A Rhode Island nonprofit has been awarded a $1 million grant from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Fund.
Yield Giving Fund announced on Tuesday, March 19, that Providence-based Project Weber/RENEW was one of 361 nonprofits awarded funds out of more than 6,300 applicants after the open call for community-led and focused organizations was announced.
Project Weber/RENEW, which services Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence, said in a Facebook Post that “this funding could not come at a more opportune time. We are growing our programs due to increasing needs for our services, all while COVID funding sources are ending and the cost of basic needs are rising. We are incredibly grateful for this funding and how it will sustain our organization’s vital services. We are proud to represent Rhode Island in this cohort of amazing organizations working to create a more supportive, safe, and equitable society”.
“Project Weber/RENEW provides peer-led harm reduction and recovery support services, builds relationships with the people we serve, and fights for systemic change. We empower people who engage in drug use and/or sex work to make healthier and safer choices in their own lives,” according to their organization-reported mission statement
Scott is the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She has said that she is giving away $640 million from her fortune to nonprofits.
“Established by MacKenzie Scott to share a financial fortune created through the effort of countless people, Yield is named after a belief in adding value by giving up control. To date, our network of staff and advisors has yielded over $17,300,000,000 to 2,300+ non-profit teams to use as they see fit for the benefit of others,” Yield Giving shares on its website.
See the complete list of award winners here.
