United Way, RI Foundation Establish Coronavirus Response Fund to Support Nonprofits

GoLocalProv News Team

United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) is teaming with the Rhode Island Foundation to establish the Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund to support local nonprofits.

The fund has already raised $1.5 million.

“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,” said Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, UWRI.

Community members can support the COVID-19 Response Fund at United Way of Rhode Island by making gifts online.

The Fund

According to United Way, the fund 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.

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.

2-1-1 Call Center Still Operational

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.

UWRI 2-1-1 handled more than 1,000 calls from Rhode Islanders during the first week of the coronavirus.