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No matter who wins the presidential election, we must tackle the issues in Rhode Island ourselves

The Boston Globe RI

Addressing housing, education, and workforce problems will require a renewed commitment to collective work, community engagement, and social justice, according to United Way of Rhode Island.

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United Way of Rhode Island impulsa la equidad y el compromiso cívico

WPRI 12 Informa

En una reciente entrevista en 12 Informa, María Elena Wah-Fitta, Manager of Brand Voice en United Way of Rhode Island, destacó los esfuerzos de la organización para promover la equidad racial y apoyar a las comunidades más vulnerables del estado.

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Headshot of Kyle Bennett.

Bennett Named Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer

GoLocalProv

Kyle Bennett, who has long been at the forefront of United Way of Rhode Island's legislative and policy work, has been promoted to the organization's Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer. Most recently, he served as senior director of public policy and equity, and joined United Way in 2006.

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Grantmakers Council of R.I. names Bourns new executive director

PBN

Courtney Bourns, who has served as a strategy and program consultant for multiple foundations across the country for the last six years, has been named the new executive director for the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, the financial support nonprofit announced Tuesday.

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Americans turn to 211 helpline amid mounting economic hardships

CBS News

The Wall Street Journal reports Americans are turning to social services helpline 211 in economic emergencies. Rachel Wolfe, consumer trends reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News to discuss.

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Internet After the End of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity Program

The Public's Radio

Courtney Smith, Director of Innovation and Community Outreach at the United Way of Rhode Island joins The Public's Radio to discuss tips on accessing affordable and reliable internet after the end of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity program.

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Free meals available for RI kids this summer

WPRI

State officials announced Tuesday that the Summer Food Service Program will resume in early July. Free meals will be served in communities statewide to Rhode Island students 18 and younger, with no registration required.

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Studio10's Ben DeCastro talking with Kevin Matta, senior director of people and culture for United Way of Rhode Island.

United Way’s Equity Challenge to honor Juneteenth

Studio10

Studio10's Ben DeCastro is learning more about... United Way of Rhode Island's Equity Challenge. The event is meant to help people and businesses become more knowledgeable about topics surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and more.

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United Way of RI launches Alliance for Nonprofit Impact

Rhode Island Current

The Alliance for Nonprofit Impact, launched by United Way of Rhode Island, aims to strengthen the capacity of the state’s nonprofit organizations.

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Press Releases

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 […]

Over 12 years, we’ve donated 344,253 books to children statewide.