PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation awarded $52 million in grants to more than 1,800 nonprofit organizations in 2018, according to the foundation Monday.
The grants were 70 percent donor directed for the year and 30 percent were foundation directed.
The foundation said that it raised a record $114 million in funds from individual, family, organizational and corporate donors and had roughly $970 million in assets at the end of the year.
Donations ranged from $1 to over $6 million, although the $55 million Jewish Federation Foundation became a supporting organization in 2018, bringing with it $55 million.
“We are grateful for the visionary donors who have joined with us for more than a century to take on the state’s challenges and opportunities,” said Neil D. Steinberg, Rhode Island Foundation president and CEO, in prepared remarks. “Partnering with nonprofit organizations to support their important work, engaging generous donors and providing leadership around key issues for our state all contributed to this outstanding growth as we strive to meet the needs of all Rhode Islanders.”
The foundation highlighted its work in civic leadership in 2018, noting it raised a record $600,000 for its Civic Leadership Fund as well as its Together RI campaign, which orchestrated 20 get-togethers for discussions of topics relevant to the community over a meal.
“Our Civic Leadership donors understand that progress requires many different approaches. Having the means to tackle opportunities as they arise enhances the work that our community partners already do,” added Jessica David, the foundation’s executive vice president of strategy and community investments.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor. Email him at Bergenheim@PBN.com.
