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Brooke Havens

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.”

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21-Day Equity Challenge logo

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."

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Labor Vision TV United Way RI LIVE UNITED 2025 Strategic Plan With Cortney Nicolato, CEO

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."

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11 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council

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."

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Cortney Nicolato - CEO of United Way discusses the upcoming bond issue question for housing

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."

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Providence Journal Opinion logo

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."

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United Way of RI challenging residents to tackle racial inequity

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."

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9 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council

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."

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The Bartholomewtown Podcast logo

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."

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Press Releases

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

Over 12 years, we’ve donated 344,253 books to children statewide.