Women United

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.

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.

United Way of Rhode Island
6H5A0298

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 Karen Alzate at karen.alzate@unitedwayri.org.

Already a Women United member?

Joining one of our social media groups – or both – is a great way to keep up to date with all our activities. You can find them on Facebook here and LinkedIn here.

UWRIO Featured (2)

United In Action Amid Chaos and Uncertainty

A message from Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO


For generations, nonprofits have answered the call, stepping up to serve our communities despite being underfunded by the federal government.
 

(more…)

Untitled design (18)

Help the helpers: Rhode Island needs its nonprofits, and R.I. nonprofits need support amid chaos and uncertainty

The Boston Globe RI

While the memo from the Trump administration to freeze federal funds has been rescinded, the actions and intent have not, writes Cortney M. Nicolato the president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.

READ ON SITE

Larry Cover RIPHA

United Way’s Larry Warner named President of RI Public Health Association

Providence, R.I. (January 22, 2025) – As it continues its work to advance health equity in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Public Health Association (RIPHA) has named a new president, appointing Larry Warner, DrPH, MPH, to a 2-year term. Dr. Warner is the Chief Impact & Equity Officer of United Way of Rhode Island, and previously served on the RIPHA board as an officer. (more…)

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.

United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign

Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]

United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors

United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National 211 Day Celebration 2025

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, 10 a.m. at the
Rhode Island State House
Celebrate the vital work of 211 and Senior & Disability Services with us. Join us for a day of inspiration and impact!
Please register by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025

Join us at Power of Women: Leading with Purpose

Join us for Power of Women: Leading With Purpose, our reimagined celebration formerly known as Power of the Purse. This year’s event brings together women from across Rhode Island during Women’s History Month to connect, empower, and inspire each other during an elegant brunch.

📅 Thursday, March 20, 2025
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍 Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
🎟 $150 per ticket | $1,250 per table of 10

GET YOUR TICKETS

Brunch will be served at 11 a.m. The speaking program will begin at noon.

Interested in sponsoring this event or discussing ways to support? Please contact Karen Alzate at karen.alzate@unitedwayri.org.

Have you been affected by the RIBridges Data Breach?