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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."
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."
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."
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.'"
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.
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."
RI health dir. Alexander-Scott stepping down
The Boston Globe
"United Way of Rhode Island chief impact and equity officer Larry Warner said [the departure of] Alexander-Scott was another example of a R.I. leader of color whose tenure was cut too short... 'We've been responding to a five-alarm public health crisis for two years, and it's clear that the public health chief has not been in charge.'"
9 Steps To Build A Self-Funding Nonprofit
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"One goal for every nonprofit business owner is to build a self-funding nonprofit business... Nine members of Forbes Nonprofit Council, including Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, share the most effective steps... other nonprofit business owners can follow to attain their self-funding goals."
Chutzpah! Episode 7: Cortney Nicolato
Jewish Rhode Island
"Chutzpah! is a podcast exploring the personal side of leadership... In episode seven, Cortney Nicolato, the president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, discusses everything from best practices in the nonprofit world to... discovering what Judaism means to her."
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