PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University and the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island are proud to announce a new strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to volunteer and internship opportunities across the state.

Launched on August 29, the statewide Volunteer Center of Rhode Island (VCRI), managed by the Alliance, and BrownEngage, hosted by the Swearer Center, integrates their digital platforms, creating a more unified and connected experience for users statewide. Key features of the integration include:

• Shared Listings: Volunteer and internship opportunities posted on either VCRI or BrownEngage will now automatically appear on both platforms.
• Broader Reach: Individuals seeking to get involved will gain increased and streamlined access to hundreds of opportunities from more than 100 nonprofit and community partners.
• Stronger Ecosystem: The Swearer Center and Alliance will collaborate on shared initiatives and capacity-building efforts to better support Rhode Island’s nonprofit and social sector.

Why This Partnership Matters

For decades, the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island has served as the state’s central hub for volunteerism. BrownEngage, Brown University’s volunteer recruitment and management platform, has recently become the new home of Rhode Island Community Jobs (RICOMJOBS) and continues to expand its network of community-engaged opportunities for students and residents alike.

By integrating these platforms, the partnership aims to simplify access, strengthen cross-sector collaboration and create a more inclusive and visible space for civic engagement across the state.

“At the Swearer Center, we believe civic engagement is most powerful when it’s accessible and community-driven,” said Mary Jo Callan, Stark Family Executive Director of the Swearer Center for Public Service and Vice President for Community Engagement at Brown University. “This partnership strengthens the infrastructure for connection across Rhode Island, ensuring that students, residents and organizations can more easily come together to address pressing challenges and build a more just and equitable future.”

This integration marks an important step toward a shared infrastructure that reflects the strength, talent and commitment of our communities.

“Each day we see the vital role volunteers play across the state’s nonprofit sector and the invaluable contributions they make toward strengthening our communities,” said Nancy Wolanski, Director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island. “This partnership allows us to make it easier for Rhode Islanders to discover opportunities that align with their passions. By integrating our platforms, we’re creating a more connected space where people can find meaningful ways to make a difference.”

What Users Need to Know

Anyone can now browse opportunities across both sites—no extra steps required. To sign up or respond to a listing, users will need to log in to the platform where the opportunity was originally posted.

_____________________

About the Swearer Center for Public Service

The Swearer Center connects students, scholars, and community partners to co-create knowledge, address community challenges, and build on shared strengths. Through collaboration, the Center fosters learning and drives meaningful, lasting change.

About the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact

The Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island serves as a statewide resource and advocacy hub designed to support and strengthen the state’s nonprofit sector. Its work focuses on organizational capacity-building, staff and leadership development, specialized programming and services, practical tools, access to legal resources, trainings, and more.