Mission
To equip early to mid-career professionals with the resources, experience, and networks to make meaningful change in communities across RI and become the next generation of philanthropic and community leaders.
Start making an impact today.
Emerging Leaders (EL) provides the avenue for early to mid-career professionals to take action and learn how to most effectively give back with their time, talent and resources to make the greatest difference in your community. At exclusive mixers, members CONNECT with other entrepreneurs, business people and executives who share a common goal: to make an impact. Membership creates opportunities to SERVE at volunteer projects and agency tours. By becoming a member of this select group, you will LEAD the way for others to become inspired about all the good United Way of RI does in the community.
Emerging Leaders Membership
You are invited to attend a complimentary EL event. After getting to know our members and mission, we hope that you will become an official member with a minimum $250 annual donation to United Way of Rhode Island. Donations can be accepted through payroll deductions (for United Way affiliated companies), debited from your bank account monthly, or by making a one-time donation. You will become a steward of the community while expanding your professional network and taking the next critical step in your career.
Emerging Leaders Steering Committee
Three ways to make a difference with your EL membership:
Leader for Change | $750 annually
Take a leadership role in supporting communities across the Ocean State through a network of committed young professionals, impact-focused professional development, and volunteer service. Receive invitations to select events with Leadership Circle, Women United, Tocqueville Society, and UW Board members.
Your membership gift alone changes lives by providing critical support like a wheelchair, hospital bed, and lift for a traumatic brain injury patient. And that’s just the start of what you can do in EL.
Community Champion | $500 annually
Help transform communities through networking and collaboration with other emerging leaders, professional development, and volunteer service, and receive an invitation to an exclusive event with the UWRI Board and CEO.
Your membership gift alone provides diapers for 120 families with children in need, taking one critical burden off the shoulders of busy parents.
Equity Advocate | $250 annually
Help build a more equitable Rhode Island through a network of like-minded young professionals, unique professional development opportunities, and volunteer service.
Your membership gift alone provides hygiene kits for 104 people experiencing homelessness this year, when resources have never been more needed
If you already donate $250 or more to United Way through your workplace and would like to connect your contribution to an EL membership, click here.
For more information about Emerging Leaders, email Juniper Darrow.
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…)
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
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
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