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The Rhode Show

With 401Gives returning in April, many are looking ahead at various ways they can give back to help so many in need. Joining us on 'The Rhode Show'... with more information and to discuss how we can increase philanthropy in The Ocean State were Annie Becker, President, REALTOR® Foundation: Rhode Island, and Jennifer Remmes, Director of Resource Operations, United Way.

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Destenie Vital is the executive director of What Cheer Flower Farm.JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF

Cheer Flower Farm brings blossoms for free

The Boston Globe

"What Cheer Flower Farm... emerged last week as the top winner of the second-ever Nonprofit Innovation Lab, securing $50,000 during the final pitch competition... 'We wanted to reach kids... in stressful circumstances and help to try to alleviate their anxiety with fresh flowers and some educational programing," shared Destenie Vital, executive director of the Farm.

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Roshni Darnal, director of community investments for United Way of Rhode Island, shares how United Way can help Rhode Islanders file their taxes for free.

United Way helping R.I.ers file taxes for free

WPRI

"The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program connects those who qualify with someone who can help them prepare and file their taxes... Rhode Islanders interested in finding the nearest location and making an appointment can check online or call 211."

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statehouse

Free Tax Preparation for Rhode Islanders

ABC6

"United Way has locally led the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program since 2005. Working individuals or families who make under $57,414... annually... can access free tax preparation services to ensure [they] get [their] money in tax refunds and credits."

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Crews demolish the Trolley Barn in Cranston in 2005. Frieda Squires/The Providence Journal, File

Housing advocates blast Cranston site plan

The Providence Journal

"'I think we are at a point where every time we lose a parcel that could be used for dense development, we are creating more obstacles for ourselves to bring on the housing the community needs,' [said] Kristina Brown, a Cranston resident and housing and economic policy officer at... United Way of Rhode Island."

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Featured image for Providence Journal Opinion Logo

Biggest barrier to housing? Planning boards

The Providence Journal

"Without the buy-in of members of local planning and zoning commissions, we will continue to see buildable parcels go to projects that do not include housing," writes Kristina Brown, program officer of housing and economic policy at United Way of Rhode Island. "As the smallest state in the union, we need to be building housing on every suitable parcel."

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Lisa Guillette is the executive director of Foster Forward.JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Zoning laws hindering housing construction

The Boston Globe

"Cortney Nicolato, the CEO of United Way of Rhode Island and another member of the special legislative commission, said most of the state’s land use enabling legislation was written in 1991... 'When you have 100 amendments in a 30-year legislation, it's clearly not working... The housing crisis cannot be truly transformed until we tackle systemic barriers, like zoning laws and land use.'"

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McKee is proposing $250M for housing

McKee Proposes $250 Million for Housing

GoLocalProv

"Our state's housing crisis is significant and must be a priority in the budget. But just as important, the investment needs to combine with transformational change in the systems surrounding housing as a whole," said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.

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Thumbnail with side-by-side images of WPRI's Kim Kalunian (left) and United Way of Rhode Island's Kyle Bennett (right) with the headline, "COMMUNITY FOCUS: INTERVIEW WITH THE UNITED WAY."

Community Focus: United Way/Kyle Bennett

WPRI 12

"Director of Policy and Equity for United Way of Rhode Island Kyle Bennett joined 12 News at 4 to discuss the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, how many families benefited from it, and what residents can do to help."

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Sandra Mazo Appointed to Women United Global Council

The Washington Trust Company… today announced that Sandra Mazo, mortgage loan officer (NMLS # 269909), has been appointed to the Executive Committee for the Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide. Women United® represents 55,000 members working with United Way in more than 200 communities across the globe. Sandra was nominated by United Way of Rhode Island.

Nancy Wolanski Hired as Director of Nonprofit Resource Center

United Way of Rhode Island has hired Nancy Wolanski as the inaugural director of the state’s new Nonprofit Resource Center. She assumed the role on Monday, July 31. Most recently, Nancy was executive director of the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island.

Power The Future Career Exploration Event Open to R.I. Students

Planned to be the state’s premier youth and family career exploration and workforce development event, United Way of Rhode Island will host its first annual Power The Future on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The empowering day is open to all local students and their families, at no cost.

United Way Investing $10 Million in Community Programs

With a focus on achieving the goals of its LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island is investing $10 million in the work of community organizations over three years. These latest grants have been awarded from United Way’s Community Impact Fund and received by… 45 local nonprofits.

Power The Future

On Aug. 19, 2023, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, the area’s premier youth and family workforce development and career awareness event will be brought to you by United Way of Rhode Island. It’s called Power The Future. Power The Future will be an annual empowerment event aligned with the 2030 plan of raising incomes, […]

Director Sought for New Statewide Nonprofit Center

A new, first-of-its-kind statewide resource center for Rhode Island nonprofits is becoming a reality. United Way of Rhode Island, which has convened the state’s nonprofit community to establish the center, today announced it has opened the hiring for the center’s inaugural director.

401Gives Sets New Highs Across the Board

401Gives has reached new heights, setting record highs in every way in its fourth year. Powered by United Way, Rhode Island’s premier philanthropic effort to support the state’s nonprofits closed at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 3, having raised more money for more nonprofits than ever — the result of more donors making more gifts than any previous year.

401Gives Returns in Just Two Weeks

Not only has United Way of Rhode Island set the effort’s most ambitious goal yet, aiming to raise $4.01 million. 401Gives also will enjoy its first ever “Weekend Edition” and take over the Ocean State beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 31.

United Way Hosts 11th Children’s Book Drive

United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! From April 1 – May 24, we’re teaming up with Women United and 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.

RI House of Representatives Housing Package

Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269 United Way of Rhode Island Statement on RI House of Representatives Housing Package From Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island:  “Progress toward addressing Rhode Island’s housing crisis is what our state needs now, and we are grateful to Speaker Shekarchi and the […]

David Cicilline to lead RI Foundation

Today’s announcement that David Cicilline will be the next president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation is good news for all who call the Ocean State home. United Way of Rhode Island has enjoyed a strong, longtime relationship with David, who has been a ferocious advocate for the critical issues our state faces.

Final Pitch Event for Nonprofit Innovation Lab Set for Feb. 1

The stage is set. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the latest Nonprofit Innovation Lab will culminate as 10 Rhode Island organizations make their final pitch for a chance to secure seed funding to help bring their unique program idea to life. The program showcase and pitch night will be held at The Guild in Pawtucket beginning at 5 p.m.