Cox New England created Cox Charities in June of 2001 in partnership with the United Way.  To kick off fundraising for Cox Charities, Cox donated $25,000 for the first round of funding.  Annually, Cox sponsors fundraising campaigns to raise funds for Cox Charities, such as the Cox Charities Cycling Classic held in downtown Providence.  To date, Cox Charities has provided  grants to more than 60 non-profit organizations focusing on children and educational initiatives in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The United Way is the fiscal agent for the initiative and makes recommendations as to non-profit organizations that may qualify for funding. With recommendations from the United Way, the Cox Charities Advisory Board selects groups to be funded.  Grants are awarded on an annual basis.