NEWSROOM

Perfect storm for RI charities: COVID restricts fundraising as need skyrockets
The Providence Journal
"We asked nonprofit leaders how charities are faring alongside COVID and the economic downturn. Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, puts it simply: 'There is a tremendous amount of need right now in Rhode Island.'"

Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?
Go Local Prov
"Every Friday, GoLocalProv takes a look at who is rising and who is falling in Rhode Island politics, business, culture, and sports. On the hot list this week: United Way's commitment to invest $100M over the next five years to build racial equity."

United Way to invest $100M to build racial equity
THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL
"The LIVE UNITED 2025 initiative is aimed at improving education, ensuring availability of housing that is affordable and safe for all, and empowering nonprofit organizations, among other objectives."

Cortney Nicolato: 20 who made a difference in 2020
GO LOCAL PROV
"When she was tapped as one of GoLocal’s 19 to Watch in 2019, like so many others, United Way President Cortney Nicolato couldn’t have imagined her role in 2020."

Five Questions With: Larry Warner
Providence Business News
"Redlining, racial covenants and discriminatory lending practices were fully legal practices that decreased homeownership among Blacks over several decades… Moreover, there is evidence of patterns of lower home valuations for BIPOC homeowners versus whites with comparable homes. Why does this matter, and how is it a root cause? Homeownership is highly correlated with accumulation of wealth."

Local organizations benefited from Scott’s $4.1 billion giving spree
Boston Globe
"Author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced in a blog post Tuesday that she has donated more than $4.1 billion in the past four months to hundreds of organizations, including several in New England… United Way of Rhode Island … received $10 million from Scott… Scott said her team looked at nearly 6,500 organizations and conducted research into about 800."

Missing Out: Guest MINDSETTERS™ Casimiro, Melvan and Nicolato
Go Local Prov
“Nearly 60,000 of our state’s school-aged children (out of 153,000) lack access to afterschool programs, according to the "After 3PM 2020" report published on December 8… There is no question that Rhode Island children who cannot get into afterschool programs risk falling behind their more fortunate peers… 80 percent of students’ learning takes place outside of formal school.”

United Way of R.I. makes $2 million available in grants
What's Up Newport
"The latest funding cycle is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to support local nonprofits addressing systemic inequity and working to create a more equitable Rhode Island."

United Way of Rhode Island answers the call during the COVID-19 crisis
Providence Business News
Excellence at a Midsize Company
“We had staff whose children were learning remotely, who were taking care of their parents, who were trying to take care of their own lives, and who were serving people who were scared and in great stress and in need of information... But I’m proud to say that our staff didn’t miss a beat.”
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.
United Way Hires Tiffany Reed as Chief Development Officer
United Way of Rhode Island has welcomed a new chief development officer (CDO) to its team. The organization today announced the hiring of Tiffany Reed, who officially began her new role on Sept. 5. Most recently, Reed served as CDO for Tufts Medicine after holding the position of vice president, development, at Tufts Medical Center.
United Way Announces $1.5M in Providence Equity Fund Grants
During a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 14, United Way of Rhode Island and the City of Providence announced the recipient organizations of $1.5 million in funding from the Providence Equity Fund. In total, 15 organizations have been awarded grants to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.