United Way and its Alliance for Nonprofit Impact know that our communities depend on strong nonprofits, and nonprofits depend on strong leaders.
The Alliance is proud to offer several programs to help current and emerging nonprofit leaders:
Executive Director Learning Circle (EDLC)
Designed for executive directors of organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, the EDLC is a year-long cohort program covering critical issues like board engagement, fund development, risk management, and the alignment of mission, staff and strategies.
Using a coaching approach focused on current challenges facing participants, lead facilitator Michael Fournier uses the cohort-based approach to not only grow skills and knowledge, but also to build a relational network for leaders in what is often isolating work.
Michael has provided consulting to grassroots nonprofits for almost a decade. His areas of expertise are capacity building and executive coaching. Before serving as a consultant, Michael spent 35 years with the YMCA in New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
EDLC runs on a calendar year schedule, with new cohorts starting in January. Applications for the 2025 EDLC program are open until November 8.
For more information, contact Alliance@unitedwayri.org.
Sponsored by Bank Newport
Deputy Director Learning Circle (DDLC)
The DDLC is designed for emerging leaders in organizations with annual budgets under $5 million. Similar to EDLC, DDLC is a year-long cohort program led by Michael Fournier, with an emphasis on introducing participants to the diverse responsibilities shouldered by executive directors.
The DDLC runs on an academic year schedule, with new cohorts starting in August. For more information, contact Alliance@unitedwayri.org.
Sponsored by Bank Newport
Alliance Academy
The Alliance Academy is an online, self-paced course platform, where Alliance members can access certification and professional courses at a discount. Ranging from a Nonprofit Management or Grantwriting certificate program, to marketing, management, human resources and cybersecurity, the Alliance Academy offerings are perfect for nonprofit staff who need a flexible schedule. Most of the courses also offer continuing education credits from credentialing organizations such as SHRM, PMI, and CFRE.
Learn more about the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact and Join Today!
Testimonial
Kate Sayles, Executive Director of Rhode Island Land Trust:
My experience in the EDLC program has been truly transformative so far. One of the most helpful skills I developed through my participation in the EDLC program is thinking through strategies for success. Michael’s expertise and guidance on board recruitment and retention, as well as his strategies for getting board members to engage in fundraising, have been particularly impactful. The practical advice on building a successful annual fundraising campaign is something I’ve already started to implement with promising results.
The program has significantly impacted my work by fostering a strong network of peers with similar experiences. The EDLC Cohort has become not only a valuable group to share experiences with, but a community that I am growing to think of as a group of friends. The monthly meetings provide a platform for us to share our challenges and successes, and to learn from each other’s experiences. The collaborative environment has been incredibly beneficial, allowing us to stay in touch outside of class, share job descriptions, best practices, and our experiences with consultants.
Overall, the EDLC program has been a game-changer for me, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and network to lead my organization more effectively. I am confident that the lessons learned and the connections made through this program will have a lasting impact on the RI Land Trust Council's work and our community.
Deputy Director Leadership Circle
United Way of Rhode Island invites executive directors who lead nonprofit organizations with annual budgets under $1 million to apply for our Executive Director Learning Circle.
The Deputy Director Learning Circle is an interactive, cohort-based program designed to provide support, resources and peer learning for leaders of nonprofit organizations with budgets less than $5 million. The new cohort will start on August 8, 2025 and will meet every second Friday of the month from 8:30-11:30am, through June 2026, at United Way of Rhode Island (50 Valley Street, Providence)
Program format
Each session includes competency topics, group discussions, and practical scenario sharing. Participants gain real-life experience and explore a variety of topics, including:
- Strategy development and implementation
- Board development and engagement
- Staffing and priority alignment
- Comprehensive fund development
- Risk management and emergency preparedness
Lead facilitator
Michael Fournier has provided consulting to grassroots nonprofits for more than a decade. His areas of expertise are capacity building and executive coaching. Before serving as a consultant, Michael spent 35 years with the YMCA. He held senior leadership roles in Manchester, New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island.
Commitment and finances
Participants commit to some minor preparation before sessions.
There is no cost to take part in this program. Upon completion, each graduate’s organization will receive a grant of $1,500. The grant will go toward an organizational goal identified at the outset of the program.
Application process
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now open and the deadline to apply is June 1, 2025.
If you have any questions about the DDLC or application process, please email us at alliance@unitedwayri.org.
Feedback from recent participants
Kate Lentz, director, Rhode Island Center for the Book
"Most nonprofit workshops I have attended present static models of best practices that smaller organizations either have to scale down to meet their organizational needs or do not have the resources to fulfill. Executive Director Learning Circle meets you where you are. Each session was a helpful blend of real-life experience, concrete takeaways, and inspiration. The third Friday of every month became a sacred space where we could share frustrations and successes, find immediate solutions for our real-time problems and glean advice from successful leaders from across our state."
Kristen Williams, Ph.D., executive director, Riverzedge Arts
“Executive directors working at small non-profits often wear many hats! Meeting monthly with Michael Fournier and the incredibly supportive group of peers assembled by United Way gave me the encouragement I needed to take on and resolve difficult issues in ways that best fit the mission of Riverzedge Arts. Each month, we discussed a different facet of non-profit leadership with an expert in the field, providing us opportunities not only to learn, but also to engage with the broader non-profit community. And since everyone in my cohort identified as female, I was extremely grateful that Michael not only made room for, but also encouraged, thoughtful discussions about the ways our roles as executive directors and our personal identities (gender, sex, dis/ability, race, etc.) intersected. At a time when equity and inclusivity are rightly being brought to the fore, Michael and United Way modeled those values in convening and supporting this group.”
Statement from United Way of Rhode Island on the Election of Senate President Valarie Lawson
United Way of Rhode Island congratulates Senator Valarie Lawson on her election as Senate President. As an educator, labor leader, and dedicated public servant, President Lawson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to equity, opportunity, and community engagement.
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CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office on Warwick Campus
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
United Way Accelerates $1.5 Million in Grant Payments to Support Rhode Island Nonprofits Amid Funding Uncertainty
Recognizing the urgency of the financial strain facing local nonprofits, United Way of Rhode Island is taking a major step to provide timely critical support to its funded partners. The organization has released more than $1.5 million in grant payments nearly three months ahead of schedule, delivering early disbursements to 41 nonprofits across the state.
United Way Hosts 13th 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Speaker Series: Leanne Barrett from RI Kids Count
Wednesday, May 21th
Join us for an insightful event dedicated to the critical issue of child care and how to effectively advocate for accessible, affordable solutions. This series will feature experts, policymakers, and community leaders who will provide practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate, this series will empower you with the knowledge and skills to support better child care policies and resources for all families. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a lasting impact!
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383138
Day of Action 2025
Day of Action is a worldwide United Way event, offering volunteer opportunities focused on the work of local United Way organizations. In Rhode Island, the Day of Action will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM to sort, label, and prepare the books for distribution to children in summer learning and afterschool programs.
To register, please click here: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383931