PROVIDENCE – It was with an appreciative and forward-looking tone that Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, addressed 750 assembled community members at the organization’s 2017 annual meeting Wednesday evening.
“Civic leadership and civil dialogue have become part of our DNA,” he said, committing the organization to another year of “philanthropic and community leader[ship].”
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Marking one year after the philanthropic organization’s year-long centennial celebration, Steinberg began by thanking the donors, nonprofit organizations, stakeholders and community, government and business leaders who will help herald the second century of the Rhode Island Foundation’s work.
“We believe in Rhode Island’s future and enter our second century with good momentum and focus and a solid track record of impact. However, we do this knowing that headwinds and challenges will require courage, leadership, commitment and resources,” said Steinberg to guests gathered at the R.I. Convention Center in Providence.
Recapping last year’s achievements – in which the R.I. Foundation celebrated its centennial, Steinberg listed the following accomplishments:
- The foundation received nearly $60 million from generous donors,
- Awarded a record $45 million in grants, $500,000 of which were devoted to smaller projects in each of the Ocean State’s 39 cities and towns,
- Grew its assets to nearly $900 million and had an 8.5 percent investment return in 2016,
- Raised nearly $8.5 million to restore and maintain Roger Williams Park in Providence and hosted a free Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops concert on the grounds.
Looking ahead, two successful 2016 programs will be reiterated in 2017, said Steinberg. The free Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops concert at Roger Williams Park will be held again on August 4 and each of the state’s 39 cities and towns will again receive funding for small projects.
However, he said, “a real impact” will be the result of a “longer-term vision and pathway that go beyond election cycles.”
Steinberg laid out the organization’s next priorities as achieving “affordable and accessible healthcare” for all Rhode Islanders, that “economic security” is within reach for those who seek it “and that a spirit of philanthropy grows and thrives in our state.”
Turning his attention to the state’s arts and culture, social service and nonprofit organizations he said, “together we will experiment, innovate, adapt, create and foster an atmosphere of commitment, collaboration and results.”
While “our feet need to catch up to our head,” Steinberg highlighted the progress seen in the state’s burgeoning food, tourism, cybersecurity, marine trades and advanced manufacturing sectors. He applauded the leadership of those sectors’ corporate management as well as the “engaged” colleges and universities.
Going forward, the R.I. Foundation, he said, with the help of the multiple community, business and entrepreneurial leaders present as well the myriad organizations with which the foundation has collaborated previously and has not yet worked with, will endeavor to speak for and represent the needs of all one million Rhode Islanders.
Steinberg concluded his remarks by advising guests, but all Rhode Islanders, to be vigilant in the coming year and find strength in one another.
“Respectfully and civilly discussing, debating and negotiating and then meeting in the middle is not a sign of weakness,” he said. “I urge you to read the paper, watch TV, listen to the radio, follow credible sources on-line, but please be informed.”
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a PBN staff writer. Follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey.
