1. Will all three focus areas (Achieve, Advocate, and Lift United) be equally funded? 

We don’t have an expectation to fund the three areas equally. Our goal is to fund organizations and programs that fall within each of the pillars but also to have a diverse group of grantees. As United Way of Rhode Island continues its own equity journey, we are committed to centering racial equity, BIPOC-led organizations, and organization committed to equity in both word and praxis. Ultimately, the final number of grantees will depend on a number of factors: requested amount, geographic location, the proposed communities they plan to serve, proposal scores, etc, to make sure this funding leads to impact throughout the state and for different communities.  

2. Who will be part of the review committee? 

The review committee will be comprised of United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Impact staff, fundraising staff, members of the Community Impact Committee (external volunteers that help United Way inform grantmaking strategies, from different industries and expertise), volunteer members of our Community Advisory Board, and donors. 

3. Do we need to submit eligibility documents? (501c3 letter, audit, etc) 

Evidence of 501c3 status must be provided at the time the application is submitted. Any other supporting documents such as letters of support, fiscal sponsorships, etc. can be uploaded as part of the application as well. 

4. Can we upload video as a supporting document? 

You won’t be able to upload a video, but you may submit a link to a video hosting site. The 

reviewers will receive an electronic copy of the application so they are able to access links. 

5. Should the budget reflect the entire project or the funds allocated from United Way? 

This funding opportunity supports General Operating Supports, which means these funds are fully un-restricted and we trust you to use the funds where it’s needed most in your organization. However, applicants may choose to apply the funds for program or project support.  You will only have to break down the expenses that you plan for the United Way Funds. 

6. Is there another step in the process after the application? 

We are not anticipating another step in the process. There might be some follow-up calls or emails after the application closes and during the review period, but that will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

7. When will grantees be notified and awarded? 

The complete application is due on January 27, 2023, at 11:45 p.m. and we are hoping to notify awards on or shortly after April 11, 2023. The funding period for this funding opportunity is July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026.

8. If we are applying for Operating Support, should we list the internal outcomes of the specific investments we will make through United Way of RI funding, or the overall organizational outcomes we will be able to achieve?

Regardless of how your organization plans to utilize the awarded CIF funds, we are interested in how the overall work of your organization leads to impact. By impact, we mean changes in programs, practices, and policies that help drive equity and social change. 

During the application process, each applicant will be asked to indicate the activities that they will engage in during the course of the grant and the anticipated outcomes they hope to achieve as a result of this funding opportunity. 

9. Can we send the application to another staff member/grant writer within our organization?

Yes, you are able to work with another person in the application. You can click on the “Collaborate button” (top right) and enter the email of the collaborator. You, as the main grant contact, can choose the level of permission for the collaborators.

10. Who do we contact for help with the portal?

You may contact Millicent Springer at millicent.springer@unitedwayri.org. 

United Way of Rhode Island staff will hold three 90-minute information sessions on
• Dec 13, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Dec 13, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
• Dec 16, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
• Dec 19, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

The information sessions will provide an overview of United Way of Rhode Island’s Live United 2025 strategic plan, the current Community Impact Fund grant opportunity, a walkthrough of the grant application platform, expectations with respect to evaluation and learning, and an overview of the application process and anticipated timeline. There will also be time for a Q&A with United Way of Rhode Island staff. Click here to register.

In addition to the information sessions, staff will hold virtual office hours via Zoom at the following times:
• Jan. 5, 10 - 11 a.m.
• Jan. 5, 2 - 3 p.m.
• Jan. 9, 3 - 4 p.m.
• Jan. 10, 1 - 2 p.m.
• Jan. 1, 10 - 11 a.m.
• Jan. 11, 1 - 2 p.m.
• Jan. 13, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

There will be no formal presentation during these times. Staff will be available to answer questions about application content, the platform, and/or the process. Register here in advance to attend one or more of these office-hour sessions.