NEWSROOM
Leading Ladies 2021: Brooke Havens
Hey Rhody
"I find people have so much to give – time, talent, and treasure – but often don’t know where to start,” Brooke Havens, United Way of Rhode Island's chief resource & engagement officer, explained. “The best part of my job is discovering why people want to give back to their communities, and helping them figure out the how.”
United Way starts 21-Day Equity Challenge
Rhode Island Monthly
"If you’d like to learn more about equity and its role in the fight against systemic racism, United Way… is here to help. Starting on Wednesday, February 24, Rhode Islanders can take part in United Way’s 21-Day Equity Challenge. Participants will receive a daily email that will feature different topics on racial equity, [including] racial identity, implicit bias… and allyship."
Labor Vision TV: LIVE UNITED 2025
Labor Vision TV
"Erica Hammond sits down with United Way of Rhode Island's CEO[,] Cortney Nicolato. At the start of the new year[,] United Way… introduced its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan… The pair... discuss the importance of explicitly addressing systemic inequity, specifically racial inequity, and the role all of us can play in the fight against poverty throughout Rhode Island."
11 Ways Nonprofits Can Garner Feedback
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"As with any business, [nonprofits must] balance… where… donors want to go and what… [customers] desire… [and] find a way to make giving feedback as painless as possible… To help, 11 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council discuss how [nonprofits can] generate feedback from both donors and customers to better plot the trajectory of the organization."
United Way’s Nicolato: Support All 7 Bonds
GoLocalProv
"Cortney Nicolato with United Way of Rhode Island appeared on GoLocal LIVE to advocate for all seven bonds on the March 2 special election ballot — and one bond question most importantly. Nicolato explained why United Way believes question three to support affordable housing is most critical for the community."
Question 3 key to tackling RI’s housing crisis
The Providence Journal
"One of the most important decisions we can make to help our families, workers, seniors and veterans recover from this pandemic is passing Question 3 in Rhode Island’s March 2 special election… In 2020 alone, United Way of Rhode Island’s 211 helpline has received more than 98,000 housing-related requests for help. This issue will not go away without direct action."
United Way challenging R.I. to tackle inequity
WPRI
"Next week, United Way of Rhode Island is kicking off a three-week challenge to address racial inequity. Larry Warner, the chief impact and equity officer for United Way... said the Challenge is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the importance of racial equity through readings, podcasts and other resources... the Challenge... officially begins on Feb. 24."
Nine Ways A Nonprofit Can Improve Collaboration With The Board
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"Nonprofit leaders can sometimes have a difficult time working alongside their board… this may come from a disconnect that the board has with the enterprise's daily running… [or] a breakdown of communication… To help, nine members of Forbes Nonprofit Council offer sage advice on how nonprofit leaders can better work alongside their board for mutual benefit."
The Bartholomewtown Podcast: United Way of Rhode Island’s Cortney Nicolato
The Bartholomewtown Podcast
"Bill Bartholomew welcomes United Way of Rhode Island's Cortney Nicolato to BTOWN for a discussion on the organization's historic, five-year, $100 million dollar investment into Rhode Island, major issues facing our nation, and the state's robust nonprofit sector."
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 State of Rhode Island has officially launched its annual State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign in support of United Way of RI and local nonprofits. 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 board is a diverse collection of industry leaders who come together to lend their expertise and unique experiences and insights to help United Way align […]
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
Signing of Minimum Wage Bill is a Win for Rhode Island Workers and a Step Forward for the Ocean State
Earlier today, Monday, August 4, United Way of Rhode Island had the honor and the privilege to be represented at the ceremonial signing of the legislation that increases Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 an hour by 2027,
Lawyers’ Committee for RI seeks Volunteer Attorneys to help Nonprofits Navigate the Evolving Regulatory and Funding Landscapes
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office on Warwick Campus
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
United Way Accelerates $1.5 Million in Grant Payments to Support Rhode Island Nonprofits Amid Funding Uncertainty
Recognizing the urgency of the financial strain facing local nonprofits, United Way of Rhode Island is taking a major step to provide timely critical support to its funded partners. The organization has released more than $1.5 million in grant payments nearly three months ahead of schedule, delivering early disbursements to 41 nonprofits across the state.
United Way Hosts 13th 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.
United Way Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration
It’s been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.
United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign
Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]
United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.
Paola Fernandez Appointed Chair of United Way Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has named a new chair of its board of directors, appointing Paola Fernandez to the volunteer leadership position. Fernandez is senior vice president, community development officer for Centreville Bank and succeeds Dolph Johnson, retired executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Hasbro, Inc., who recently completed his three-year term as chair.