Providence, R.I. (April 14, 2025) – Recognizing the urgency of the financial strain facing local nonprofits, United Way of Rhode Island is taking a major step to provide timely critical support to its funded partners. The organization has released more than $1.5 million in grant payments nearly three months ahead of schedule, delivering early disbursements to 41 nonprofits across the state.
The decision to accelerate funding is in direct response to recent nonprofit sector data and the organization’s ongoing conversations with grantee partners and community-based programs. It also is a key action within United Way’s broader “United Is The Way” initiative, which the organization launched last month to strengthen the state’s nonprofit community and expand service to Rhode Islanders during economic and policy instability.
“Many organizations are navigating extraordinary demand while operating on razor-thin margins and with minimal reserves, both of which have been exacerbated by the funding freeze and ever-evolving policy changes at the federal level,” said Nancy Wolanski, Director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of RI. “Cash flow is a critical issue for nonprofits that can impact essential programs and services. Our community needs us to step up, and so we are.”
The accelerated funding to nonprofits comes from United Way’s Community Impact Fund and represents the final disbursements of a three-year grant cycle in which the organization awarded a total of $10 million to local nonprofits. Traditionally, this disbursement would be made in early July.
According to a recent nonprofit sector survey, 42 percent of organizations have less than three months of cash reserves while 96 percent of organizations who provide support for basic needs reported demand as being higher than during the pandemic.
Grants awarded from United Way’s Community Impact Fund are unrestricted operating funds, an intentional change by the organization to better meet the needs of nonprofits in any given moment. The change reflects United Way’s commitment to building nonprofit resilience that enables organizations to continue delivering the high-impact services that change lives.
“This isn’t just about cutting checks earlier – it’s about sustaining essential services, empowering innovation, and giving our partners the flexibility to plan, adapt, and move forward with confidence,” said Larry Warner, DrPH, United Way’s Chief Impact and Equity Officer.”
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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. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, 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 to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.