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The Countdown Is On: 401Gives Returns in Just Two Weeks
With its first ever “Weekend Edition,” Rhode Island’s largest single day of giving incorporates a number of exciting events and local happenings
Providence, Rhode Island (March 15, 2023) — Rhode Island is just two weeks away from its largest single day of giving when 401Gives returns in support of the state’s nonprofit sector and does so bigger than ever before. Not only has United Way of Rhode Island set the effort’s most ambitious goal yet, aiming to raise $4.01 million. 401Gives also will enjoy its first ever “Weekend Edition” and take over the Ocean State beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 31.
“This is the first time 401Gives falls on a Saturday, so we thought it’d make a powerful statement for our nonprofit community to extend its reach with new partnerships and fun happenings,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “Of course, the main objective remains — And that’s to elevate and support the vital work our nonprofits do every single day.”
401Gives, which pays homage to Rhode Island’s only ZIP Code and the April 1 date it is built around, first appeared in 2020. Created and powered by United Way and supported by local sponsors, including Papitto Opportunity Connection, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Foundation, and others, the unified day of giving helps nonprofits share their stories while making it easy for people to donate directly to them. So far, more than 500 local organizations have signed on to participate. Participating nonprofits are searchable at 401gives.org by both community and cause.
In 2022, Rhode Islanders made 20,153 donations to local nonprofits during 401Gives, raising more than $3.1 million for their work. That pushed the day’s three year total to nearly $7 million.
New this year is the addition of a signature 401Gives WaterFire on Saturday, April 1. Beginning at 7 p.m. there will be a WaterFire procession with nonprofits in Memorial Park, followed by a special partial lighting at 7:10 p.m. Throughout the lighting there will be QR codes placed to direct people to the 401Gives website to donate to local organizations. The lighting is sponsored by Rhode Island Energy. Additionally on April 1, the Providence Bruins will show their support of 401Gives during their 7 p.m. game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion — a game also serving as “Star Wars” night.
Other 401Gives-related happenings include Revival Brewing donating $1 from each sale of one of its signature drinks throughout the month of March. The proceeds will be put into a prize pool for a nonprofit to win during 401Gives. And there are a number of independent events being organized by participating nonprofits and open to the public. These can be found on the 401Gives Events webpage, which is updated regularly. One such event is Children’s Friend’s 401Gives Kickoff Party at Narragansett Beer in Providence on Friday, March 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. If you’re a nonprofit with an event to highlight, please email United Way at 401Gives@unitedwayri.org.
Also, there is still time for nonprofits to register to participate in this April’s 401Gives. Registration remains open until March 17, and nonprofits can sign up here and at 401gives.org.
For more information about 401Gives, or if there are questions, contact Caitlynn Douglas at (401) 444-0720, or email 401gives@unitedwayri.org.
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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.