the second year in a row, Foster Forward led the pack by raising $220,734, followed by Audubon Society of Rhode Island at $137,496 and Dare to Dream Ranch at $100,334. Other top fundraisers include Children’s Friend at $90,788, School One at $69,897, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center at $69,013. A total of 85 nonprofits raised $10,000 or more, while an impressive 157 topped $5,000. The Alliance of Rhode Island Southeast Asians for Education received the most total gifts at 648.
An initiative of United Way, 401Gives is supported by presenting sponsor Papitto Opportunity Connection along with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. The special 401Gives WaterFire on Saturday, April 1, was made possible by sponsor Rhode Island Energy.
Inspiring donors across the state, the Rhode Island Foundation offered two challenges, matching the first $25,000 in donations made during the 6 a.m. and noon hours of March 31. On the final day of 401Gives, Papitto Opportunity Connection issued its own $20,000 challenge, adding $20 to every gift made (minimum $5) until the funds were used up.
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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, 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 drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.