Rhode Islanders didn’t wait long to open their wallets.
401Gives, the statewide day of giving powered by United Way of Rhode Island, surpassed $1 million in donations by 9:42 a.m. Tuesday — just a few hours after giving began — with more than 3,700 donors contributing to 602 nonprofits.
The Haitian Project led all organizations with $77,100 raised as of that milestone, followed by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at $61,860 and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island at more than $52,000. Early donations supported a broad range of causes including education, animal welfare, basic needs, youth programs, the arts and environmental conservation.
“This is Rhode Island at its best, neighbors showing up for neighbors,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “The generosity that we’ve seen this morning and that we see every 401Gives sends a powerful message that our nonprofits matter and that we are here to support them just as they support all of us.”
The morning also featured a $20,000 matching gift from the Papitto Opportunity Connection, which was met within seconds of being announced. Four nonprofits each received $500 bonuses at 8 a.m. for engaging new donors. A $25,000 match from Rhode Island Energy is set to begin at noon.
Donors can give to any of more than 700 Rhode Island-based nonprofits at 401Gives.org by searching by cause, community or location.
