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 starts 21-Day Equity Challenge
Rhode Island Monthly
"If you’d like to learn more about equity and its role in the fight against systemic racism, United Way… is here to help. Starting on Wednesday, February 24, Rhode Islanders can take part in United Way’s 21-Day Equity Challenge. Participants will receive a daily email that will feature different topics on racial equity, [including] racial identity, implicit bias… and allyship."
Labor Vision TV: LIVE UNITED 2025
Labor Vision TV
"Erica Hammond sits down with United Way of Rhode Island's CEO Cortney Nicolato. At the start of the new year United Way… introduced its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan… The pair will discuss the importance of explicitly addressing systemic inequity, specifically racial inequity, and the role all of us can play in the fight against poverty throughout Rhode Island."
11 Ways Nonprofits Can Garner Feedback
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"As with any business, [nonprofits must] balance… where… donors want to go and what… [customers] desire… [and] find a way to make giving feedback as painless as possible… To help, 11 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council discuss how [nonprofits can] generate feedback from both donors and customers to better plot the trajectory of the organization."
UPCOMING EVENTS
YLC and Wavemaker Networking Night
Join Young Leaders Circle (YLC) members and Wavemaker Fellows at 5:30 p.m for a virtual networking event. You'll have the opportunity to meet other young professionals and expand your network from the comfort of your home.
Forum on Economic Stability
Join United Way of Rhode Island and the City of Providence at 1 p.m. for a virtual forum on economic stability. You'll hear from policymakers and advocates about policies you can advocate for to help Rhode Island families achieve economic stability.
Community Learning Partners Series
Join Women United at 12 p.m. for the next event in their Community Learning Partners Series. You'll hear an update on the state of afterschool in Rhode Island from United Way's Ayana Melvan and Representative Julie A. Casimiro.