RI Foundation offering $10,000 grants for community projects

PAWTUCKET – The Rhode Island Foundation is offering local libraries, schools, municipal agencies and nonprofit groups grants of up to $10,000 to fund proposals that bring people together as a community. March 12 is the deadline to apply.

“We are looking for proposals that will enhance the quality of life, form relationships and increase connections. Our goal is to make unique and important things happen that will enliven neighborhoods and build bonds that last,” said Jenny Pereira, vice president of grants and community investments. “We also will consider factors like whether proposals will serve and are led by historically marginalized communities.”

Last year, the Foundation awarded $356,000 in grants statewide. The recipients included Art Connection-Rhode Island in Pawtucket, which received $2,500 to create original artwork for community service organizations; the Blackstone River Watershed Council, which received $7,717 restore a portion of the Blackstone River bank and flood plain in Lincoln; the Empowerment Factory in Pawtucket, which received $10,000 to work with Woodlawn residents to create art installations and place them along the Baldwin Loop Walking Path; and the city of Woonsocket, which received $9,995 to revitalize and expand a community garden in partnership with Riverzedge Arts.

Proposals should spark community engagement at the local level, be easily accessible, create new or enhance existing partnerships, be relevant to the particular community, promote the role of shared public spaces as local anchors, be doable and demonstrate a meaningful impact. Priority will be given to proposals that include community support such as matching grants, the participation of volunteers and donated space or other forms of inkind contributions.

While both new initiatives and enhancements to existing projects are eligible, the grants are intended to support one-time costs and expenses. Applicants will not be eligible for renewed funding for the same project in future years. Capital campaigns, endowments, for-profit entities, individuals, political groups and lobbying efforts are not eligible.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $68 million and awarded a record $87 million in grants in 2020. Since its centennial five years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $284 million in grants and has raised more than $328 million. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information about applying for a Community Grant, visit rifoundation.org.