Over the past several years, United Way of Rhode Island has tested and refined elements of a place-based, collective impact approach through partnerships in Providence, including investments in Providence Equity Fund; Family Stability Initiative (in partnership with the Siemer Institute); The Guaranteed Income Pilot, in partnership with the City of Providence; and coordinated service delivery and economic mobility initiatives such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative. These efforts consistently demonstrate the value of aligning community partners around shared outcomes, coordinated referrals, and family-centered support systems.

This funding opportunity builds upon those lessons and reflects a broader movement across the United Way network.  United Way defines collective impact as a structured form of collaboration in which organizations align around shared outcomes, common measures, coordinated activities, and continuous learning to create meaningful community-level change. More than 75 United Ways nationwide are implementing collective impact and place-based strategies designed to strengthen local ecosystems, improve service coordination, and advance long-term outcomes for families.