United Way, Grantmakers Council announce partnership

United Way of Rhode Island is partnering with the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island in an effort to expand local philanthropy.
United Way of Rhode Island is partnering with the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island in an effort to expand local philanthropy.

PROVIDENCE – United Way of Rhode Island is partnering with the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island in an effort to expand local philanthropy.
The strategic goal is aimed at growing community investment in Rhode Island, said Anthony Maione, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.
“We are excited about the possibilities for collaboration that this partnership brings not only to our respective organizations, but to Rhode Island’s nonprofit community as a whole,” Maione said.
Through the partnership, the council will retain its status as an independent 501c3 nonprofit but be housed at UWRI’s office at 50 Valley St.
The council, which has a new program manager and board of directors, is a statewide network of funding organizations, including corporate foundations and giving programs, community and family foundations, and the UWRI. Council members have contributed more than $550 million to the state since the council’s founding in 2003.
“GCRI’s partnership with United Way offers a tremendous opportunity to engage key stakeholders throughout the state in the work of community building,” said council Board President Jennifer Leigh of CVS Health. “The infrastructure and staff support from UWRI will enable GCRI to further expand the impact of effective philanthropy in the Ocean State.”
Nancy Wolanski, the council’s new program manager, has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, as well as a background in leadership development. Over the last 15 years, she has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations through Johnson & Wales University’s Feinstein Community Service Center.
She is also an adjunct faculty member at Johnson & Wales, teaching leadership and community leadership.
Besides Leigh, the new board of directors includes:

  • Vice President: Carolyn Belisle, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
  • Secretary: Amie Kershaw, Citizens Bank
  • Treasurer: Lynne Kelly, Collette
  • Emeritus: Karen Davis, Hasbro Inc.
  • Adam Greenman, United Way of Rhode Island
  • Meredith Gregory, Amica Insurance
  • Daniel Kertzner, Rhode Island Foundation
  • Karen Warfield, Textron
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