NEWSROOM
Food for kids — EBCAP’s 401Gives focus
Newport, RI Patch
"On April 1, 2021, East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) will participate in... United Way of Rhode Island's... [second annual] 401Gives, a statewide day of giving that encourages all Rhode Islanders to support the efforts of more than 400 local nonprofits… Much like last year, all funds raised by EBCAP's 401Gives will benefit the Newport Family and Child Opportunity Zone's... Backpack Feeding Program."
13 critical leadership qualities
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"Today, a leader must demonstrate certain traits that set them apart and encourage their followers to reach their full potential... 13 professionals from Forbes Nonprofit Council, including United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO Cortney Nicolato, examine the most critical leadership qualities that [individuals] ought to cultivate and exhibit."
Five questions With: Cortney Nicolato
Providence Business News
"Cortney Nicolato is the [president and] CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. On March 2, the [affordable housing] bond was passed overwhelmingly by state voters, paving the way for increased affordable housing... Cortney Nicolato answers five questions from Providence Business News about affordable housing, where it's [most] needed... and how much affordable housing can be increased by year's end".
Labor Vision TV: 401Gives 2021
Labor Vision TV
"Erica Hammond of Labor Vision TV sits down with United Way [of Rhode Island's] Jennifer Remmes and Brooke Havens to talk about the second annual 401Gives, happening on April 1, 2021. Remmes and Havens highlight the impact last year's [401Gives] had on the organizations who participated, what to look forward to this year, and how to participate."
401Gives is back on April 1
Rhode Island Monthly
"'When we launched this new statewide giving campaign one year ago… [no one] could have predicted the ways our nonprofit community would respond to the needs we've seen over the past twelve months – and so much of that need still exists', said Cortney Nicolato… '401Gives is a chance to… support the organizations whose work means the most to you'".
Calls to 211 spiked in 2020
The Providence Journal
"2020 saw a dramatic increase in calls to 211, from 170,860 in 2019 to 255,164 last year… 'With COVID hitting us we became extremely busy with a lot of rental assistance calls, housing calls… food assistance, you name it,' said Evelyn Cabrera, 211 call center manager and senior bilingual community resource specialist."
211 has received 90K+ calls about pandemic
WPRI
"United Way's 211 call center has been inundated with questions and concerns from Rhode Islanders regarding the coronavirus pandemic… during an interview Wednesday… [United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO Cortney] Nicolato said the call volume increased roughly 40% from previous years, 'and [we] were already taking the most calls per capita in the country.'"
401Gives Aims to Raise $1.5M on April 1
GoLocalProv
"Rhode Islanders will have the opportunity to support… more than 300 local nonprofits when 401Gives, the state’s largest… day of giving, returns on April 1. After exceeding the $1 million mark for the effort’s first-ever year, United Way of Rhode Island has upped the ante, setting a goal to raise $1.5M for nonprofits across the… state in… 24 hours."
United Way pledged $100M toward equity
The Brown Daily Herald
"United Way of Rhode Island has pledged $100M to promote racial equity through accessible education, affordable housing, and employment for Black, Indigenous and People of Color in Rhode Island as part of the organization’s LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to help address systemic racism… [Brown] University has pledged… $600,000… [over] the next four years toward the LIVE UNITED 2025 campaign."
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