Root causes. United solutions.
Welcome
United Way's mission is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.
Learn more about United Way of Rhode Island's mission and history.
NEED HELP NOW? cALL 211.
United Way’s 211 in Rhode Island is the statewide front door to social services. We can connect you and those you care about with food, housing, job training, and much more.
Not sure if we can help? Prefer to search our resource database on your own? Learn more about 211.
What we're fighting for
UNITING OUR COMMUNITY
Our 10,000+ donors include teachers, union workers, government employees, and corporate staff who give what they can from their paychecks. And each and every one of them is making a difference. Here's why some have pledged to support our mission. (See full list.)
Ashley Gingerella O'Shea
Individual Donor
"I am dedicated to giving back to the state, which has given me and my family so much. I love Rhode Island and am committed to the betterment of my state. I want my children to grow up in an even stronger, more equitable Rhode Island."
OAK STREET HEALTH
Workplace Partner
"The United Way is a 'rock' in Rhode Island, and they have done incredible work for 90+ years. This plan will ensure the state is supported appropriately over the next five years. I and my company would like to be part of that effort to improve Rhode Island for everyone."
Newport partnership for families
Nonprofit Partner
"I dream for Rhode Island to be a place where all voices are heard, respected, and honored. I'm so grateful to the United Way for taking the lead to encourage all organizations to make fundamental changes to make our communities better places for all to live."
Uniting with workplaces
United Way of Rhode Island provides resources and consultative support to help companies shape and measure the return on their community investment and corporate social responsibility.
We’re proud to partner with companies and organizations across the state in support of our mission and their community focus.
Companies partnering with United Way through shared purpose co-create greater value through impact, engagement and reputation.
Workplace giving programs engage employees, build a spirit of teamwork, and increase morale all while making an impact on the community.
uniting with and supporting nonprofits
Do you run a local nonprofit? We want to help. Check out our capacity building resources.
Join us and live united!
Give
Every $1 makes a difference, because every gift helps someone in Rhode Island.
Advocate
Get behind what you care about. Share your voice, lend your name, and get involved.
Volunteer
Put your talents to work. Help your community and have fun doing it.
IN THE NEWS
United Way kicks off Children’s Book Drive
Cranston Herald
"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."
Lawmakers share changes to child tax credit
NBC 10 News
"United Way and members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation spoke Monday about the expanded federal child tax credit. The lawmakers explained how... families can take advantage of the benefits before filing their taxes by the May 17 deadline… [Representative David] Cicilline said an estimated 173,000 Rhode Island children will benefit directly."
Take advantage: Expanded Child Tax Credit
Uprise RI
"'The expanded Child Tax Credit will lift millions of kids out of poverty, including 6,600… in [R.I.]', said… Representative David Cicilline… 'It's critical that… eligible Rhode Islander[s] [take] advantage'... 'If you need help with your taxes… call 211 and we['ll] connect you with assistance in your community'", shared Larry Warner, United Way of Rhode Island's chief impact and equity officer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2021 Children’s Book Drive
From May 1 – 31, United Way of Rhode Island, Women United, and Books Are Wings are collecting gently-used and new books for our 2021 Children's Book Drive. You can run a book drive at your school or workplace, or with your friends and family. Books may be dropped off at Cardi's Furniture & Mattresses locations in West Warwick, RI, South Attleboro, MA, and Swansea, MA. For more information on drop-off locations or running a book drive, contact bookdrive@unitedwayri.org.
2021 Olneyville Community Fund Office Hours
Join us at 2 p.m. for the Olneyville Community Fund virtual office hours. We will answer your questions about the application content and grant platform for the Olneyville Community Fund. The application deadline is May 20.
Community Learning Partners, featuring DownCity Design and FabNewport
Join Women United at noon for a Community Learning Partners event featuring guest speaker Adrienne Gagnon, co-founder and executive director of DownCity Design, and Steve Heath, co-founder and executive director of FabNewport. Each organization inspires youth to use the power of design to make a positive social impact in their communities.
The Night Is Young
You’re the one that I want, ooh, ooh, honey, to join the Young Leaders Circle from 7 –11 p.m. for a drive-in movie night. We'll be showing 50’s favorite "Grease" at Misquamicut Drive-In Theater. Tickets are $50 per car (two people) and $25 for each additional passenger. All funds raised will go towards providing scholarships for Rhode Island youth enrolled in summer learning programs.