$10,00 Grants Offered For Ideas That Nurture Community Connections

NEWPORT, RI — The Rhode Island Foundation is offering local libraries, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations grants of up to $10,000 to fund proposals that bring people together.

Sept. 26 is the deadline to apply.

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“As Rhode Island’s only community foundation, we are dedicated to strengthening these bonds and creating equitable, thriving communities by supporting projects that give neighbors opportunities to come together over common experiences,” David N. Cicilline, the foundation's president and CEO, said in a media release.

This is the 10th consecutive year the foundation has offered similar grants, the release said. Last year’s recipients include the Aquidneck Community Table, Bike Newport, Conexion Latina Newport, the Jamestown Historical Society, the Jamestown Philomenian Library, the Little Compton Community Center, the Newport Art Museum, Newport Live and Newport Pride.

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“The health of a community’s civic and cultural life is vital to its success," Cicilline said. "Strong connections among neighbors, meaningful relationships between people and public institutions, and vibrant interactions with the places we call home are closely tied to a range of positive outcomes —from improved physical and mental health to economic resilience and adaptability in times of crisis."

This year’s program targets resident-led, community-making efforts that foster social networks, strengthen lasting relationships, elevate shared public spaces as vital community anchors, help identify goals, solve problems or make group decisions, and celebrate traditions that connect people and promote volunteerism and arts and cultural activities.

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Projects can include a variety of community-building activities, from creating accessible public spaces and hosting neighborhood gatherings to improving urban green spaces and preserving cultural traditions.

To be eligible, proposals must deliver visible results within 12 months, have lasting impact, be accessible to the broader community, be relevant and beneficial to a specific neighborhood or community and leverage community resources such as cash matches, volunteer time, donated space or other in-kind contributions.

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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, endowment funds, for-profit entities, fundraising events, individuals, on-going operational support, lobbying or political efforts, and nonsecular purposes are not eligible.

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