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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."
Shekarchi unveiled legislative package
WPRI
"House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on Monday unveiled a legislative package... that he said could go a long way toward addressing the state’s affordable housing challenges. 'Housing is a fundamental right for all humans and that’s not a reality today,' [United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO Cortney] Nicolato said. 'We know we have to do better.'"
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 […]