Corporate social responsibility

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.

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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 Lanre Ajakaiye at lanre.ajakaiye@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

Priority setting

Through United Way’s 211 in Rhode Island and our policy, research and grantmaking activities, we can provide critical data and insights into community needs. Partnering with us means knowing you’re making a difference where it’s needed most. Our information can inform decisions from hiring to facility location to community programs. United Way staff is available for consultations and presentations to your teams. In addition, our monthly newsletters keep your employees up to date with community issues and what we’re doing to address them.

Grantmaking support

Responding to the needs of the community can be difficult, expensive and time-consuming work, so let us help you. With United Way serving as the philanthropic arm of your company, you can focus on business while still making difference. We provide grantmaking services, advice, and impact information that’ll make it simple for you to help the community.

Company giving

Making an organization-level gift to United Way shows employees and customers that you’re doing something about making Rhode Island a community where every individual in each community has equal opportunity for justice and prosperity. When you partner with United Way, you’ll join the state’s leading companies, nonprofits and labor unions.

MyFund

Corporate giving to favorite causes is quick and easy for you and your team through MyFund. Through this custom on-line platform, streamline your giving — issue and track your gifts to charities all in one place. Best of all, not only does UWRI send out the checks for you, you’ll also receive just one tax receipt at the end of the year for all of your corporate giving. Learn more about this great tool for companies and individuals here.

Commitment to equity

We're making Rhode Island a safer, more equitable place for all... regardless of race. There's a lot of work left to do; let us help you get started.

Engagement

Workplace giving

Workplace giving is an easy and effective way to engage employees, build a spirit of teamwork, and increase morale, all while making an impact on our community's most important issues. Employees can help solve these problems and their root causes by making a one-time gift or giving through payroll deduction. Learn more

Volunteer programs

Improve employee morale and visibly meet CSR goals while making positive change happen. Volunteer opportunities range from Day of Action community projects to custom team-building workplace volunteering to year-round individualized volunteer project matching through our Volunteer Center. Employees who volunteer feel better emotionally, mentally and physically, studies show.

Engage your team members in the community

Established leaders and rising professionals from companies across the state engage with the community through United Way of Rhode Island, joining one of our giving societies or affinity groups like Women United or Young Leaders Circle.

Reputation

Communicating your CSR impact to the community

Differentiate your brand in the market by telling your story of impact and engagement in the communities you serve.

Providing corporate sponsorship opportunities

Make the most of your marketing budget by sponsoring United Way events and programs. We can customize sponsorships that meet your investment goals and align with your marketing priorities and position you in front of the audiences you’re trying to meet.

Developing cause-related marketing campaigns

Align your brand and your business with a mission that reflects your values and double your impact by engaging your customers.

ANTHONY BOTELHO serves as senior vice president of commercial banking and team leader for the commercial and industrial group at The Washington Trust Co. / COURTESY THE WASHINGTON TRUST CO.

Five Qs With: Anthony Botelho

Providence Business News

Anthony Botelho serves as senior vice president of commercial banking and team leader for the commercial and industrial group at The Washington Trust Co. He was recently appointed to lead the bank’s commercial lending growth in Connecticut, where the company recently opened a New Haven commercial lending office. Anthony also serves on United Way of Rhode Island's Board of Directors.

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Rethinking how one of R.I.’s largest nonprofits can grow

The Boston Globe

In October, [Idrees "Lanre"] Ajakaiye was appointed the new chief development officer at... United Way of Rhode Island where he'll be in charge of helping... United Way achieve its current strategic plan, which outlines the nonprofit's investment of $100 million over five years to help achieve racial equity.

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THE PROVIDENCE CITY COUNCIL gave the second and final approval on Wednesday to a $10 million spending plan for racial reparations. / PBN FILE PHOTO/CHRIS BERGENHEIM

City Council gives final approval to $10M reparations budget

Providence Business News

A two-yearslong effort to bring racial reparations to Providence achieved a milestone Wednesday... The approved funding largely mirrors recommendations set forth by a city panel based on community input, but with one major change that shifts some money into a COVID-19 Equity Fund to be managed by United Way of Rhode Island.

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401Gives Returns in Just Two Weeks

Not only has United Way of Rhode Island set the effort’s most ambitious goal yet, aiming to raise $4.01 million. 401Gives also will enjoy its first ever “Weekend Edition” and take over the Ocean State beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 31.

United Way Hosts 11th Children’s Book Drive

United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! From April 1 – May 24, we’re teaming up with Women United and 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.

RI House of Representatives Housing Package

Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269 United Way of Rhode Island Statement on RI House of Representatives Housing Package From Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island:  “Progress toward addressing Rhode Island’s housing crisis is what our state needs now, and we are grateful to Speaker Shekarchi and the […]

UPCOMING EVENTS

Children’s Book Drive 2023

United Way of Rhode Island's Children's Book Drive is back! From April 1 - May 24, we're teaming up with Women United and Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Want to donate books or host a drive with your family, friends, or coworkers? View our Children's Book Drive 2023 drop-off locations and Frequently Asked Questions at the link below.

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Power of the Purse

United Way of Rhode Island's Women United invites you to join the fight for childhood literacy at our 8th annual Power of the Purse fundraiser.

Wednesday, May 24 | 5:30 to 8 p.m.Squantum Association, RiversideSpend an evening with dynamic women making a difference in Rhode Island, bidding on designer purses, and enjoying signature cocktails, appetizers, surprise raffles, and a wine wall.Tickets are $100. Don't miss this opportunity to support a good cause.

 

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