At United Way of Rhode Island, we often say: we are what you need, when you need us, how you need us. The last five years have tested that promise in ways none of us could have imagined. Through a global pandemic, economic upheaval, and deepening inequities, we stayed true to the vision laid out in our Live United 2025 Strategic Plan—built on four pillars: Lift, Achieve, Invest, and Advocate.

When we launched this plan, we chose to go deeper rather than wider—tackling the root causes of inequity, not just the symptoms, and committing to a Rhode Island where everyone has equal opportunity for justice and prosperity.

That commitment took many forms:

Lift

Expanded access to affordable housing, economic mobility, and essential supports like 211.

Invest

Launched the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact to build nonprofit resiliency, grow leadership of color, and strengthen the sector’s ability to serve Rhode Islanders.

Achieve

Strengthened literacy, out-of-school learning, and pathways for young people of color to succeed.

Advocate

Amplified community voice, advancing equity-focused policy, and training hundreds of Rhode Islanders to engage in civic life.

We also made a fundamental shift in how we fund. Guided by trust-based philanthropy, we moved away from transactional grantmaking toward partnerships built on trust, transparency, and shared learning. We invested in multi-year, unrestricted funding—especially for BIPOC-led and culturally specific organizations—recognizing that stability and trust are essential for lasting change.

None of this would have been possible without you—our donors, partners, and volunteers. Your generosity has powered every step of this journey. You helped us not just respond to crises, but reimagine what’s possible when equity is at the center.

As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2026, we carry forward both a rich legacy and a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges before us remain urgent. But together, we have shown what is possible when community unites behind a common vision.

With your continued partnership, we will build on the foundation of Live United 2025 to ensure a Strong Rhode Island now and into the future.

With gratitude,