RWU, Bristol town officials, celebrate Fund for Civic Activities initiative

BRISTOL TOWN leaders and community members joined Roger Williams University for a celebration event on Nov. 18. Pictured, from left to right: Walter Burke, of Bristol Parks & Recreation; Donald Farish, Roger Williams University president; Tony Teixeira, Bristol town administrator; Pete Wilbur, vice president for outreach and engagement at RWU; Lane Sparkman, Mosaico Community Development Corp.; and David Cioe, the Bristol Elks and leader of the East Bay Cares program. / COURTESY ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY
BRISTOL TOWN leaders and community members joined Roger Williams University for a celebration event on Nov. 18. Pictured, from left to right: Walter Burke, of Bristol Parks & Recreation; Donald Farish, Roger Williams University president; Tony Teixeira, Bristol town administrator; Pete Wilbur, vice president for outreach and engagement at RWU; Lane Sparkman, Mosaico Community Development Corp.; and David Cioe, the Bristol Elks and leader of the East Bay Cares program. / COURTESY ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY

BRISTOL – Roger Williams University and town officials on Thursday celebrated the Fund for Civic Activities initiative, which has awarded nearly $200,000 in university grants to 130 projects since 2007.
Since its launch, the FCA program has affected thousands of Bristol residents – everyone from school children to seniors to local residents serving overseas on active military duty – by providing funds to dozens of organizations for community initiatives focused on the arts, social services, education, the environment and more.
“While we only recently articulated our innovative core purpose to strengthen society, that mission is rooted in a long-standing commitment at Roger Williams to working toward a greater good,” RWU President Donald J. Farish said.
“We are invested, now more than ever, in making a meaningful impact in Rhode Island and particularly in Bristol – which is not only our host community, but our home and a critical ingredient in the success of this university. We take great pride in serving as a good neighbor in Bristol, and it’s fulfilling to see the Fund for Civic Activities grants assisting as local organizations make a mark in the community.”
The Fund for Civic Activities is part of the $42 million, 20-year agreement established by the university and town, in which $25,000 annually is awarded to local organizations and programs that enhance the civic experience of Bristol residents. Grant selections are made by the 12-person committee, which comprises individuals from both the town and RWU.
Town Administrator Antonio A. Teixeira hailed RWU as a “good partner in supporting town organizations.”
For example, Art Night Bristol Warren – a monthly cultural event hosted in the neighboring towns from April to November that features new exhibits in museums and artists’ studios – was able to launch in 2012 with funding support received from the Fund for Civic Activities. It now attracts thousands of visitors each year.
“The funds from our first FCA grant helped us get started and organized with Art Night,” said Stephen Brigidi, co-chair of Art Night Bristol Warren’s advisory board. “With that grant, we were able to cover some of our initial expenses including marketing and promotional materials, which were key for getting the word out and driving awareness for the program.”

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