5Q: Neil D. Steinberg | CEO and president, Rhode Island Foundation

Neil D. Steinberg / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY
Neil D. Steinberg / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

Neil D. Steinberg | CEO and president, Rhode Island Foundation

1. Will nonprofits’ need for funds ­increase more in 2021? Many nonprofits have received funding that could carry them through the end of the year. But, given the uncertainty and continued challenges related to COVID-19, the economic downturn and the growing need to address racial justice, it is likely the need for funding will increase in order to meet the needs of many in Rhode Island.

2. Which organizations or sectors would need donations the most? Arts and tourism-related organizations are important to the vibrancy of Rhode Island, but are certainly in need because they are dependent on paid attendance. Supporting public education and addressing achievement gaps and supporting healthy lives to eliminate health disparities, both over the long term, are critical to achieving a better and more-inclusive future for all in the state. The goal is to not leave the many behind who were not being supported in the old normal.

3. Will the foundation be offering any new grant programs in response to COVID-19? We plan to continue the grant programs we introduced this year; as long as generous Rhode Islanders continue to support these funds, we will offer them. In addition, we will also continuously assess need based on factors [such as] COVID-19’s ongoing impact, any new federal funding and the new state budget. We are inspired and grateful that so many donors stepped up for these programs.

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4. What impact will the pandemic have on the foundation’s fundraising and grant-making? Looking ahead, we all face incredible uncertainty and challenges. But, the foundation is built to withstand tumultuous times. The impact of the federal and state budget discussions, growing economic and personal stress, the outcome of the national election and the performance of the stock market will all affect philanthropy in 2021. There will continue to be unprecedented need for our assistance as nonprofits struggle to cope with rising demand for their services. We’re watching and planning for all of it.

5. How much has the foundation’s ­giving increased year over year due to the pandemic? We have significantly increased grant-making to meet the needs. Through the first nine months of 2019, together with our donors we made $31 million in grants. In the first nine months of this year, together with our donors we have made $57 million in grants. That is an unprecedented increase that reflects how much the foundation and many generous donors responded, and is indicative of the depth and breadth of the needs in Rhode Island.

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