Everyday Equity

Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269

The Countdown Is On: 401Gives Returns in Just Two Weeks

With its first ever "Weekend Edition," Rhode Island's largest single day of giving incorporates a number of exciting events and local happenings

Providence, Rhode Island (March 15, 2023) — Rhode Island is just two weeks away from its largest single day of giving when 401Gives returns in support of the state's nonprofit sector and does so bigger than ever before. 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.

"This is the first time 401Gives falls on a Saturday, so we thought it'd make a powerful statement for our nonprofit community to extend its reach with new partnerships and fun happenings," said Cortney Nicolato, United Way's president and CEO. "Of course, the main objective remains — And that's to elevate and support the vital work our nonprofits do every single day."

401Gives, which pays homage to Rhode Island's only ZIP Code and the April 1 date it is built around, first appeared in 2020. Created and powered by United Way and supported by local sponsors, including Papitto Opportunity Connection, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Foundation, and others, the unified day of giving helps nonprofits share their stories while making it easy for people to donate directly to them. So far, more than 500 local organizations have signed on to participate. Participating nonprofits are searchable at 401gives.org by both community and cause.

In 2022, Rhode Islanders made 20,153 donations to local nonprofits during 401Gives, raising more than $3.1 million for their work. That pushed the day's three year total to nearly $7 million.

New this year is the addition of a signature 401Gives WaterFire on Saturday, April 1. Beginning at 7 p.m. there will be a WaterFire procession with nonprofits in Memorial Park, followed by a special partial lighting at 7:10 p.m. Throughout the lighting there will be QR codes placed to direct people to the 401Gives website to donate to local organizations. The lighting is sponsored by Rhode Island Energy. Additionally on April 1, the Providence Bruins will show their support of 401Gives during their 7 p.m. game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion — a game also serving as "Star Wars" night.

Other 401Gives-related happenings include Revival Brewing donating $1 from each sale of one of its signature drinks throughout the month of March. The proceeds will be put into a prize pool for a nonprofit to win during 401Gives. And there are a number of independent events being organized by participating nonprofits and open to the public. These can be found on the 401Gives Events webpage, which is updated regularly. One such event is Children's Friend's 401Gives Kickoff Party at Narragansett Beer in Providence on Friday, March 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. If you're a nonprofit with an event to highlight, please email United Way at 401Gives@unitedwayri.org.

Also, there is still time for nonprofits to register to participate in this April's 401Gives. Registration remains open until March 17, and nonprofits can sign up here and at 401gives.org.

For more information about 401Gives, or if there are questions, contact Caitlynn Douglas at (401) 444-0720, or email 401gives@unitedwayri.org.

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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world's largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269

United Way of Rhode Island Statement: David Cicilline to lead RI Foundation

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (Feb. 21, 2023) — From Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island:

"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. And while there is no shortage of work that lies ahead, it is impossible to question David's commitment to our state and his passion for bettering the lives of all Rhode Islanders.

"If we are truly to move forward as a state, a continued, strong partnership between the Rhode Island Foundation and United Way is pivotal. There is undeniable intersectionality in our work, in the goals we share, and in our combined ability to address what are very complex issues.

"I am excited for all David will bring to his role leading the Rhode Island Foundation, and value and appreciate that he understands the status quo is not working for our neighbors when they need us most."

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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world's largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269

Local Nonprofits Can Register Now to Participate in April's 401Gives

Rhode Island's largest single day of giving to support and uplift the state's nonprofit sector raised $3.1 million for 507 organizations in 2022

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (Jan. 9, 2023) — It's back…

After a record-breaking year that saw more than 13,000 Rhode Islanders come together to make donations totaling $3.1 million in support of hundreds of local nonprofits, 401Gives is gearing up for a return on April 1 with sights set higher than ever. Nonprofits that wish to participate and raise funds for their work are invited to register now and can do so at 401gives.org. Already, 208 nonprofits have signed up, putting this year's pace ahead of 2022.

Powered by United Way of Rhode Island, 401Gives was created as a unified day of giving to both support the state's nonprofit community and uplift the vital work of a sector that touches nearly every Rhode Islander. It provides an easy way for people to donate directly to any of hundreds of nonprofits and has led to more than $6.6 million in donations since making its inaugural appearance in 2020.

"When 401Gives began at the height of the pandemic, just trying to feed our community and keep up with the tremendous need was a challenge — I didn't know how we'd do one more thing, but we wanted to try and we've been blown away by the response each year," said Alyson Novick, director of development for the MLK Community Center in Newport. "United Way took the time to create something new and different, and has sustained it. The day is a juggernaut and a huge part of our fundraising efforts. We're absolutely thrilled to be participating again."

