PROVIDENCE – Ponaganset High School, the town of Glocester, and the Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society were among the recipients in recent years of a grant program that aims to fund community projects, and the philanthropic organization is soliciting the latest round of proposals through March 31.
The Rhode Island Foundation is currently offering local libraries, schools, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations grants of up to $10,000.
“We are looking for ideas that will enhance the quality of life, build relationships and improve community connections,” said Jenny Pereira, vice president of grants and community investments. “Our goal is to support work that will enliven neighborhoods and build lasting bonds among residents.”
Since launching the Community Grants program in 2016, the foundation has reportedly awarded nearly $2.5 million to hundreds of projects across Rhode Island. Work has ranged from creating performance spaces and urban farms, to hosting neighborhood meals and making historic places and nature preserves more accessible to the public.
Recent recipients have included the Greenville Public Library, which received $10,000 to digitize 50 years of Smithfield High School yearbooks and Ponaganset High School, which received a grant to bring a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, D.C., to town.
The Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society received a grant to celebrate the history of the village of Harrisville and the town of Glocester received $7,450 to restore Leja Field at Glocester Memorial Park. The town of Foster received a grant to support the construction of an outdoor community performance and exhibition space.
Priority in the latest round of applications will be given to proposals that include community support such as matching grants, the participation of volunteers and donated space and other forms of in-kind contributions. Other considerations may include whether projects are led by or serve historically marginalized groups, including people who identify as Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or multiracial.
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 the state, working with donors to raise $98 million and awarding $76 million in grants last year. For more information about applying for a Community Grant, visit rifoundation.org.
