401 Gives Day Encourages Rhode Islanders To Give Back

PROVIDENCE, RI — April 1 may be known as April Fool's Day, but in Rhode Island it's a day to give back to the community. 401 Gives day raises money for hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the state.

The 24-hour online fundraising campaign is "designed to bring a collective voice to the nonprofit community and deepen the state’s culture of giving," the website's "about" section said. It is facilitated by the United Way of Rhode Island.

Friday marks the third year of the campaign, which was launched in 2020. In its first year, it raised $1.3 million for 366 nonprofits, which was nearly doubled the next year with $2.3 million to 422 organizations.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, more than $1.2 million had been raised for 471 organizations, from more than 5,300 donors. Donors can choose from organizations large and small, with some offering matching programs in honor of the campaign.

Learn more about 401 Gives or make a donation on the campaign's website.