NEWSROOM
United Way of Rhode Island Commits $100 Million to Racial Equality
The NonProfit Times
"United Way of Rhode Island has earmarked $100 million over the next five years to promote racial equality in Rhode Island. The funding was announced alongside the launch of LIVE UNITED 2025, a new social good program."
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."
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