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United Way of Rhode Island Makes $3 Million Available to Local Nonprofits
Grants advance organization’s mission of building racial equity and opportunity; request for proposal period remains open until Jan. 29, 2023
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (Dec. 6, 2022) — A total of $3 million in annual funding is being made available to nonprofits across the Ocean State by United Way of Rhode Island. The grants will be awarded from the organization’s Community Impact Fund to nonprofits whose work advances United Way’s mission of building racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.
The request for proposal (RFP) period is currently open. Interested organizations must submit a full proposal by Jan. 29, 2023. The application process is available through United Way’s website.
“Nonprofits are innovative organizations whose work is breaking down the systemic inequities in our communities,” said Roshni Darnal, United Way’s director of community investments. “We are proud to partner with them and eager to learn more about their great work in our communities.”
United Way has made targeted changes to its grant program to better serve organizations whose work is rooted in actively advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The changes include offering three years of funding instead of two, awarding only unrestricted grants, and prioritizing nonprofits working with, and reflective of, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Organizations can apply for up to $75,000 in annual funding for the three-year period of 2023 to 2026. Proposals should align with the priorities of United Way’s LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan. The pillars of the plan and the leading priorities for this funding opportunity are:
- Achieve United: Expanding experiential learning for K – 3 students in underserved communities; increasing the availability of and enrollment in out-of-school time programs available to middle and high school BIPOC youth.
- Advocate United: Community-based advocacy for social justice and to advance racial equity; municipal level policy and advocacy work for the development of policies and budgets which advance equity.
- Lift United: Increasing access to safe, affordable housing; tenants’ rights and advocacy; removing systemic barriers to employment; job training and educational opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders, especially from BIPOC communities; digital equity and strengthening the distance learning infrastructure.
Information Sessions: United Way has scheduled a selection of virtual info sessions over the next two weeks. They will be held on Dec. 13, 16, and 19. Each will feature an overview and walkthrough of the application and review process, and a Q&A session. Registration is required and is available online or by emailing Roshni Darnal at roshni.darnal@unitedwayri.org.
Virtual Office Hours: In addition to the information sessions, United Way staff will hold a series of virtual office hours via Zoom between Jan. 5 to 13, 2023. A full schedule and registration can be found online or by emailing roshni.darnal@unitedwayri.org.
Questions regarding the RFP, organizational eligibility, or United Way’s funding priorities may be directed to roshni.darnal@unitedwayri.org.
Funding decisions and notifications will be made in April 2023.
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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.