NONPROFIT RESOURCES

research and data sources relevant to our areas of focus

Building nonprofit resiliency, especially for organizations led by and serving people of color, is a strategic priority here at United Way of Rhode Island.

You’ll find information elsewhere in this section of our site about our current programs for nonprofits. (Run an afterschool or summer learning program? Make sure to join our Rhode Island Afterschool Network.)

Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, a strategic partner co-located in our office, provides targeted support for nonprofits, including professional development programs, opportunities to engage and learn with funders, and connection with local and national resources.

Rhode Island equity and basic needs data

General data and data stories

• DataSpark: Maps, infographics, and reports on issues United Way cares about. Go here before you re-create the wheel, or if you need some already processed data.
• RI DataHub (run by DataSpark): Data stories, data reports, and even a data catalog with info on adult education, housing, workforce, health, etc. 
• RI Community Profiles: Information about each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns.

Children’s well-being and education

• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT: Produces a comprehensive report that assesses child well-being in Rhode Island. 
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Reports on CCAP impact, etc. 
• Rhode Island Afterschool Network: Professional development and practice information for youth-serving professionals. 

Family Caregivers Free Training for Caregivers Hosted by CCRI Nursing Respite Team 

– Free Group Respite Program Hosted By URI Nursing Respite Team – Care for individuals of all ages with special needs or requiring age-related assistance. (

–More Lifespan Respite Resources for Caregivers. If you take care of a loved one, you are not alone.

Health and well-being

• Rhode Island Department of Health’s Data Bank 

Economy and workforce

• Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training: Data on wage rates and other labor stats.
• Economic Progress Institute: A go-to source for expert information on budget and policy issues impacting the economic well-being of Rhode Islanders.
• Latino Policy Institute: Studies that investigate issue areas impacting the Latino community and, in some cases, Rhode Island’s broader communities of color. 

Food security

• University of Rhode Island Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America’s Hunger and Poverty Facts: Data and research on food insecurity and SNAP in Rhode Island. 
• Rhode Island Food Bank Status Report on Hunger: National and local data on food insecurity (runs one year behind).

Housing and related issues

• HousingWorks RI: Online factbook, as well as information about housing trends, housing in Rhode Island’s cities and towns, affordable housing, and housing and the Affordable Care Act.

National resources with Rhode Island-specific data

• American Community Survey by the United States Census Bureau: Broad range of data, both raw and processed, about Rhode Island and its various communities. (Many research and data entities use the ACS data as the basis of their work.)
• Brookings Institute: Wide array of materials from international to local; focuses largely on economics, cities, and policy. 
• Pew Research Center: Research on numerous social issues. (This is a great place to begin the hunt for research and data on nearly any social topic.)
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Data on the United States and countries all over the world with particular indicators on demographics, debt, environmental issues, and much more.

Racial equity

• Racial Equity Tools: Tools, research, tips, curricula and ideas for people who want to increase their understanding and help those working toward justice at the organizational and systemic levels.
• National Equity Atlas: Detailed report card on racial and economic equity.
• US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health Policy and Data 
• Loving Cities Index: Schott Foundation for Public Education dashboard on supports that provide children the opportunity to learn (Providence profile).
• Race in America 2019 (Pew Research Center)

Emergency Housing Support and Rental Assistance Information

Download PDF In the News Press Releases In the News See all news

Statement from United Way of Rhode Island on the Election of Senate President Valarie Lawson

May 1, 2025 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. (more…)

United Way to Release RFP Friday for “United Is The Way” Safety Net Grants for Nonprofits Providing Critical Services to Rhode Islanders

March 27, 2025

With a priority to expand support for nonprofits and families amid growing federal uncertainty, United Way of Rhode Island is set to release a request for proposals (RFP) on Friday for new safety net grants through its “United Is The Way” initiative. (more…)

United Way: 211, Point programs save R.I. $1.2M in reduced nonemergency 911 calls

March 25, 2025

United Way of Rhode Island Inc.’s 211 and Point programs significantly reduced the state’s financial burden on nonemergency calls to 911 and to other state agencies in 2024, the organization said on Feb. 11 at the Statehouse. (more…)

Press Releases See all press releases 29 Apr

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.

Read more 15 Apr

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.

Read more 01 Mar

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.

Read more

UPCOMING EVENTS

See all events 25 Apr

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

16 Apr

Making Money Work: Understanding Investments Workshop

Join Emerging Leaders as we hear from a panel of expert financial advisors on the key things young professionals need to know about investments. Together, we’ll think about what investing is, how it works, and what some things are that young professionals should keep in mind as they think about investing as a tool for building wealth.

https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135393039