R.I. Foundation raises more than $7.8M to restore Roger Williams Park

RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION President & CEO Neil D. Steinberg said, “Now is a crucial time in the life of the park. We are thankful for donors who have the vision to preserve it for decades to come.” / COURTESY STEW MILNE
RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION President & CEO Neil D. Steinberg said, “Now is a crucial time in the life of the park. We are thankful for donors who have the vision to preserve it for decades to come.” / COURTESY STEW MILNE

PROVIDENCE – In the past year, the Rhode Island Foundation has received more than $3.3 million in new donations toward its $10 million campaign goal to restore Roger Williams Park, according to a statement made by the organization Wednesday.

To date, the foundation has raised $7.8 million toward its fundraising goal, as part of its year-long celebration of its centennial anniversary.

“Now is a crucial time in the life of the park. We are thankful for donors who have the vision to preserve it for decades to come,” Foundation President and CEO Neil D. Steinberg said in a statement. “We look forward to working with other generous Rhode Islanders to make sure the park continues to be an economic driver and a place of community.”

The largest donations over the past year came from The Champlin Foundations ($778,000), which has donated a total $1.9 million to the campaign, Amica Mutual Insurance Co. ($100,000), Ocean State Job Lot ($100,000) as well as the Norman & Rosalie Fain Family Foundation, the Haffenreffer Family Fund, the Murray Family Charitable Foundation and the Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund.

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Since its launch in December 2015, more than 140 donors have contributed to the foundation’s campaign, including initial major gifts made by the Carter Fund, the Peggy and Henry Sharpe Fund and the Rhode Island Foundation.

Improvements funded by the Rhode Island Foundation campaign will include renovating park entrances, new signage, expanded walkways and bicycle paths, repairs to the Museum of Natural History, the bandstand, the casino and the Temple to Music.

In addition, the Rhode Island Foundation’s campaign will ensure future funding of the green space with a $5 million endowment through the Roger Williams Park Conservancy.

These improvements are made in addition to $3 million of work completed by the city of Providence to Roger Williams Park, which were made through a $53 million bond issued by Rhode Island voters in 2014.

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