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United Way of Rhode Island Inc

Annual Giving
$13.5M
Grant Range
$25K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo
Success Rate
19%

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $13.5 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: 19% (45 awards from 238 applications for Community Impact Fund)
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months (fixed deadlines); rolling basis for emergency grants
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $75,000 (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: Rhode Island (statewide)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.unitedwayri.org/for-nonprofits/apply-for-grants/

General Contact: 401-444-0600

Grant Application Support:

Alliance for Nonprofit Impact (technical assistance): alliance@unitedwayri.org

Overview

United Way of Rhode Island was founded in 1926 as the Providence Community Fund and has evolved into the state's leading philanthropic organization. With annual grantmaking of approximately $13.5 million (2024), the organization operates under its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan with the mission of "uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders." In 2021, United Way committed to investing $100 million over five years to build racial equity, and by 2024 had already contributed more than $71.25 million toward this goal through programs, grants, and philanthropy. Under President and CEO Cortney Nicolato's leadership since 2018, the organization has transformed its grantmaking approach to better serve BIPOC-led organizations through unrestricted funding, multi-year grants, and simplified reporting requirements.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Impact Fund (three-year cycle 2023-2026)

  • Amount: Up to $75,000 per year for three years
  • Total investment: $10 million over three years
  • Application method: Fixed deadline with RFP process
  • Recent cycle: 43 organizations funded in first year with $3.2 million

"United Is The Way" Safety Net Grants

  • Amount: Up to $50,000 (average $25,000-$30,000)
  • Purpose: Emergency funding for nonprofits experiencing government funding reductions/delays or increased client demand
  • Application method: Rolling basis through online portal
  • Grant type: General operating support

Providence Equity Fund

  • Amount: Up to $50,000 per year for two years
  • Geographic focus: City of Providence only
  • Recent cycle: 15 organizations awarded $1.5 million (2024)
  • Application method: Invitation or RFP-based

Women United Fund

  • Focus: Childhood literacy initiatives
  • Application method: Recommended by United Way or through partnership

Priority Areas

United Way's LIVE UNITED 2025 plan identifies four strategic focus areas:

LIFT UNITED: Building Economic Security

  • Affordable housing
  • Care coordination
  • Adult education and job training
  • Support for women- and minority-owned businesses
  • Workforce development programs

ACHIEVE UNITED: Advancing Childhood Learning

  • School readiness programs
  • Literacy initiatives
  • Out-of-school time programs
  • Afterschool and summer learning opportunities
  • Experiential learning for underserved communities

INVEST UNITED: Expanding Philanthropy

  • Nonprofit resiliency and leadership development
  • Donor engagement
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Volunteer opportunities

DRIVE UNITED: Policy and Participation

  • Community-based advocacy for social justice
  • Public policy and research
  • Advocacy training for Rhode Islanders
  • Voter engagement initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While United Way doesn't publish a comprehensive exclusions list, they have stated:

  • They do not make grants to individuals or for scholarships
  • It is rare for United Way to fund capital projects or event sponsorships

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Cortney Nicolato, MS (appointed 2018)

Nicolato previously served as President & CEO of The Senior Source in Dallas and returned to Rhode Island with a commitment to tackling the state's biggest challenges. She has stated: "Taking on Rhode Island's biggest challenges, like building racial equity, requires big investments in the most innovative nonprofit organizations in our state. With the support of our donors, sponsors, and corporate champions, we are driving changes in our state that benefit every Rhode Islander."

