The Rhode Island Foundation is giving out $3.44 million in “strategy grants” to 87 groups and projects, more than half of it focused on alleviating poverty by creating affordable housing, advocating for children and families, and maximizing economic opportunities.
The balance will support access to quality health care, education reform, natural resource protection, and the arts.
Beyond Cash Donations: How New Forms of Giving Are Transforming Not-for-Profit Accounting
Evolving Funding Landscape for Not-for-Profits Not-for-profit organizations are being asked to do more with less,…
Learn More
The “strategy grant” program, now in its second year, is the foundation’s largest, though it only represents a fraction of the nearly $25 million it gave out last year. Foundation staff work closely with the beneficiaries to support three “strategies” for improving life in Rhode Island: policy, advocacy, and systems reform; organizational and leadership development; and innovative models and proven programs.
“Virtually every grant represents nearly a year or more of working closely with Rhode Island nonprofits to establish goals, identify the steps to get there, and define what will happen as a result,” said president and CEO Ronald V. Gallo. “These are more than grants. They are investments in Rhode Island’s future.”
The biggest single grant, $225,000, is going to the Local Initiatives Support Corp., for its Neighborhood Development Fund, which supports local community development corporations as they revitalize neighborhoods, create affordable housing, and expand resources such as child care facilities.
Thirteen more housing-related grants, worth $15,000 to $55,000 each will support local housing groups across the state, boost two Grow Smart Rhode Island initiatives, try to prevent and remedy property abandonment in Providence, and help provide housing and social services to the homeless and the elderly.
Nearly $1 million is going to 18 nonprofits advocating for children and families, including $100,000 for Rhode Island Kids Count’s statewide advocacy and policy-making work, and a second-year, $33,000 grant for Project Impact in Woonsocket, which serves teen parents and their children, stressing education and self-sufficiency.
