Corporate social responsiblity
Meet your CSR goals with a United way Shared purpose program
Top organizations use corporate social responsibility as a strategic differentiator to attract and retain the best talent and to meet their customer’s demand for social responsibility.
Studies show that purpose-driven companies produce higher revenue, recruit and retain higher-performing talent, improve employee engagement and performance, and have higher values associated with their brand. Let us help you join them.
United Way of Rhode Island helps companies develop and achieve their corporate social responsibility goals. Achieving a stronger, more vibrant and prosperous community is our shared purpose. Companies partnering with United Way through shared purpose co-create greater value through impact, engagement and reputation.
Doing good and doing well
Organizations with well-developed corporate social responsibility programs reap many benefits, including:
Attracting and retaining the best employees
According to Harvard Business Review, social responsibility is one of the top five intangible benefits that potential employees look for when evaluating job opportunities. In fact, 79% of people prefer to work for a socially responsible company.
Building stronger leaders
Human resources professionals overwhelmingly agree (90%) that pro-bono volunteering is an effective way to develop leadership skills.
Creating more loyal customers
Consumers are increasingly steering business toward companies that are socially responsible. According to a 2015 Cone study, 90% of global consumers are likely to switch brands to one associated with a good cause, given comparable price and quality.
Building goodwill in their communities
Building strong ties in the communities in which they do business can help an organization weather storms and build loyalty.
For companies of any size
United Way of Rhode Island’s relationship with the state, corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors uniquely positions us to provide insights, solutions, networks and consulting services that bring value to companies of all sizes.
- For small to mid-sized companies, Shared Purpose represents the ability to effectively outsource their CSR to an expert who can help them level-up quickly.
- For large companies, it adds depth and scale to the impact they make around the world. All while supporting their bottom line and business plan.
We have been partnering with small and mid-sized businesses who want to have a greater impact with their charitable giving for 95 years. United Way makes it easy to get involved – no matter the size of your company — with turn-key programs including volunteerism, sponsorship, leadership opportunities, networking and workplace giving programs. We tailor your experience so that you and your employees can have a direct impact on the things you care about most.
Corporate Social Responsibility Consulting
Partner with United Way of Rhode Island to identify, analyze, activate, and communicate your impact in the communities where you live and work.
Whether to support your community, foster a culture of service with your team, or simply enhance your brand, United Way of Rhode Island offers tools and strategies to create effective CSR practices.
United Way Rhode Island will help:
- Mapping your CSR vision
- Storytelling and crafting your CSR message
- Activating your company’s social purpose and CSR activities
- Implementing focused and strategic programs in impact giving, employee engagement, and brand and reputation elevation
- Social impact measurement and reporting
Ready to learn more? Contact Sylvia Mburu at sylvia.mburu@unitedwayri.org.
United Way and Your CSR
Partnering with United Way of Rhode Island is an effective way to engage with the community, meet corporate social responsibility goals, and show the community that your company cares.
Impact
Engagement
Reputation
Reflecting the Communities We Serve
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state.
Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities.
Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive.
This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make.
Internally United
As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island.
Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices.
Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years, including the past five in a row. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow.
Our JEDI commitment is not a single initiative or training—it’s woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island.
JEDI STAFF Testimonials
“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”
Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI
“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”
Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI
Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change
Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts.
Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared commitment to and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable state.
The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways.
One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change.
Rhode Island Kicks-Off State Employee Giving Campaign in Support of United Way, Local Nonprofits
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through the campaign, which has raised $2.6 million over the last ten years alone Providence, R.I. (September 30, 2025) – The State of Rhode Island has officially launched its annual State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign in support of United Way of RI and local nonprofits. The […]
Local Leaders join United Way’s Community Advisory Board
Providence, R.I. (September 15, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island has bolstered its Community Advisory Board, appointing two new members to serve on the volunteer leadership group. The advisory board is a diverse collection of industry leaders who come together to lend their expertise and unique experiences and insights to help United Way align […]
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, and United Way of Rhode Island at the 7th Annual Family Caregiver Alliance Conference
This year's theme is: "Together in Care: Stories, Strength, and Support"
This two-day event will be held on Friday, November 14 from 9:00 am to 12:30pm and Saturday, November from 9:00 am to 2:00pm in the RISD Washington Place Auditorium located at 20 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903 - Free parking will be available for registered participants.
Whether you care for a loved one, support a friend, work in health or social services, or advocate for caregivers, this conference offers valuable resources and connection.
The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. Please register for the days you wish to attend.
Who Is a Family Caregiver?
Family caregivers are everywhere. The FCARI supports youth, grandparents, friends, or neighbors who step up to help someone they care about.
That includes those who:
-Support a loved one with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability (ID/DD)
-Provide care for someone living with dementia, cancer, or another serious illness
-Help an older adult with daily tasks
-Care for a child or youth with complex needs
Links for registration:
Day One https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373734
Day Two: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373832
September Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact – Sept. 19th
Celebrate the power of Women United—from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund—including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.
📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Featured Speakers:
• Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Esq. – Women United Global Leadership Council, United Way of Lake County (IL)
• Jenny Holsman Tetreault – Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Litigation & Compliance TPI Composites, Inc.
• Carolyn Kennedy Chubb – Women United Executive Council Chair, United Way of Northern New Jersey
• Roshni Darnal - Director, Community Investments, United Way of Rhode Island