United Way, RI Foundation Raise $5.8M For Coronavirus Relief

The Rhode Island Foundation and United Way have raised $5.8 million and awarded several million in grants to nonprofit organizations in the state amidst the coronavirus crisis. The coronavirus recovery fund has awarded $3.6 million so far, a spokesperson for the foundation said.

"Throughout the entire state, nonprofit organizations are stepping up to assist neighbors in need during this unprecedented and uncertain time," said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation's CEO and president. "It’s truly heartening to see the response."

The fund, launched just three weeks ago, has more than tripled its initial investment of $1.5 million. Thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, the amount of donations nearly doubled within one day after it was announced.

The grants distributed so far have benefited community organizations around the state, as well as some statewide services. Some of the organizations and what they are doing with the funds are listed below.

• The Barrington Tap-In will use the money to supply food, household items and toiletries for East Bay residents who need them.
• The Boys and Girls Club of East Proividence will provide delivery of free meal kits, more than 400 per day for the remainder of the school year, to residents who ask for them.
• Comprehensive Community Action Program in Cranston will offset tele-health costs for remote technology to serve vulnerable, integrated health patients.
• The Newport Partnership for Families will supply the San José Food Pantry with enough non-perishable food and household supplies to serve up to 200 Newport families for up to a month.
• The North Kingstown Food Pantry will to provide food to more than 1,200 people.
• Thundermist Health Center will support its emergency response and operational needs. The health center, which operates clinics in South Kingstown, West Warwick and Woonsocket, estimates the funding will impact more than 52,000 patients.
• Tri-County Community Action Program in Johnston will fund direct support such as emergency food, sanitary supplies, medical expense relief and rental and utility assistance to clients.
• Child & Family in Middletown will support approximately 210 households through community-based programs and the Family Care Community Partnership. In addition, more than 500 seniors will receive case management services, many remotely, to ensure they remain healthy and connected in their homes during this crisis.

"We’re committed to getting this funding to where it is needed the most," Steinberg said. "Thanks to our generous donors, these grants will provide a safety net to support many Rhode Islanders. We also welcome more donations to the fund, so that we are able to continue to meet community need."

The fund was created through a partnership between the United Way and Rhode Island Foundation. Cortney Nicolato, the president and CEO of the United Way of Rhode Island, said that nonprofits around the state are feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Being able to quickly support them, and Rhode Islanders with their most basic needs has the ability to not only provide comfort, but to save lives," Nicolato said. "As this health crisis will continue for some time, I am grateful for every donor who has stepped up so far, for the donations to come, and to every nonprofit employee who continues to show up, every day, to take care of our families and neighbors."

Anyone who is interested in making a donation to the fund can do so through the Foundation's or United Way's websites.

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