Financials

Financials

a total transparency approach

Accountability

All of us at United Way of Rhode Island take pride in achieving the highest level of financial responsibility.

That means following a total transparency approach when it comes to showing our donors and the people in our community how we invest the dollars they entrust to us.

As a result, we earned a 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly Guidestar) and have achieved a score of 99% for transparency from Charity Navigator.

Maximizing your contribution

We take the business of investing and managing your gift very seriously. The Better Business Bureau recommends that nonprofits spend no more than 35% on fundraising expenses; our fundraising and administrative costs as a percent of total spending has been approximately 19% in recent years. Moreover, this overhead is offset by a charitable trust created by Textron founder Royal Little in 1937 for our benefit. This means your donations directly fund programs that serve people in need. For more specific financial details, see the documents below.

UNITED IS THE WAY

Statement from United Way of Rhode Island on the Election of Senate President Valarie Lawson

United Way of Rhode Island congratulates Senator Valarie Lawson on her election as Senate President. As an educator, labor leader, and dedicated public servant, President Lawson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to equity, opportunity, and community engagement.

(more…)

UNITED IS THE WAY

United Way to Release RFP Friday for “United Is The Way” Safety Net Grants for Nonprofits Providing Critical Services to Rhode Islanders

With a priority to expand support for nonprofits and families amid growing federal uncertainty, United Way of Rhode Island is set to release a request for proposals (RFP) on Friday for new safety net grants through its “United Is The Way” initiative. (more…)

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United Way: 211, Point programs save R.I. $1.2M in reduced nonemergency 911 calls

United Way of Rhode Island Inc.’s 211 and Point programs significantly reduced the state’s financial burden on nonemergency calls to 911 and to other state agencies in 2024, the organization said on Feb. 11 at the Statehouse. (more…)

CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office on Warwick Campus

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.

United Way Accelerates $1.5 Million in Grant Payments to Support Rhode Island Nonprofits Amid Funding Uncertainty

Recognizing the urgency of the financial strain facing local nonprofits, United Way of Rhode Island is taking a major step to provide timely critical support to its funded partners. The organization has released more than $1.5 million in grant payments nearly three months ahead of schedule, delivering early disbursements to 41 nonprofits across the state.

United Way Hosts 13th Children’s Book Drive

United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Over 12 years, we’ve donated 344,253 books to children statewide.