United Way establishes COVID-19 Response Fund

United Way of Rhode Island and The Rhode Island Foundation announce the Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund, together having already raised $1.5 million. The fund will support the needs of local nonprofits that provide direct service in the community, and whose programs are impacted by COVID-19 response efforts.

The COVID-19 Response Fund at United Way of Rhode Island has been created to assist the nonprofit organizations most impacted by the current health crisis, and to provide resources to meet the most urgent needs. UWRI and the CVS Health Foundation have each contributed lead gifts, and other corporate leaders have made significant gifts including BankNewport, as well as Amica, Bank of America, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Centreville Bank, FM Global, Hasbro Inc., National Grid, Webster Bank, StrategicPoint Investors, and Neighborhood Health Plan of RI. As the crisis’ full implication to the state’s nonprofit community is unknown, additional contributions are needed and can be made directly to either United Way of Rhode Island or The Rhode Island Foundation.

“United Way has a nearly 100-year history of serving the Rhode Island community and stepping up during times of emergency,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of UWRI. “We are in the midst of an epidemic that has put tremendous strain on the nonprofits whose work puts them on the frontline to meet the most critical of needs of our neighbors. This is a time for us all to unite, because we know that when Rhode Islanders join together to help each other, we can overcome anything.”

As part of its statewide role during times of emergency, United Way of Rhode Island’s 2-1-1 Call Center continues to assist the Rhode Island Department of Health with call center support, and remains in constant communication with the RI Emergency Management Agency and the Governor’s Office. During the first week of the COVID-19 crisis, UWRI 2-1-1 handled more than 1,000 calls from Rhode Islanders. Residents’ major needs right now focus on where to get meals and SNAP benefits, assisting elderly family members, and how to apply for temporary unemployment benefits or utilities assistance.

In addition – and as part of establishing the response fund – UWRI polled the nonprofit community, receiving sobering news in return. Given the circumstances, nonprofits described major disruptions to operations and services, and great need for financial assistance and supplies.

Urgent needs include grocery gift cards and meals for low-income families; internet access, smart devices, laptops and technical support to enable remote work; cleaning supplies, sanitizers, gloves and masks for frontline, direct service employees; diapers, basic medical supplies, and pet food for family service organizations; and utility relief and rental assistance to support displaced workers.

Rhode Islanders are encouraged to give to all organizations they trust as every nonprofit in the state feels the effect of this crisis.

With the Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund, United Way of Rhode Island and The Rhode Island Foundation will work in partnership to rapidly deploy funds to nonprofits responding to the COVID-19 crisis, with the two organizations jointly managing the grantmaking process. The Fund is not available to make grants to individuals.

Community members can support the COVID-19 Response Fund at United Way of Rhode Island by making gifts online (https://uwriweb.org/Covid19Fund), by check, through a United Way MyFund account or other donor advised fund, or by texting RICOVID19 to 51555.

Interested philanthropic and business partners may contact Brooke Havens, EVP, chief development officer, at brooke.havens@uwri.org or 444-0625.

Nonprofits interested in learning more and applying for funds are asked to contact Larry Warner, director of grants and strategic initiatives, at larry.warner@uwri.org or 444-0660.