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.”
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 […]