Davis-Tennon Foundation Announces $150,000 in Grants to Rhode Island Nonprofits

The Davis-Tennon Foundation, founded by Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon, has announced $150,000 in grant awards to Rhode Island nonprofits as part of its Summer 2025 funding round.

The Foundation, dedicated to meeting basic human needs and strengthening communities, selected five organizations whose work aligns closely with its mission to empower families and remove barriers to opportunity.

"We are so grateful that the Davis-Tennon Foundation recognizes the work that we are doing with our community of Central Falls and nearby Pawtucket,” said Nadya Sanchez, Director Segue IFL Family Engagement Committee. “Our pantry numbers have been increasing steadily over the last year, and these funds will allow us to extend our hours of service and possibly support more families from these two communities."

The following organizations have received funding:

• Segue Blackstone Valley Pantry – $75,000 to expand pantry operations in the Blackstone Valley, including additional staffing and opening an extra day each week to provide food, services, and support to local families.
• Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness – $25,000 to increase staffing and professional development opportunities to strengthen homelessness prevention and advocacy efforts statewide.
• Central Falls Children’s Foundation – $30,000 to support programming for mothers and heads of households, with a focus on employability, family services, and Adult Education initiatives.
• Newport County/Community Mental Health Center – $10,000 to cover transportation costs for individuals seeking mental health care, ensuring access to appointments and critical services.
• Central Falls Athletics – $10,000 to support athletic programming for students in Central Falls, promoting healthy activity and youth development.

"The Starlings Inspire youth volleyball club is honored to receive the support of the Davis-Tennon Foundation,” said Neil Nachbar, Director, Starlings Inspire. “By providing a safe and affordable club volleyball experience for youth from underserved communities in Rhode Island, Starlings Inspire has made a lasting impact that extends beyond the volleyball court. Players are taught valuable skills through volleyball, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, that will lead to success in all aspects of their lives."

The Davis-Tennon Foundation focuses on four pillars of impact: empowering women, preventing domestic violence, expanding student opportunities beyond the classroom, and supporting housing stability. By investing in basic human needs, the Foundation seeks to create sustainable change and strengthen communities throughout Central Falls, Rhode Island, and beyond.

“These organizations are on the front lines addressing the most urgent needs in our communities,” said Angelo Garcia, Chair of the Davis-Tennon Foundation. “From food security to housing, education, mental health, and youth development, this funding reflects our mission to remove obstacles and create stronger pathways of support for Rhode Island families.”

For more information about the Davis-Tennon Foundation, visit www.davis-tennonfoundation.org