NEWSROOM
United Way of R.I. awards $175K in grants
Providence Business News
United Way of Rhode Island has awarded $175K in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations for their work toward creating long-term change in [Providence's] Olneyville neighborhood... The investments were awarded from its Olneyville Community Fund, dedicated to improve services for residents in the neighborhood, enhance public spaces and increase the capacity of community-based organizations."
ARPA a payment on bills long overdue
The Providence Journal
"The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) isn’t unexpected good fortune. It’s a past bill that’s overdue after decades of underfunding our communities," shares United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato. "It’s also an opportunity to get things right and position our state to thrive for generations to come."
Balancing Accountability & Empathy At Work
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"Striking a balance between accountability and empathy is crucial for creating a work environment where employees can thrive... Here, 13 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council, including United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato, share their expert tips on maintaining accountability and empathy in the workplace."
MolinaCares donates $105K to RI nonprofits
Providence Business News
"United Way of Rhode Island received $50,000 from the MolinaCares Accord for its Nonprofit Innovation Lab, designed to promote innovation within nonprofits to create programs focused on housing, health equity and solutions to racial disparity."
Reading Reaps Rewards celebrates 20 yr.
What's Up Newp
"The Reading Reaps Rewards Summer Learning Initiative welcomed 199 Newport students this summer at three learning sites... Students have daily literacy and math activities taught by certified teachers, engage with peers in learning activities, and enjoy field trips and guest presenters from local partnering organizations."
15 Ways Nonprofits Can Entice New Talent
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"As employees… embrace new ways to work, certain industries have suffered a recent labor shortage... To make sense of this shift in hiring practices, a panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members, including United Way of Rhode Island’s president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato, laid out some practices nonprofits can weave into their hiring efforts to entice new talent."
Summer of STEM
Cranston Herald
"Summer and STEM? It might not be the combination most students have in mind when the school year ends. But for students in the STEM Advantage program, the two went hand-in-hand over the past several weeks."
Summer Learning Initiative lets kids catch up
The Westerly Sun
"'The biggest piece of the Summer Learning Initiative is... the social emotional growth for many of these kids who haven't left their homes because of the pandemic,' said Rebecca Trebisacci, the initiative's education coordinator... 'If the kids aren’t socially and emotionally ready then they are not ready for classroom learning.'"
Women United awards $124K in grants
Providence Business News
"United Way of Rhode Island['s]... Women United group [has] awarded $124K in grants to three local nonprofits to support increased access to experiential learning for underserved K-3 students, as well as [expanding] out-of-school programs for minority youth."
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
Eligible Rhode Islanders can have their Taxes Prepared and Filed for Free
United Way-led Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers certified, trusted help at more than 20 sites statewide
Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund Sees Rising Demand for Heating Assistance as Winter Cold Deepens
Donations to the GNEF can be made using the yellow envelope found with Rhode Islanders’ utility bill, by scanning the QR code on the envelope, texting “WARM” to 91999 from a mobile phone, sending a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to RI GNEF, c/o United Way of RI, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909, or by visiting rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
12 Nonprofit Leaders Selected for 2026 Executive Director Learning Circle
Program offered by the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island strengthens organizational capacity and sustainability
United Way of RI, AARP Expand Supports for Caregivers in the Ocean State
United Way of RI, The Family Caregiver Alliance of RI, and AARP Rhode Island have expanded the Caregiver Support Program, making it easier for Rhode Islanders who care for adult loved ones to find trusted guidance and local resources with a single call to 211. Thanks to support from United Way Worldwide, Rhode Island is the 30th state to join this growing effort that blends AARP’s caregiving expertise with the local strength of 211 and the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
United Way Recognizes the Tireless Work of Rhode Island’s Nonprofits, Honors Local Champions at 99th Annual Celebration
In a year marked by division and financial strain across the nonprofit sector, United Way of Rhode Island’s 99th Annual Celebration became a declaration of unity and a call to protect the institutions and individuals who form the backbone of community care.
Rhode Island Kicks-Off State Employee Giving Campaign in Support of United Way, Local Nonprofits
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through the campaign, which has raised $2.6 million over the last ten years alone Providence, R.I. (September 30, 2025) – The […]
Local Leaders join United Way’s Community Advisory Board
Providence, R.I. (September 15, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island has bolstered its Community Advisory Board, appointing two new members to serve on the volunteer leadership group. The advisory […]