RI Governor Announces 3rd Round Of COVID-19 Mini-Grants

PROVIDENCE, RI — More funding is available for Rhode Island organizations looking to promote COVID-19 vaccines, Gov. Dan McKee announced Tuesday. The mini-grants will also support work to increase access to testing, masks and education.

"Community engagement is key to our COVID-19 response," McKee said. "Community organizations throughout Rhode Island have done so much throughout this pandemic to support the people in their neighborhoods and communities. This mini-grant opportunity will give them the chance to sustain that vital work and help get as many Rhode Islanders vaccination against COVID-19 as possible."

This will be the third round of the Vaccinate the Ocean State Covid-19 Mini-Grants, funded by the CDC Health Disparities Grant. Grants will range from $2,000 to $4,975. In total, more than 23 grants will be awarded from the pool of $223,000.

During the selection process, preference will be given to applications that come from communities hit hardest by the pandemic, the governor's office said. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said the Health Equity Zone initiative has "established strong relationships with our community partners."

"Every neighborhood is unique, and our partners know how best to reach the people who live in the communities they serve," Alexander-Scott said. "We understand that people still have questions about COVID-19. These mini-grants will help our partners provide clear and accurate public health information."

Qualified organizations can apply through Sept. 30. at 5 p.m. More information is available on the department's website.