Frequently Asked Questions

What is United Way of Rhode Island’s mission?

Our mission is to mobilize the caring power of the community to improve the lives of people in need.

What does it mean to LIVE UNITED?

LIVING UNITED means together, united, we can make a difference in the lives of all Rhode Islanders. By LIVING UNITED, we can change lives. You can LIVE UNITED by joining thousands of others to make a difference—right here, right now! By making a contribution to our Community Impact Fund you will help provide our friends, families and neighbors with the building blocks of a good life: Education, Income and Housing.

What is United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Impact Fund?

The concept behind our Community Impact Fund is simple: we unite people, community will and dollars to create community impact. “Community Impact” means helping to make lasting changes in the community that will affect as many lives as possible. Contributions to our Community Impact Fund are invested to help people gain the skills they need to achieve financial stability and to assure that more people can locate essential services.

Why should I make a gift to United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Impact Fund?

Our Community Impact Fund is the best investment you can make if you want to help reduce need in Rhode Island. As a result of the generous and ongoing support of people like you, we have helped to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Rhode Islanders. Here are just some examples:

• More than 1,000 children are enrolled in high-quality child care and early learning programs.
• More than $50 million in tax refunds, credits and free tax preparation services have been provided to working Rhode Islanders since 2005.
• Nearly 1,500 people are now employed and on the road to self-sufficiency as a result of their successful completion of United Way of Rhode Island-funded job-skill development programs.
• More than 140 chronically homeless individuals and families have a place to call home today and can now access critical life-changing services to help them get back on their feet for the long term.
• Since United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island was launched in 2007, trained information and referral specialists have handled more than 385,000 calls from Rhode Islanders in need.

These are just a few of the people that we have helped and a fraction of the programs that we support. People like you make it all possible. Please LIVE UNITED by investing in United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Impact Fund. Every dollar counts. You can make a difference in the lives of all Rhode Islanders.

I’m on a tight budget. How can I afford to give?

Every gift counts. Even a very modest pledge per pay period can provide vital services to people in need across Rhode Island. By giving through payroll deduction, you can spread your gift throughout the year. Your gift, combined with that of your friends, neighbors and co-workers, adds up and can truly make a difference in our community.

How does United Way of Rhode Island make funding decisions?

United Way of Rhode Island engages community experts to develop action plans and make investment decisions in the areas of Education, Income and Housing. For our shorter term program grants, we conduct a competitive grant application process every three years. The most recent was in the spring of 2009. After extensive review by trained volunteers, more than $11.4 million was awarded to 38 different agencies across the state for the period of 2010-2012. A three-year funding commitment provides grantee agencies with a reliable source of revenue. United Way of Rhode Island receives periodic updates to monitor use of funds by grantee agencies and operational performance in regard to the achievement of program goals.

How will I know what you’ve done with my pledge to the Community Impact Fund?

Our web site, www.LIVEUNITEDri.org, is updated frequently with news and information about our work. We also communicate directly with our stakeholders such as donors about the investments we make and the impact those investments are making in the community.

How can I trust that my donation is going where I want it to go?

You will receive a detailed confirmation from United Way of Rhode Island to ensure your gift goes where you directed it. Please review the document promptly to make sure we have understood your instructions. If there are errors, please mark them directly on the form and mail it back to us immediately.

What is United Way of Rhode Island’s overall fundraising philosophy?

United Way of Rhode Island believes fundraising success is determined by how much potential donors know about an organization, its goals and its successes. Fundraising should always be conducted in a strictly voluntary manner.

I live or work outside Rhode Island. Why should I support United Way of Rhode Island?

Caring and need are not limited to state-line boundaries. As has been the case for many years, some of our donors, as well as some of the clients served by our community partners, live or work outside Rhode Island. As always, we will continue to serve their giving needs. If you choose you may direct your gift to a United Way in your home state through United Way of Rhode Island.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Yes. We do recommend that you consult a tax professional to help determine the most appropriate way to treat your contribution that is specific to your circumstances.

If I lose my job or can’t afford to pay my pledge, can I stop donating?

Yes. Contact the Human Resources department at your company to make arrangements.

How is United Way of Rhode Island governed?

United Way of Rhode Island is a local, independent 501(c)(3) organization, run by a diverse and qualified board of directors who are local Rhode Island volunteers that oversee our community initiatives, strategic planning, annual campaign, and financial operations. We also have a Community Advisory Board comprised of 60 Rhode Islanders who represent the spectrum of our state’s communities and businesses; these individuals generously contribute their time in an advisory capacity. Our Board of Directors oversees our community initiatives, our strategic planning, and our annual campaign and audits. Board members are also members of the Community Advisory Board.  Please visit our web site (www.LIVEUNITEDri.org) for a complete listing of our Board of Directors and Community Advisory Board members.

How are United Way of Rhode Island and United Way Worldwide related?

United Way of Rhode Island is an independent, self-governed organization run by a diverse and qualified group of local volunteers from the Rhode Island community. United Way Worldwide is the name of the global organization that is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Its purpose is to serve and support local United Ways by providing important administrative support. United Way of Rhode Island pays dues to United Way Worldwide in exchange for their support.