There are more ways to support RI nonprofits than people realize: Commentary
A food bank. A shelter for the unhoused. After-school programs, animal shelters, libraries, wildlife sanctuaries, health care clinics, museums, workforce development trainings – Rhode Island nonprofits do it all.
And to keep doing it all, they need the support of Rhode Islanders everywhere. Connecting with a local nonprofit and the causes you care about is a wonderful way to tangibly impact your community and benefit your mental health. Support can look different for different people and organizations. Volunteering, in-kind donations, monetary support, program participation and word-of-mouth promotion are essential ways that community members can support their nonprofits.
Take Day One, for example, an organization that provides preventative, immediate and follow-up services for survivors of domestic violence and assault. Financial donations are vital to their work, as are contributions of clothing and art supplies. Volunteering is another significant form of support. Options include becoming a helpline advocate, tabling events and assisting with special projects.
In fact, there are many ways to find local volunteer opportunities, including through The Providence Journal. The Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of RI also runs an online Volunteer Center to connect people to nonprofits that match their needs. More than 590 Rhode Island nonprofits are registered and looking for one-time, project-based and regular volunteers. You can volunteer as an individual, a family or as part of a team. Additionally, some businesses offer employees paid volunteer hours.
Even modest financial donations are meaningful, especially for organizations that are volunteer-led or have few staff members. One way to donate is to use a giving platform such as Give4GoodRI.org or participate in 401Gives each April. Powered by the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of RI, 401Gives is the largest community giving day in Rhode Island. Last year, Rhode Islanders raised more than $5 million for 703 local nonprofits from 20,057 donors. And since its inception in 2020, it has raised more than $24 million!
In-kind donations are non-cash donations such as food and blankets. They can also include free or reduced-cost services such as legal aid or marketing, or discounts from local businesses.
Finally, we encourage you to spread awareness of and participate in nonprofits' programming! Whether you need help paying utilities, finding childcare, or learning a new skill, our nonprofits will be here for you.
Elijah Pajo is the resource navigator for the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island.