Securing Affordable Housing for All
We are investing in and advocating for systems and programs that re-imagine housing so that it is safe and affordable for everyone who lives in our state.
Where we go deep,
rather than wide
We target the root causes that have kept Rhode Islanders from thriving, while continuing to serve everyone in need. Three priorities carry that work.
Building Economic Security
What we’re up against:
Families struggling to make ends meet are often one flat tire or unexpected medical bill away from not being able to pay their rent that month.
Expand access to adult education and job training programs, especially for multi-language learners.
Ensure these programs train our neighbours for the livable-wage jobs of tomorrow, as well as of today.
Support the growth and stability of businesses owned by women and minorities in Rhode Island, which in turn will drive economic growth in our state.
What we’re doing to build economic security
Investing in Care Coordination for 211 Callers
When Rhode Islanders call 211, they often need immediate help. Each year, 211 connects roughly 200,000 callers with essential resources. We are now building a more coordinated system to make access faster, simpler and more comprehensive, starting with an upgrade to 211 technology.
How you can help build economic security
Youth and Learning
What we’re up against:
Eighty percent of learning happens outside the classroom. Unfortunately, families struggling to make ends meet often don’t have the time, money, or access to provide these out-of-classroom experiences.
Expand access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning, especially in communities with the greatest access needs.
Increase literacy by helping more Rhode Island children build strong reading skills and enter the classroom ready to learn.
Secure funding and partnerships that strengthen schools, support youth, and expand out-of-school learning across Rhode Island.
What we’re doing to advance childhood learning
Advocating for resources to build literacy
United Way of Rhode Island helps children build a love of reading and enter the classroom ready to learn. We engage families, youth, and community partners to advocate for resources, strengthen schools, and expand support for literacy, especially in communities where more students are reading below grade level.
Apply for out-of-school time learning grants
United Way of Rhode Island works to expand access to high-quality out-of-school learning and create stronger pathways for young people. We advocate for state funding in communities with the greatest need and support programs focused on restorative justice, youth leadership, and trauma-informed care.
How you can help advance childhood learning
Nonprofit Strength and Philanthropy
What we’re up against:
Rhode Island’s 3,500 charitable nonprofits do not all have access to the resources and data they need to grow, achieve, and sustain their mission. This is especially true of organizations led by and serving people of color.
Rhode Island is among the states with the highest portion of workers employed in the nonprofit sector, but one of the lowest in terms of the portion of households that give to charity each year.
Rhode Island’s 3,500 charitable nonprofits do not have access to the resources and data they need to grow, achieve, and sustain their mission. This is especially true of organizations led by and serving people of color. As a result of the outsized challenges faced by nonprofit leaders of color, they are substantially underrepresented in the sector.
What we’re doing to expand philanthropy
Corporations’ Role as Community Champions
We help companies deepen and measure their corporate social responsibility. Through workplace partnerships, campaigns, and year-round support, we help drive giving, volunteerism, and meaningful local impact.
Developing Nonprofit Leadership and Resiliency
We work with nonprofit partners to strengthen leadership, improve operations, encourage collaboration, and support impact measurement. Our programs include the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island, Executive Director Leadership Council, 401Gives, and expanded professional development.
Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity
Through the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact we give Rhode Island nonprofits the training, tools, shared data, and peer network they need to grow and sustain their work — with a focus on organizations led by and serving communities of color.
Empowering Donors of Today and Tomorrow
We create meaningful ways for donors to connect with the causes they care about, give, and volunteer. Through workplace campaigns and 401Gives, we make it easier for Rhode Islanders to support local nonprofits and strengthen communities across the state.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Givers
We create opportunities for younger Rhode Islanders to find the causes they care about, and we back the leaders coming up behind us with mentorship, networks, and new ways to give.
How you can help expand philanthropy
“If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself — something to repair tears in your community, something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That’s what I think a meaningful life is: living not for oneself, but for one’s community.”
Advocacy and Community Voice
What we’re up against:
The data shows that systemic inequities are the root causes of intergenerational poverty among people of color. Despite our best efforts, our progress to date has been hampered by these systemic barriers.
That’s why equity, particularly racial equity, needs to be at the forefront of decisions in municipal, state, and federal policy. Until everyone has an equal shot at the starting line, our work will never reach its full potential.
That’s why equity, particularly racial equity, needs to be at the forefront of decisions in municipal, state and federal policy. Until we can make sure everyone has an equal shot at the starting line, our work will never reach its full potential. Moreover, investments in the most critical areas of need in Rhode Island, such as housing and education, have seen dramatic reductions over the years, rather than improvements in line with the demand.
What we’re doing to drive systemic change
Driving Systemic Change Through Policy and Research
We advocate for access to critical services, equitable representation, and policies that strengthen communities — and we support the research, data systems, and local organizations working to remove barriers and improve outcomes across Rhode Island.
See our policy work
Encouraging Civic Participation
We create tools and programs that help Rhode Islanders participate in civic life, advocate for the issues they care about, and make their voices heard. Through initiatives like Advocacy 101, we are expanding access to civic education statewide.
Join Advocacy 101Reforming the Criminal Justice System
We support policies and programs that reduce the school-to-prison pipeline and help Rhode Islanders rebuild stability during and after incarceration, focused on stronger pathways to education, opportunity, and long-term support.
Learn moreUnited is the Way
Advocate
Get behind what you care about. Share your voice, lend your name, and get involved.
Find out how