Women United
A growing, global force of 75,000+ women in 165 countries
Women United members are United Way leadership donors who want to do more.
They work actively to further childhood literacy through grantmaking and volunteering.
Since 2011, these powerful women have donated more than $5.3 million to United Way of Rhode Island to support our community. The group made grants of more than $1 million to support childhood literacy. And they also have fun together at members-only events throughout the year.
See our Women United Membership list.
Women on a mission
Women United’s mission is to engage and mobilize the power and leadership of women through education, philanthropy, advocacy, and service to ensure that every child in every Rhode Island neighborhood has equitable opportunities to learn to read. (Read more about United Way’s strategic focus on childhood literacy)
- Women United Executive Committee reviews applications and makes grants to Rhode Island literacy-focused nonprofits, granting $395,000 to eight organizations last year alone.
- Members also donate their time, volunteering 542 hours collectively last year.
Want to support Women United’s mission? Text WUGive to 51555 or visit our Women United donation page.
Membership benefits
Women United members donate $1,000 or more annually to United Way’s Community Impact Fund and/or the Women United fund.
The benefits of Women United membership include:
- Belonging to a community of like-minded women who share their time, talent and treasure
- Volunteering alongside others who want to make a difference
- Collaborating with business and community leaders
- Helping young Rhode Islanders with literacy opportunities, including STEM
- Participating in fun and educational members-only events
- Power of the Purse signature event: preferred tickets, preferred seating
- Opportunity to join and participate in Women United committees
- Women United members are “at the table” with both the United Way of Rhode Island Board and the Community Advisory Board
- Participation in members Facebook and LinkedIn groups
To discuss whether membership is for you, please contact Anita Oliver at anita.oliver@unitedwayri.org
Invest in after-school and summer learning
The Providence Journal
"As Rhode Island’s policymakers allocate [American Rescue Plan Act] funding for education recovery and school districts determine how to spend those funds, it’s crucial that they partner with and fund after-school and summer learning programs," share Roshni Darnal, director of community investments at United Way of Rhode Island, and Maryclaire Knight.
RI opens path to break cycle of court fees
The Providence Journal
"Long after Rhode Islanders serve their time in prison, many are saddled with thousands of dollars in court fees and fines, even as they struggle to rebuild fractured lives... On Thursday, Nov. 18, a first-of-its kind event will take place to help people navigate their way back into society."
R.I. can no longer overlook nonprofit sector
The Boston Globe
"The pandemic has highlighted the essential, irreplaceable roles played by Rhode Island's nonprofit sector. And our state investments and attention to the sector needs to reflect that."
United Way Welcomes New Board Members
“United Way of Rhode Island has appointed a total of 10 community leaders across its board of directors and its Community Advisory Board, while also naming a new board chair. Assuming leadership of the board of directors is Dolph Johnson, EVP, Chief Global Human Resources Officer for Hasbro, Inc.”
Starkweather & Shepley: Annual Celebration Honoree
“Here at United Way of Rhode Island… we take great pride in our role as a convener, bringing community stakeholders together to address our state’s most important issues. And we are tremendously fortunate to have partners that support not only our work, but also our vision for a Rhode Island that is the best it can be.”
Homes RI: Annual Celebration Honoree
“It’s no secret that Rhode Island is in the midst of a housing crisis — one that began prior to COVID-19 and that’s since reached epic proportions over the past 18 months. As it’s estimated the Ocean State is short some 20,000+ units of affordable housing… one group in particular is leading the charge toward flipping the script.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
Embracing Equitable Practices in OSTL
Join the Rhode Island Afterschool Network for our fall 2021 professional development conference, Embracing Equitable Practices in OSTL, on Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4. You'll learn strategies from experts in our field and receive tools to help mitigate the impact of racism and inequities on our youth. This is a virtual event.
Learn with Leaders ft. Steven O’Donnell
Join United Way of Rhode Island's Young Leaders Circle for Learn with Leaders featuring Steven O'Donnell on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 6 – 7 p.m. You'll hear how Steve has risen through the ranks in public safety and now paves the way so underserved youth in Rhode Island can reach their full potential. This is a free, virtual event.
Community Learning Partners
Join United Way of Rhode Island's Women United for our next Community Learning Partners event on Thursday, Dec. 9, from noon – 1 p.m. You'll hear from Camp RYSE, Meeting Street, and Mt. Hope Learning Center — three Women United grantee partners doing exceptional work to support childhood learning. This is a free, virtual event.
YLC Holiday Event and Stocking Drive
Join United Way of Rhode Island's Young Leaders Circle (YLC) in spreading holiday cheer as we collect stuffed stockings for underserved youth in Rhode Island. Bring a stocking filled with gloves, gift cards, and other goodies to the Narragansett Beer Taproom in Providence on Thursday, Dec. 16, from 6 – 7 p.m. and receive a complimentary beer ticket for up to three beers.