Chief of Staff and Public Affairs Officer: Kyle Bennett

Chief Impact and Equity Officer: Larry Warner, DrPH

Chief Development Officer: Tiffany Reed

Board of Directors: The organization maintains an active board of trustees (specific members listed on website at unitedwayri.org/about-us/boards/)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through United Way's online grants portal available at unitedwayri.org/for-nonprofits/apply-for-grants/

Application Support Resources:

  • Virtual information sessions (typically held for each grant cycle with advance registration required)
  • One-on-one application support during virtual office hours
  • Alliance for Nonprofit Impact offers technical assistance including scenario planning, strategic planning, revenue generation, grant writing support, and staffing models

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a Rhode Island-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status OR work with a qualifying fiscal sponsor
  • Organizations led by BIPOC-identifying staff and boards are prioritized
  • Must demonstrate intentional work to advance Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
  • Must align with United Way's mission to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders

Decision Timeline

Community Impact Fund (fixed deadline cycle):

  • Application deadline to funding decision: 2-3 months
  • Example: January 29 deadline → April notifications

"United Is The Way" Emergency Grants (rolling basis):

  • Applications evaluated on rolling basis
  • Specific timeline not published but faster turnaround than fixed cycles

Evaluation Process:

  • Multi-phase review process conducted by committee of 29 reviewers (for Community Impact Fund)
  • Selection committee comprises United Way staff, community volunteers, and external stakeholders
  • Proposals assessed holistically on multiple criteria

Success Rates

Community Impact Fund (2023-2026 cycle):

  • Applications received: 238
  • Total funding requested: $17.8 million
  • Organizations funded: 45
  • Success rate: 19%

This competitive success rate reflects the organization's rigorous evaluation process and commitment to funding organizations deeply aligned with their racial equity mission.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Organizations should contact United Way directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Based on United Way of Rhode Island's documented evaluation criteria and funding patterns, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Strong JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Alignment

Proposals are explicitly scored on JEDI plans and implementation. The organization prioritizes nonprofits that:

  • Support and serve communities of color
  • Are led by BIPOC-identifying staff (Executive Director, Paid/Unpaid Executive Leadership, Program Directors, Lead Operational Roles)
  • Have boards with at least 50% BIPOC representation
  • Demonstrate intentional work to advance JEDI within the organization and in their programs

2. Alignment with LIVE UNITED 2025 Strategic Priorities

Applications must clearly demonstrate how proposed work advances one or more of the four focus areas (Lift United, Achieve United, Invest United, Drive United). The review committee scores proposals on "alignment with United Way's mission."

3. Organizational Readiness and Capacity

The multi-phase review assesses:

  • Financial viability
  • Organizational capacity
  • Organizational readiness to invest
  • Anticipated community impact

4. Population Served and Geographic Reach

Successful proposals clearly define their target population and demonstrate reach within Rhode Island communities. Applications should specify how programs address racial inequities and serve underserved populations.

5. Specific Examples of Funded Organizations

Recent grantees addressing racial equity include:

  • Building Futures (construction pre-apprenticeship programs)
  • Rhode Island Black Business Association (economic empowerment)
  • College Visions and College Unbound (educational opportunities)
  • Sojourner House (supportive services)
  • Providence Student Union (youth advocacy)
  • Economic Progress Institute (policy research)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • JEDI is paramount: United Way's grant program overhaul specifically prioritizes organizations led by BIPOC leaders with strong JEDI implementation. If your organization has at least 50% BIPOC board representation and BIPOC executive leadership, highlight this prominently.

  • Competition is significant: With a 19% success rate (238 applications, 45 funded), applications must be exceptionally strong. Attend information sessions and utilize one-on-one office hours to strengthen your proposal.

  • Unrestricted funding philosophy: United Way shifted to awarding only unrestricted general operating grants and instituted nontraditional reporting. Frame your proposal around organizational capacity and mission alignment rather than narrow project outcomes.

  • Multi-year commitment: The Community Impact Fund offers three years of funding rather than the traditional two-year cycle, demonstrating United Way's commitment to sustained partnerships. Emphasize your long-term sustainability and organizational trajectory.

  • Racial equity must be explicit: Every funded program must demonstrate how it addresses the root causes of racial inequities. Generic diversity statements won't suffice—show specific strategies and outcomes related to advancing racial equity.

  • Consider the emergency fund: If your organization is experiencing government funding disruptions or increased demand, the rolling "United Is The Way" grants may provide faster access to general operating support.

  • Leverage technical assistance: The Alliance for Nonprofit Impact provides free support. Engaging with these resources before applying demonstrates commitment to strengthening your application and organizational capacity.

References

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