The Rhode Island Foundation has announced that it is currently taking applications for $10,000 grants from local libraries, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations for projects that aim to bring people together.
“Communities thrive where people, places, and traditions meet. We want your best suggestions for enhancing the quality of life, building relationships, enlivening neighborhoods, and improving community connections,” David N. Cicilline, the foundation’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
Priority will be given to projects that are led by or serve historically marginalized groups. The grants are also open to projects that are seeking to improve the quality of life, promote collaboration, and increase community engagement within a neighborhood, city, or town.
As one-time costs and expenses, the grants are not eligible to provide funding for projects that are planned to continue for years. Organizations that are interested in applying for a Community Grant have until March 22, 2024, to submit their proposal.
The Community Grants program was launched in 2016 and has awarded more than $3 million for hundreds of projects throughout Rhode Island, according to a press release from the foundation.
In past years, 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.
Last year’s recipients include the Contemporary Theater in South Kingstown, which received $10,000 to support the Ocean State Black and Funny Improv Festival; the Empowerment Factory in Pawtucket, which received $10,000 for community art and literacy programs; Newport Classical, which received $10,000 to support the 2023-24 Community Concert Series; R.I. Black Storytellers in Providence, which received $10,000 to support performances in Newport and South County; and RiverzEdge Arts in Woonsocket, which received $5,000 for its Mammoth Mill Park Wayfinding Project.
For more information, visit the Rhode Island Foundation website at rifoundation.org.
