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PBN Business Excellence Award photo of Evelyn Cabrera

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.”

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Nonprofit Innovation Lab pitch winners

Meet Nonprofit Innovation Lab pitch competition winners

Rhode Island Inno

"Rhode Island Inno partnered with SEG and United Way to introduce you to the Nonprofit Innovation Lab this fall. You voted, and five nonprofit organizations ultimately had the opportunity to make their case to a virtual audience and panel of judges in a "Shark Tank"-style pitch event on Thursday night. At stake were a total of $100,000 in prizes."

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Providence Journal Opinion logo

Opinion/Nicolato: Votes are cast. Time to get to work

Providence Journal

"Votes have been cast and voices have been heard. We are living in a world of uncertainty, yes, but also one in which there is far too much divisiveness. No longer can this be what defines us. It is time for us to come together if we are to move forward. Our communities cannot wait."

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CORTNEY NICOLATO, United Way of Rhode Island CEO and president/PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Challenges for nonprofits reach unimagined heights

Providence Business News

"United Way and the Rhode Island Foundation partnered to establish the COVID-19 Response Fund in March and have raised more than $7 million to support nonprofits across the state. So far, the fund has distributed millions of dollars to more than 270 local charitable groups."

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Census 2020 on NBC News

Leaders urge Rhode Islanders to complete the Census

NBC-10

The Census decides where hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for things like education, housing, healthcare and transportation end up. Rhode Island state leaders were in Providence on Friday making one final push.

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211-call-for-help

Rhode Island launches 211 voter information hotline

Providence Business News

"Rhode Island residents with questions about voting during the coronavirus pandemic now have a one-stop resource to get the answers."

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Print

PBN announces 2020 Best Places to Work honorees

Providence Business News

"Providence Business News has announced 66 honorees for its 2020 Best Places to Work program. Each of the companies recognized for this year’s program were judged based on human resources policies and confidential surveys of employees put together by Best Companies Group."

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PBN image of Genesis Center job training for strength in numbers article

Strength in numbers? Nonprofits eye an alliance

Providence Business News

"United Way of Rhode Island CEO Cortney Nicolato said COVID-19 has done “nothing but elevate” the need for a “true support network” for non­profits in Rhode Island... Nicolato believes a collective voice for nonprofits on particular issues – such as having them included in discussions about small-business funding – is a “critical avenue” to make politicians, policymakers and the public aware of their financial struggles."

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covid-summer-learning-3

Grant helps Woonsocket Summer Learning run through COVID

Valley Breeze

"The Woonsocket Summer Learning Initiative, located in the C3 Center at 120 Northeast St. in Woonsocket, has received a $142,000 grant from United Way."

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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.