Upon registering, nonprofits will see an option to participate in 401Gives' Mentor/Mentee program, which is being piloted for the first time in 2023. Organizations that have participated in 401Gives in prior years can choose to mentor a nonprofit that has signed up for the first time and indicated they would like a mentor. The deadline for the Mentor/Mentee program is Jan. 18 and mentor/mentee matches will be contacted soon after.

"This is the first year we are partnering with 401Gives and we are excited to share the impact that Companion Animal Foundation funding has for people who cannot otherwise access veterinary care for their pets," said M. Christie Smith, chair of the CAF board of directors. "Each year we serve more than 500 Rhode Islanders and their pets, and we look forward to engaging more supporters — through 401Gives — in our work."

New and returning nonprofits are invited to attend any of a number of 401Gives trainings and workshops geared toward sharing insights and best practices. A schedule of sessions and how to sign up can be found at 401gives.org/info/trainings. Additionally, the trainings page features a library of helpful on-demand videos, and a toolkit for organizations can be found at 401gives.org/info/nonprofit-toolkit.

For more information about 401Gives, or if there are questions, contact Caitlynn Douglas at (401) 444-0720, or email 401gives@unitedwayri.org.

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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world's largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Commits $1.5 Million to Expand Impact of 211, Improve Social Determinants of Health

Integration of new platform among the ways 211 is connecting health and social care providers to improve overall health and wellbeing of Rhode Islanders in need

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (Dec. 13, 2022) — As part of an effort to improve the health of all Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island has upgraded the capabilities of its 211 service with a focus on linking health and social care providers around individuals with complex needs. In support of this work to expand the statewide role and impact of 211, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has committed $1.5 million in funding.

"While access to medical services is vital to the wellbeing of our neighbors, we know that an overwhelming majority of a person's overall health is driven by social, economic, and environmental factors," said Larry Warner, Dr.P.H., MPH, chief impact and equity officer for United Way. "Just as much as quality healthcare, we need to ensure Rhode Islanders have safe and affordable housing, nutritious food, and that we're able to measure the change these have on peoples' lives. We are beyond thankful to BCBSRI for not only sharing this vision, but also for their generous support of the work to get there."

A major enhancement to 211 is the addition of a specialized technology platform called Unite Us that interconnects a network of health and social care providers. Now, when someone calls 211 for help or lets a healthcare provider know they are in need of food, housing, or other assistance, their information is entered into the platform and an electronic referral is made for the services they need. The referrals are tracked within the system and 211 staff ensure that individuals’ needs are being responded to in a timely fashion.

Currently, when healthcare organizations refer patients to community-based organizations to address social care needs, there is rarely a mechanism for the healthcare organization to know the outcome of the referral. This prevents effective follow-up and outcome measurement.

With social factors being such a significant driver of a person's overall health, knowing the outcome of these referrals is foundational to providers' ability to effectively meet their patients' unique needs and manage whole-person health.

Powered by the Unite Us platform and 211 staff, health providers across the network can securely refer and track every person's total health journey with their community partners. At the same time, it allows providers to report on all tangible outcomes across a range of services in a centralized, cohesive, and collaborative ecosystem. 211 plays the role of the coordination center in the network, ensuring clients are connected to the best program to address their needs, providers are closing the loop on clients' needs, and that all providers are meeting network standards and performance measures.

"Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Rhode Islanders by leading access to high-quality, affordable, and equitable care. Directly addressing areas outside of the traditional health system that have a significant impact on health — like access to safe and affordable housing, nutritious food, and other basic needs — enables us to better address health inequities within our state," said Michele Lederberg, BCBSRI executive vice president, chief administrative officer and chief legal officer, who leads the company's health equity initiatives. "We’re honored to partner with United Way of Rhode Island to help them take 211 to the next level."

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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world's largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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New Survey of R.I. Nonprofits Highlights Dire Need for State and Public Support for Sector, Warns of Risk to Vital, Overburdened Programs

Rhode Island is the only state in the country to experience job loss in its nonprofit sector over recent ten-year period

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 28, 2022) — As Rhode Islanders and people throughout the country prepare to participate in Giving Tuesday, the results of a new survey paint a stark picture of the challenges facing the state's nonprofit sector. Local community-based organizations continue to provide services for communities still facing pandemic-level needs, while facing inflation-driven costs and inadequate staffing caused by the physical and emotional toll of the last two years.

The concern, advocates warn, is that without a significant investment in the nonprofit workforce and the organizations that anchor communities across the state, essential programs that tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders depend on will become inaccessible, and the state's economic recovery will be hamstrung by damage to one of its most important workforce sectors.

