01 Feb

POC Becomes 401Gives Presenting Sponsor

Papitto Opportunity Connection Becomes Presenting Sponsor of 401Gives for 2022

More than 300 local nonprofits have already signed up to participate in Rhode Island’s largest single day of giving — an effort that raised $2.3 million in 2021

Providence, R.I. (February 1, 2022) — With exactly two months to go until the return of Rhode Island’s largest single day of giving in support of hundreds of local nonprofits, 401Gives has a special presenting sponsor for 2022: Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC). With the POC’s investment in 401Gives, United Way of Rhode Island will amplify community engagement, as well as expand the day’s prize and matching gift pools for nonprofits.

In a little more than a year since its founding, the POC — a private, nonprofit foundation — has committed more than $40 million in organizational grants and scholarships to help empower Rhode Island’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Papitto Opportunity Connection as a partner and for how their mission aligns so closely with the goals of our LIVE UNITED 2025 plan, including the need to strengthen our state’s nonprofit sector,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way. “401Gives is all about uplifting the essential work of nonprofits, and with this generous sponsorship, we’ll be able to provide an even greater level of support to organizations.”

Held on April 1 and created and powered by United Way, 401Gives is a unified day that helps nonprofits tell their stories while engaging the community and making it easy for people to donate directly to any of hundreds of causes. Any Rhode Island-based nonprofit that wishes to participate and raise funds for their work can do so online at 401gives.org. So far, more than 300 nonprofits have registered. For 2022, United Way has set the goal of raising $4 million in just 24 hours.

“Connecting and collaborating to bring Rhode Island’s nonprofit communities together is a core part of POC’s mission, and we are proud to stand together with United Way of Rhode Island to help strengthen our state’s nonprofit sector,” said Barbara Papitto, founder and trustee of the Papitto Opportunity Connection. “401Gives is a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about the important work of our nonprofit community, and we hope those stories inspire others to give to organizations that are meaningful to them.”

Nonprofits have until Tuesday, March 15 to register to participate. As part of the 401Gives experience and to help maximize the impact the day can have on an organization, United Way has scheduled a series of trainings and workshops to share insights and best practices. Sessions are geared to both returning and new nonprofit participants, including a Marketing & Engagement Boot Camp; a look at back-end capabilities of adding photos and stories, and sending emails; and panel discussions. Virtual office hours offered via Zoom are also available.

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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, and Twitter.