1. What is the UWRI Providence Equity Fund?

The UWRI Providence Equity Fund is a collaborative initiative between the City of Providence and United Way of Rhode Island aimed at addressing equity gaps in the community. This includes grant funding that will be awarded from 2024 to 2026 to nonprofit organizations for initiatives that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.

2. How much money is available?

This request for proposals (RFP) will award up to $1,500,000 over the next two years.

3. Who will be part of the review committee?

The review committee will be made up of the Community Impact & Equity team from United Way of Rhode Island, members of the Community Advisory Board, fundraising personnel, volunteers, and our generous donors, whose contributions are essential to United Way’s efforts in promoting racial equity.

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

Evidence of 501(c)(3) 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.

5. Do applicants have to be organizations based in Providence?

Any nonprofit organizations that apply for funding should be located in and/or provide services in the City of Providence.

6. Can we upload a 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 can access links.

7. How can organizations apply for funding from the Providence Equity Fund?

Organizations interested in applying for funding can do so by responding to requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by United Way of Rhode Island. The UWRI Providence Equity Fund RFP outlines the specific focus areas, eligibility criteria for funding consideration, and submission due dates. Please visit our website https://www.unitedwayri.org/for-nonprofits/apply-for-grants/ to access the RFP and application.

8. What are the priority populations served by the Providence Equity Fund?

The Providence Equity Fund prioritizes funding for initiatives that benefit African heritage people, Indigenous and tribal people, residents facing poverty, and communities residing in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) and neighborhoods within Providence.

9. Who can I contact for more information about applying for funding?

For inquiries related to funding opportunities and the application process, please reach out to United Way of Rhode Island. You can visit United Way of Rhode Island’s website or contact pvdequityfund@unitedwayri.org for further assistance and guidance.

10. What types of initiatives are eligible for funding from the UWRI Providence Equity Fund?

Initiatives eligible for funding may include but are not limited to:  

• Programs addressing the racial wealth gap 
• Efforts to mitigate the impacts of urban renewal  
• Enhancing the quality of and access to culturally competent resources in Education and Out-of-School Time

11. How are funding decisions made for the UWRI Providence Equity Fund?

Funding decisions are made based on the alignment of proposed initiatives with the priorities and goals of the Providence Equity Fund. Applications undergo a review process guided by a rubric, and decisions are informed by the potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with equity objectives.

12. What support is available for organizations interested in applying for funding?

United Way of Rhode Island provides support and resources to organizations throughout the application process. This may include informational sessions, technical assistance, and guidance on developing strong proposals. Additionally, information sessions and office hours will be offered after the release of the RFP. You can find details on our website:  
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SurveyNE.jsp?SurveyKeyHex=6B3567215B3271615C4F7E3E

13. Are there specific reporting requirements for organizations that receive funding?

Yes, organizations that receive funding from the UWRI Providence Equity Fund are typically required to submit progress reports and financial documentation to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds.

14. How can organizations contribute to the goals of the UWRI Providence Equity Fund if they are not eligible for funding?

Even if organizations are not eligible for funding, they can still contribute to the goals of the UWRI Providence Equity Fund by collaborating with funded initiatives, supporting advocacy efforts, and promoting equity within their own programs and operations.

15. Where can I find additional resources and information about the UWRI Providence Equity Fund?

For additional resources and information about the UWRI Providence Equity Fund, please visit United Way of Rhode Island’s website or contact pvdequityfund@unitedwayri.org for assistance.

16. 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.

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

Yes, you can 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.

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

You may contact pvdequityfund@unitedwayri.org.

United Way of Rhode Island staff will hold two 90-minute information sessions on

SESSION 1 
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. 
Location: United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence RI 02909 

SESSION 2 
Date: Friday, April 19, 2024 
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
Location: Rhode Island Black Business Association, 220 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908

Please sign up for only one (1) session as the information shared in each session will be the same. 

Both sessions will be hybrid. Please indicate if you can attend in-person or virtually. Meeting link will be shared once you register. 

Click here to register.

View a pre-recorded information session here: https://youtu.be/V1LZpg1Gdgw

In addition to the information sessions, staff will hold virtual office hours at the following times: 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024  10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Thursday, April 18, 2024  2:00 p.m. –  3:00 p.m. 

Monday, April 22, 2024  2:00 p.m. –  3:00 p.m. 

Thursday, April 25, 2024  1:00 p.m. –  2:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 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.