Workplace giving
engage employees, build a spirit of teamwork, and increase morale
More and more, employees and customers are attracted to companies that are committed to the community and create opportunities for them to connect with the causes they care about most.
Workplace giving programs are a great opportunity to engage employees, build a spirit of teamwork, and increase morale all while making an impact on the community.
Provide safe in-person and virtual giving opportunities that employees can feel good about.
Build culture and leadership
Build you company culture and opportunities for leadership development and teamwork.
Educate employees
Educate employees about the local challenges we face and how they can help solve them.
Support CSR goals
Support your Corporate Social Responsibility goals and show your commitment to the community.
Offer volunteer opportunities
Offer individual and team volunteer opportunities to further engage employees and see your impact in the community grow.
The value of giving
An annual workplace giving program is a great way to engage employees and connect them to your CSR program and values.
Giving to United Way makes a difference. Employees who give are making an investment that benefits the entire community, not just one program, issue, or population. This leads to a stronger, more sustainable place to live and work.
Support from your workplace giving program makes it possible to find innovative solutions to the root causes of our most pressing needs. United Way leverages these contributions by combining them with others and strategically investing in programs and initiatives to maximize the impact for the community. Spreading giving throughout the year via employee payroll deduction or mobile giving makes it easier to increase someone’s donations while still staying within their personal budget.
Giving + volunteering = homerun
You can multiply the impact of a workplace giving program by engaging employees in volunteering. In fact, companies see a 57% reduction in turnover among employees who engage in both volunteering and workplace giving. In addition, many professionals at our workplace giving partners choose to engage with United Way on their own time, joining a giving society or affinity group.


The value of volunteering
For many businesses, offering employees volunteer opportunities conveys the importance of social responsibility to staff and the public, as well as strengthens teams and build a culture of service. United Way of Rhode Island’s volunteer project consulting service curates on-site or off-site activities to:
- Improve teamwork
- Build camaraderie
- Benefit the community
Volunteer program concierge service
As your project consultants, United Way's volunteer coordinators work to determine your exact service goals, then create a personalized plan to match. We specialize in:
- Developing a sustainable, in-house volunteer framework
- Customizing onsite, offsite and virtual service projects -- both episodic and ongoing
- Connecting you with a growing network of businesses and nonprofits that are changing lives in the Ocean State
- Identifying skills-based volunteer opportunities for individuals and small teams
Start a workplace giving program. It's an easy way to build culture and community engagement.
United Way of Rhode Island will partner with you to develop a customized workplace giving program that aligns with your corporate values, as well as the interests of your employees. We will provide guidance and support to assist you in building your fundraising team and running an effective giving and volunteering program.
For more information, contact Sylvia Mburu at sylvia.mburu@unitedwayri.org.

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

United Way is Increasing Support of Nonprofits and Families Amid Federal Uncertainty, New Safety Net Grants Will be Made Available
“United Is The Way” will focus on expanding the services and supports available to local organizations and Rhode Islanders, and a special round of funding for nonprofit. (more…)
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.
United Way Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration
It’s been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
Advocacy 101
Wednesday June 4th 5pm via Zoom (in person TBD)
Led by Peggy Desjarlais, Program Officer, Policy & Advocacy
Ready to make a difference? Join us for Advocacy 101, a dynamic training designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to effectively advocate for the causes you care about. Learn how to share your story, engage with policymakers, and drive meaningful change in your community. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this training will empower you to amplify your voice and take action. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a stronger advocate for the issues that matter most!
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135373834