impact network
Making lasting change in the community
We invite you to become more deeply involved in United Way’s mission.
United Way’s Impact Network provides passionate individuals the opportunity to make lasting change in our community.
Thousands of Rhode Islanders unite as the Impact Network of United Way. Each year, they give gifts of all sizes to United Way’s Community Impact Fund because they see a future where every individual in each community has equal opportunity for justice and prosperity.
As a member of our Impact Network, you join with others to shape change by helping to influence and guide our work. You don’t just help people; you play an active role in transforming how they are helped.
Unite for change with the Impact Network.
INVEST UNITED
Individuals invest what they can to United Way’s Community Impact Fund because they are committed to a more equitable Rhode Island.
EMERGING LEADERS
Emerging Leaders brings together young professionals who lead their peers to improve the community around them. They combine their passion with action and gifts of $25/month to drive change with United Way. For more information, contact Juniper Darrow at juniper.darrow@unitedwayri.org.
LEADERS UNITED
Rhode Islanders who commit at least $84/month to the Community Impact Fund to address disparities and take action. For more information, contact Paula Manseau at Paula.Manseau@unitedwayri.org
WOMEN UNITED
Women United works to further childhood literacy in Rhode Island through grantmaking and volunteering. All members make gifts of at least $1,000 annually to support this focus. For more information, contact Karen Alzate at karen.alzate@unitedwayri.org.
TOCQUEVILLE UNITED
Philanthropic leaders who give $10,000 or more annually with at least $2,500 invested in United Way’s Community Impact Fund. For more information, contact Judy Dumas at judy.dumas@unitedwayri.org.
CHANGE MAKERS
Individuals who transform our community by uniting their voices and gifts of $10,000 or more each year to the Community Impact Fund. For more information, contact Jessica Barry at jessica.barry@unitedwayri.org.
LEGACY CIRCLE
Our most dedicated donors, whose generosity shapes the future of our community and drives meaningful, lasting change in people's lives. Through their planned gifts, they create an impact that resonates not only during their lifetime but for generations to come. Learn more about Planned Giving and how it's making an impact.
Learn more about Planned Giving and how it's making an impact.
As an Impact Network member, you will have the opportunity to see your work in action. In addition to helping Rhode Islanders in need, you will also enjoy other exclusive benefits, including:
- Joining a statewide network of philanthropic leaders
- Exclusive United Way events
- The opportunity to involve family members through MyFund and volunteer programs
- Access to MyFund, your personal charitable account
- Public recognition in United Way’s annual Community Impact Report
MyFund, a charitable giving account with concierge service
MyFund is United Way of Rhode Island's proprietary charitable giving account. It makes donations to all your favorite charities quick, easy, and secure. Add funds, send gifts, view and print statements in one place, at any time. Consolidate your giving and receive one tax receipt.
With MyFund, you'll get a personal United Way representative to answer your questions throughout the year. Giving society members especially appreciate advice and assistance involving family members in giving via MyFund.
Learn more or, if you already have an account, login at MyFund.org.
United Way of Rhode Island Statement on the House Budget Cuts
United is the Way— and that means standing up for every Rhode Islander.
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe budgets are moral documents — they reveal what we truly value. The budget passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22 fails that test.
This federal budget proposal would devastate communities across our state. It includes sweeping cuts to programs that tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders rely on — putting healthcare, food assistance, housing, education, and veterans’ services at risk.
Slashing Medicaid funding and adding harsh work requirements would jeopardize care for more than 366,000 Rhode Islanders — including older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans who’ve earned better. Cuts to SNAP would force families to choose between food and rent. And new restrictions on services for homeless students and immigrant families betray our most basic commitments to dignity and fairness.
Every day, through 211, we hear the real stories behind the headlines — Rhode Islanders struggling to afford food, find housing, or access healthcare — and we’re here, answering the call, connecting them to the help they need.
By gutting funding for clean energy, stripping environmental protections, and attacking safety net services, this bill tears at the very foundation of strong communities.
Rhode Island should never be punished for choosing compassion — for expanding healthcare access, investing in sustainability, and protecting our neighbors. This isn’t just bad policy. It’s a betrayal of what we stand for.
Rhode Island deserves a budget that builds people up — not one that tears them down in the name of tax cuts.
It is critical that we advocate for the needs of our residents and take action that shows
United Is The Way. Because fairness and dignity, is critical to create a Rhode Island where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
📞 Call your U.S. Senators today and tell them you stand with them in standing up for the people of Rhode Island.
Senator Jack Reed: (401) 943-3100 https://www.reed.senate.gov/contact
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: (401) 453- 5294 https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/contact/
Contact Jack | U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
Statement from United Way of Rhode Island on the Election of Senate President Valarie Lawson
United Way of Rhode Island congratulates Senator Valarie Lawson on her election as Senate President. As an educator, labor leader, and dedicated public servant, President Lawson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to equity, opportunity, and community engagement.
United Way to Release RFP Friday for “United Is The Way” Safety Net Grants for Nonprofits Providing Critical Services to Rhode Islanders
With a priority to expand support for nonprofits and families amid growing federal uncertainty, United Way of Rhode Island is set to release a request for proposals (RFP) on Friday for new safety net grants through its “United Is The Way” initiative. (more…)
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office on Warwick Campus
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
United Way Accelerates $1.5 Million in Grant Payments to Support Rhode Island Nonprofits Amid Funding Uncertainty
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.
United Way Hosts 13th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Day of Action 2025
Day of Action is a worldwide United Way event, offering volunteer opportunities focused on the work of local United Way organizations. In Rhode Island, the Day of Action will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM to sort, label, and prepare the books for distribution to children in summer learning and afterschool programs.
To register, please click here: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383931
Advocacy 101
Wednesday June 4th 5pm via Zoom (in person TBD)
Led by Peggy Desjarlais, Program Officer, Policy & Advocacy
Ready to make a difference? Join us for Advocacy 101, a dynamic training designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to effectively advocate for the causes you care about. Learn how to share your story, engage with policymakers, and drive meaningful change in your community. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this training will empower you to amplify your voice and take action. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a stronger advocate for the issues that matter most!
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135373834