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Dolph Johnson, chair of United Way of Rhode Island's board of directors.

Johnson named chair of United Way board

Providence Business News

"Dolph Johnson, executive vice president and chief global human resources officer for Pawtucket-based toymaker Hasbro Inc., was recently named the new chair for United Way of Rhode Island's board of directors."

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Side-by-side photos of Will Gilbert, co-host of The Rhode Show, and Mike Kirkwood, chairperson of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund 2021-2022 Campaign.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund keeps heat on

The Rhode Show

"Mike Kirkwood, Chairperson of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund 2021-2022 Campaign and General Manager and CEO of Pascoag Utility District[,] joined The Rhode Show this morning to talk about... the [help]... this fund provides to RI'ers in need and... seeking energy assistance."

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211 2.0: Forging a new social contract

ConvergenceRI

United Way of Rhode Island’s [president and CEO] Cortney Nicolato lays out plans for 211 2.0, developing a new tool to track how social services are delivered in Rhode Island.

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Cobranded Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and United Way of Rhode Island logos.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Studio 10

"Struggling to power or heat your home this winter? We had Mike Kirkwood of Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund on and he explained how there's help available to ease your mind."

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Featured image for Providence Journal Opinion Logo

Invest in after-school and summer learning

The Providence Journal

"As Rhode Island’s policymakers allocate [American Rescue Plan Act] funding for education recovery and school districts determine how to spend those funds, it’s crucial that they partner with and fund after-school and summer learning programs," share Roshni Darnal, director of community investments at United Way of Rhode Island, and Maryclaire Knight.

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Justin Thomas has made large strides toward building a new life in Rhode Island during and after his time in prison, but he remains saddled with court-related debt that will weigh on him for many years. He is among many people who may benefit from a new program that can reduce fines and fees, but not restitution. David DelPoio/The Providence Journal

RI opens path to break cycle of court fees

The Providence Journal

"Long after Rhode Islanders serve their time in prison, many are saddled with thousands of dollars in court fees and fines, even as they struggle to rebuild fractured lives... On Thursday, Nov. 18, a first-of-its kind event will take place to help people navigate their way back into society."

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Two Youthbuild Preparatory Academy students sealing a wooden floor. Youthbuild is one of many organizations that make up Rhode Island's nonprofit sector. YOUTHBUILD PREPARATORY ACADEMY

R.I. can no longer overlook nonprofit sector

The Boston Globe

"The pandemic has highlighted the essential, irreplaceable roles played by Rhode Island's nonprofit sector. And our state investments and attention to the sector needs to reflect that."

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"Elizabeth took her daughter one Saturday and left her abusive partner of the last 13 years. She finally decided, she said, that it was wrong to have to get permission from him to visit her parents, or to go to the store or the bank. But that was at the end of June, and being on disability with a fixed income of $560 a month, she's now homeless." SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

She ran from an abusive relationship. Now she’s homeless

The Boston Globe

"There's women out there that are making the strong, bold, and courageous move to leave their abuser. But then they do, and often are left homeless," said [Cortney] Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO. "We need to be better as a state."

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Donna Wood lowered her 15 month-old son, Corey, who has severe disabilities, down into his stroller. Wood, Corey, and her older children are all living in a single hotel room in Warwick, R.I. They were evicted from their home in July after the landlord sold the property and are now struggling to avoid homelessness. JESSICA RINALDI/GLOBE STAFF

Family struggles to avoid homelessness

The Boston Globe

"'I never thought I'd be in this situation," said Donna Wood, a single working mom. 'But there's nothing in the state that protects anybody in the situation that I'm in [against] homelessness, even with my four children. Even with one who is incredibly disabled.'"

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Press Releases

Utility Bill Assistance Still Available as RI’s Shutoff Moratorium Ends

Households at risk of losing utilities service amid high energy prices and back bills may be eligible for help through Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund

United Way of RI Hosting 14th Annual Children’s Book Drive

Held throughout April and May, the collection supports the work of Books Are Wings

Eligible Rhode Islanders Still Have Time to Get their Taxes Prepared for Free

The United Way-led Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available at 20+ sites statewide

Rhode Islanders Affected by Latest Changes to SNAP Benefits Should Call United Way’s 211

Upwards of 10,000 Rhode Islanders are expected to be impacted by changes set to take effect on March 1, 2026, including thousands projected to lose eligibility entirely

Philanthropists Betsey Purinton and James English Honored by United Way of RI

In recognition of their extraordinary philanthropy and dedication to helping their fellow Rhode Islanders, Betsey Purinton and James English were presented with the Tocqueville United Award by United Way of Rhode Island. The couple was honored during a special donor celebration event on May 9 at the Roger Williams Park Lakeside Pavilion.

Amid Rising Energy Costs, RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund Expands Eligibility to Help More Rhode Islanders

Through May 9, households may qualify for assistance with income up to 350% of the FPL

401Gives Exceeds Goal, Tops $5 Million Raised for Local Nonprofits Thanks to Rhode Islanders’ Incredible Generosity

At a time organizations need it most, 20,000+ donors stepped up to make 32,000+ gifts

United Way Hosts 14th 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.

Amid Rising Energy Costs, RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund Expands Eligibility to Help More Rhode Islanders

Through May 9, households may qualify for assistance with income up to 350% of the FPL

Just Two Weeks Left for Nonprofits to Sign-up for 401Gives

More than 520 organizations have already registered for this year’s effort, which kicks off

bright and early on March 31 and continues through April 1

Rhode Islanders Affected by Latest Changes to SNAP Benefits Should Call United Way’s 211

Upwards of 10,000 Rhode Islanders are expected to be impacted by changes set to take effect on March 1, 2026, including thousands projected to lose eligibility entirely

Get Ready Rhode Island Nonprofits, 401Gives is Back

Registration is open for the state’s largest philanthropic effort supporting local organizations

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