Now more than ever, support is needed for the important work happening throughout the state’s nonprofit community. On Wednesday, April 1, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) will launch its anticipated new statewide giving campaign, 401Gives, making it easy for Rhode Islanders to donate to any of nearly 400 local organizations.

401Gives is being powered by UWRI and is supported by some of the state’s leading businesses, such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of RI and FM Global.

I caught up with Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way Rhode Island, today to discuss 401Gives.

As you’ll here, the day aims to raise a total of $1 million for nonprofits and in support of a wide range of causes, and will be conducted entirely using a unified online platform and via social media. Throughout April 1, the day’s fundraising total will be available and updated in real time at www.401Gives.org.

The website is now accepting donations and will continue to do so through 6 am on Thursday, April 2nd.

The Rhode Island Foundation has committed to match the first $50,000 raised on April 1. The day will also feature an additional $40,000 available to nonprofits through random prize drawings

To learn more about 401Gives, visit www.401Gives.org or email 401gives@uwri.org.

Listen to “Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way, discusses 401Gives” on Spreaker.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...