NEWSROOM
Should R.I. Spend $500M on Housing?
GoLocalProv
"Cortney Nicolato… United Way of Rhode Island['s CEO] and one of the coalition members calling for the spending[,] said... the lack of affordable housing is the most critical issue now facing the state... 'We are proposing $500M of [Rhode Island’s American Rescue Plan Act funds] be utilized for the building [and] maintaining [of] affordable housing here in our state.'"
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.'"
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