United Way launches Alliance for Nonprofit Impact to assist Rhode Island nonprofits

First-of-its-kind statewide advocacy and resource center for local nonprofits has been years in the making

Years of planning, research and work was realized January 18th when United Way of Rhode Island officially launched the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact during an event at the Southside Cultural Center of RI in Providence. A first-of-its-kind in the Ocean State, the Alliance was created as a singular advocacy organization to serve Rhode Island’s entire nonprofit sector and support the vital services it provides our communities.

The Alliance is led by director Nancy Wolanski, who was hired in August 2023 after previously serving as the longtime executive director of the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island. The Alliance will work to strengthen the capacity of the state’s nonprofit organizations through specialized services, trainings, programming, practical tools, and more, with a particular focus on the needs of BIPOC-led and smaller organizations. In addition, the Alliance will be working to improve the “ecosystem” in which nonprofits operate – strengthening connections with funders and communities, addressing structural inequities and regulatory hurdles, and increasing nonprofit involvement and voice in the development of policy and research. It is being incubated within United Way and received $1 million in funding over four years from the Papitto Opportunity Connection. The Alliance has also received a Network Innovation Matching Grant from RI Commerce and a grant from the Barr Foundation.

“Nonprofit organizations are the anchor of our communities, a significant economic engine, and the provider of essential services across the Ocean State. For so long, Rhode Islanders have turned to nonprofits when they needed help, and now, nonprofits will have somewhere to turn when they need practical tools and support,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to launch this new effort to support nonprofit staff, strengthen nonprofit organizations and expand the resources available to them, so that they can continue to fortify our communities and make Rhode Island a state where everyone can thrive.” 

During the launch of the Alliance, which was attended by more than 200 local and nonprofit leaders, Nicolato and Wolanski offered insights about initial services, how organizations can become a member, and a glimpse of what lies ahead as it ramps up. Nonprofit attendees also were able to learn more about some of the practical tools and advocacy the Alliance will be offering through breakout sessions. Sessions focused on topics such as legislative policy, growing volunteerism, and fund development.

“Nonprofits are staffed by people with passion and vision, who see a need or opportunity in their community and take the initiative to address it – but it is challenging to sustain a nonprofit, even when it’s clear they are having a positive impact,” said Nancy Wolanski. “We need to be more strategic and vocal about the importance of investment in building the capacity of these organizations and expanding successful community-based programs. And we need to recognize that our nonprofit workforce is one of the largest and most important employment sectors in the state. It’s imperative that nonprofit workers have the training and compensation they deserve.”

United Way made known its intention to establish a singular center to serve the state’s nonprofit sector in January 2021 with the release of its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan. Shortly after, it convened a Design Team of 11 diverse nonprofit leaders to help guide its creation through research and collaboration. For more than six months, the team met biweekly to explore all aspects of the Alliance, facilitate engagement with 400+ local stakeholders, and create a business model.

The Design Team and United Way identified pressing needs of Rhode Island’s nonprofits, including support for individual staff and development of entry level and leadership pipelines to build a resilient, skilled workforce; expanding and strengthening organizational capacity; increased investment in the long-term sustainability of essential services; and addressing structural and regulatory issues that impede racial equity.

As part of its mission to address both emerging and systemic needs of Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector, the Alliance will soon make available additional resources such as pro bono office hours to provide accessible support with human resources, legal, accounting and finance, fundraising, and marketing.

The Alliance aims not to duplicate local efforts available to nonprofits. Rather, it is a collaboration hub, serving as a clearinghouse for information about professional development and training available not only through the Alliance, but also local, regional and national providers. It will mobilize information for sector advocacy and new opportunities for nonprofit collaboration in partnership with existing infrastructure like Health Equity Zones and local networks. 

Also, the Alliance will elevate the impact of Rhode Island’s entire nonprofit sector through ongoing projects such as the annual RI Nonprofit Survey, 401Gives, and initiatives that highlight nonprofits’ contributions to the state’s economy, community well-being, and quality of life.

Not only do Rhode Island’s nonprofits provide essential services, enrich neighborhoods, and support and empower children and families, the state’s nonprofits are a crucial component of economic development. Nearly 1 in 5 of Rhode Island’s workforce is employed by a nonprofit, whose sector collectively generates $13 billion in annual revenues.

An advisory board for the Alliance will be created and United Way will continue to engage the community as the center evolves.