Nearly 17 percent of the state's workforce — one in six workers — are employed by a nonprofit, making it a sector larger than manufacturing in the Ocean State.

"Rhode Island nonprofits and their staff have been heroes over the last two years, but without long-term investment in these organizations and their talented, effective workers, the current situation is unsustainable," said Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO. "We know Rhode Islanders appreciate what nonprofits bring to their community — That they continue to serve as needs grow demonstrates their resilience and outsized impact. Nonprofits need support throughout the entire year."

According to the survey of nearly 300 organizations, conducted by Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island and United Way, most Ocean State nonprofits operate on a razor-thin margin and trends are going in the wrong direction as COVID resources end. Key findings include:

• 60% reported that community demand for programs and services remains higher than pre-pandemic levels
• 55% of responding organizations have five or fewer paid staff, and one in four operate with no paid staff
• 46% have lost experienced staff who have left the nonprofit sector, and 59% have current staff who are considering doing so, most because of burnout and exhaustion
• 40% have three or fewer months of cash reserves

"As demand for nonprofit services remains at crisis levels, and as inflation increases costs and decreases individual donations, nonprofits continue to do more with less," said Nancy Wolanski, executive director of Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island. "But these are organizations that have already been operating on a shoestring, and their staff are emotionally and physically exhausted. They don't have the ability to further stretch their budgets or their staff. They need ongoing investment and partnership, from public and private funders, and individual donors."

And there is room for that investment to grow. The Ocean State has historically struggled to reach the level of charitable giving seen in other states, ranking 45th in the country for charity by Wallet Hub. 50% of local nonprofits in the survey have fewer than 100 individual donors contributing to their work.

"It is more important than ever that Rhode Islanders' generosity extend beyond Giving Tuesday — Although the pandemic is not as front and center as it was, many of us have had to expand programs or start new services due to increasing demand," said Annie De Groot, the volunteer executive director of Clínica Esperanza, which provides culturally-attuned medical care to uninsured adults in Rhode Island. "It is essential that there is support for Rhode Island's most marginalized and vulnerable communities. But right now, resources are simply stretched as far as they can go."

The survey's findings also validate the dangerous trajectory of the state's nonprofit sector with regards to its role as an employer. Over the most recent ten-year period for which data is available, Rhode Island was the only state in the country to experience job loss among its nonprofits. Advocates stress their belief that COVID only exacerbated this issue locally.

"We need to treat nonprofits like the small businesses and economic drivers that they are — We're missing a huge opportunity as we recover and rebuild our economy," added Nicolato. "It would be unfair to assume nonprofits will continue to be here to meet the needs of our communities without systemically addressing their capacity."

To better support Rhode Island's nonprofit community, advocates point to the need for more long-term planning and actionable investments aimed at sustaining the organizations that are pillars in their communities.

"Nonprofits are the Ocean State's essential 'service infrastructure,' said Wolanski. "Just like it is critical to invest in our bridges and roads, so we can be safe, and connected, and have a growing economy, it's critical to make a long-term investment in the organizations that so many of our neighbors rely on for safety, and connection, and prosperity. This is all about building a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive."

The initial survey results are as follows:

Continued Community Need — Still Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

• More demand than pre-pandemic — 60.62%

Impact of Inflation

• 80.44% increased expenses
• 27.31% decreased individual giving
• 20.30% decreased purchases to cut costs
• 15.13% postponed hiring to cut costs
• 12.55% canceled or reduced programs or services to cut costs

Margins Are Down and No Cushion to Fall Back On

• While the percentage operating at a deficit has remained relatively steady around 16.5% (16.54% in 2021, 17.34% in 2022, 15.89% anticipated in 2023), the number of organizations operating with a surplus is decreasing as COVID resources dry up: 39.71% in 2021, 31.00% in 2022, and 25.19% anticipated in 2023.
• 39.76% have three months or less of cash operating reserves, and only 25.87% have more than six months of reserves.

Organizations Are Already Lean and Staff Are Struggling

• More than half (54.38%) have five or fewer full-time equivalent paid staff
• 24.56% have no full-time paid staff
• 46.97% have staff vacancies lasting over three months because of difficulty in recruiting and hiring new staff
• 81.71% of organizations say some or all staff are struggling with burnout; 74.69% have staff struggling with emotional exhaustion; 66.25% have staff struggling with physical exhaustion
• 45.72% have lost staff who have left the nonprofit sector entirely
• 59.13% have staff who are considering leaving the sector

More Resources Necessary

• More than half (54.13%) of organizations had 100 or fewer donors
• 37.59% had fewer than 50 individual donors

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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world's largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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