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. An initial total of $500,000 in emergency funding is being made available to social service organizations responding to the most essential needs for marginalized and vulnerable Rhode Island residents.
Funding through this special grant cycle is for organizations impacted by reductions, delays, termination of government funding, or experiencing an increase in clients served. Rhode Island-based nonprofits may apply for grants of up to $50,000, with average anticipated grants of $25,000 to $30,000. Awarded grants will be for general operating support and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted through United Way’s online grants portal.
“The impact of the widespread changes and uncertainty being initiated at the federal level risks devastating the organizations that are the backbone of our communities, meaning Rhode Islanders without shelter and food, children without access to vital services, and seniors without the care they desperately need,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO, United Way of R.I. “We cannot sit idly by, which is why we’re taking swift and decisive action, and investing additional funds in the community where they are desperately needed.”
Along with the special opportunity grants, the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way is offering targeted technical assistance to support nonprofits needing to adapt operations or build additional capacity to ensure organizational sustainability. Among the areas offered are scenario and strategic planning, revenue generation, grant writing, strategic partnerships, and restructuring of staffing.
Additionally, the Alliance has partnered with the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island, a new pro bono group of attorneys focused on responding to Executive Orders and actions by the administration, to provide legal assistance to local nonprofits. The Lawyers’ Committee will be coordinating training and technical assistance workshops, office hours, and consultation with attorneys to help organizations respond to a changing regulatory and funding environment. Nonprofits interested in learning more about the legal supports or technical assistance offered by the Alliance are encouraged to email alliance@unitedwayri.org.
United Way will host two Virtual Information Sessions to help provide guidance on the “United Is The Way” grant application process and funding priorities. Attendees must register online in advance to attend a session. A recording of the session will be made available on-demand for anyone unable to join one of the two live sessions.
- Info Session 1: Friday, April 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Info Session 2: Friday, April 11, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
There also will be the availability of Virtual Office Hours for organizations to receive one-on-one application support. Nonprofits seeking help during office hours must register for a session. These sessions will not include a presentation, rather they are opportunities for organizations to drop in and ask questions they may have.
- Office Hours 1: Friday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Office Hours 2: Friday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Office Hours 3: Friday, May 2, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Grant applications will be evaluated by a selection committee comprising United Way staff, community volunteers, and external stakeholders. Proposals will be assessed based on alignment with funding priorities, financial viability, organizational capacity, and anticipated community impact.
Those with technical questions about the application may contact Ruth Saah at ruth.saah@unitedwayri.org. For inquires regarding eligibility or programmatic focus, contact Roshni Darnal at roshni.darnal@unitedwayri.org or attend a virtual office hours session.