Rhode Islanders Encouraged To Donate April 1 For '401 Gives' Day

PROVIDENCE, RI — Thursday may be April Fool's Day, but "401 Gives" is no joke. The daylong event, a play on the date, which mirrors Rhode Island's phone area code, encourages residents to make a donation to an organization in the state.

The 24-hour online fundraising event, facilitated by the United Way, was first held last year, raising $1.3 million for 366 nonprofits in the state.

Donations can be made until April 4. All donations must be made online to qualify for prizes, matching gifts and other promotions. Gifts can be made in any amounts $10 or higher.

The Rhode Island Foundation will match the first $50,000 in donations made after 6 a.m. Thursday, up to $500 per donor. Other prizes include a $1,000 gift card for the first organization to raise $21,000, drawings for the largest and smallest organizations and more.

Dozens of Rhode Island nonprofits are taking part in the fundraising event, from Operation Stand Down to the Ronald McDonald House to the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Learn more about 401 Gives day on the event's website.