It’s that time of the year again in Rhode Island. The fifth anniversary of 401Gives, a statewide philanthropic initiative that aims to raise money through social media for local nonprofits, is next Monday, April 1.

401Gives, which was created by United Way of Rhode Island and has similar hints to digital fundraising efforts such as GivingTuesday but with a local emphasis, began in 2020.

“It was born basically when the pandemic started,”  said Caitlynn Douglas, Etngagement Manager for the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island.

 “They wanted to start planning it in 2018-2019, they were getting up and ready to go and then the first one was planned for April 1st of 2020. But that was also when the pandemic hit and so, United Way had a decision to make of do we keep going, do we ask people for money or do we kind of cool it for a year. And while they were kind of sitting on that decision, they saw all of the galas and the board mixers and the fundraisers all getting canceled. That’s the way that nonprofits make their money and so we couldn’t be sitting in a global pandemic with no way for our community support to do community support.”

During that first year of 401Gives, Douglas says a total of $1.3 million was raised, adding, “Even in the middle of the pandemic – Rhode Islanders banded together to keep our state secure.”

In each year that followed, more money would be raised compared to the previous. United Way of Rhode Island’s spokesperson, Michael Cerio, said that during 2021 $2.2 million was raised, $3.1 million in 2022 and almost $3.5 million in 2023, adding up to over $10 million raised to date. For this year’s 401Gives, Cerio says that the goal is “to raise more than $4 million.”

There is also a record number of nonprofits signed up for this year, which Cerio says is more than 600.

In the communities of Cranston, Johnston and Warwick alone, there are 80 nonprofits participating, an increase from the 68 in 2023. According to data provided by Douglas, those nonprofits raised a total of $233,507 last year, with Warwick leading the three at $164,024.

Stand-out organizations from 2023’s list that are also taking part in next week’s 401Gives include:

Amenity Aid (Warwick) raised $10,427 from 97 donors.

Scruffy Paws Animal Rescue (Warwick) raised $7,956 from 118 donors.

Center for Mediation and Collaboration Rhode Island (Warwick) raised $5,521 from 55 donors.

The Gamm Theater (Warwick) raised $10,081 from 66 Donors.

West Bay Chorale (Warwick) raised $2,735 from 30 Donors.

Girls Scouts of Southern New England (Warwick) raised $28,741 from 194 Donors.

Operation Stand Down (Johnston) raised $5,988 from 55 donors.

15 Minute Field Trips (Johnston) raised $1,841 from 42 Donors.

Ensemble Altera (Johnston) raised $3,655 from 13 Donors.

Pride In Aging (Cranston) raised $3,049 from 35 Donors.

Esperanza-Hope (Cranston) raised $7,685 from 40 Donors.

RI Civic Chorale & Orchestra (Cranston) raised $3,855 from 40 Donors.

And Rescue Lounge (Cranston) $4,230 from 11 Donors.

Those interested in donating can also search for nonprofits that are participating by cause and/or city.

The deadline for nonprofits to register this year was March 15, but Douglas says nonprofits who are still interested can email her before April 1 at 401Gives@UnitedWayRI.org.

Since 401Gives is a digital fundraising effort, social media plays a vital role. Douglas explained the benefits focusing on raising money this way has had.

She said, “I think it’s the way of the world in general to move towards technology. And it’s also more accessible and more equitable to do things like that. We have more capabilities like matching money and prizes when we do things like 401Gives. And I think it also speaks to younger donors, which is the people that we need in the philanthropic scene because they’re the generation that’s coming up.”

Social media platforms where the efforts of 401Gives can be seen are Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Posts on the various platforms typically contain the hashtag “#401Gives,” which also helps more people see their efforts.

There are also ways for people to get involved aside from just monetary donations. Douglas added that those interested can also donate their time.

“On 401Gives, organizations have the option to list volunteer engagement opportunities,” she said. “But also if you have an organization that you really like, just call them up one day, ask them if they need help.”

Douglas also mentioned 401Gives’ peer-to-peer fundraising option. This allows someone to sign up to be a fundraiser on behalf of an organization.

401Gives will begin at 6 a.m. on April 1 and goes until April 2 at 6 p.m.