The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded $6.1 million in grants to nearly 150 nonprofit organizations across the state. This funding marks the first major round of support aligned with the Foundation’s new Five-Year Action Plan, aimed at addressing critical community needs such as health care, housing, hunger, and other essential services.
Among the grant recipients are the R.I. Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, which received $100,000 for its “Power Hour” academic support programs across six club locations. The initiative provides homework help and high-yield learning activities for youth ages 5 to 18. Gotta Have Sole in Cranston was awarded $10,000 to strengthen its board of directors in response to rising demand for its services, which include providing new shoes to children experiencing homelessness. The North Kingstown Food Pantry received $5,000 to replenish its shelves during a time of heightened demand, offering clients food and basic supplies tailored to household size and preferences.
Other grant recipients include Child and Family Services of Newport County, Climate Action Rhode Island 350, the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, the Jonnycake Center of Westerly, the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, and the Valley Affordable Housing Corporation in Cumberland. A complete list of recipients is available on the Foundation’s website.
Many of the grants were awarded through the Foundation’s newly launched Community Priority and Capacity Building programs, which are part of its broader Five-Year Action Plan. These programs are designed to strengthen nonprofits and expand their ability to serve Rhode Islanders more effectively.
In response to reductions in federal funding, $2 million from the total grants was specifically allocated to organizations that have lost or are at risk of losing such support. These nonprofits, which serve in areas like health care, housing, hunger relief, and job training, reported significant funding cuts that could lead to reduced services for the community.
Additionally, around $160,000 of the total grant pool was distributed through the Foundation’s Basic Human Needs program. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 to community agencies that provide emergency assistance, including food, clothing, and shelter, for those most in need. The Foundation will begin accepting applications for the second round of these grants on August 1.
