United Way of Rhode Island, founded in 1926, serves the whole state through its statewide 211 line, free tax preparation, and grants to local programs. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across the whole state, and it operates the statewide 211 line that connects Rhode Islanders to help. It supports free tax preparation and leads the state's ALICE research.
Cortney Nicolato serves as president and CEO. The organization has anchored statewide giving since 1926.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, the statewide front door to social services. United Way of Rhode Island operates it, handling about 200,000 requests for help each year for housing, food, child care, and more.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 Rhode Island | The statewide front door to social services; about 200,000 requests for help a year. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation for working Rhode Islanders, claiming credits like the EITC. |
| ALICE research | Data on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across the state. |
The 211 call center launched in June 2007, building on the affiliate's earlier helpline services.
United Way uses the ALICE framework, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, to describe households that earn above the poverty line but cannot afford a bare-bones budget. The data shapes where the affiliate directs funding across Rhode Island.
Because Rhode Island is a small, single-state service area, the affiliate's 211 and ALICE work reaches communities everywhere in the state.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and the statewide 211 line.
Volunteers help in many ways, including free tax preparation. United Way of Rhode Island holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 05-0276059.
The statewide front door to social services.
Free tax filing that returns credits to families.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs statewide.
Programs supporting students and families.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Rhode Island (unitedwayri.org) and 211 pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 05-0276059). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Rhode Island and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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