Dozens of nonprofit organizations serving Newport County residents will share nearly $340,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will support work ranging from educational programs for schoolchildren and disaster recovery preparation to food pantries and arts activities.
“We are grateful to be able to help these organizations carry out their crucial work. We are fortunate to partner with passionate donors who make it possible for us to support nonprofits that are on the frontlines of serving the needs of their communities,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO, in a statement.
About 50 people gathered at the Newport County YMCA on Monday afternoon for the announcement. The YMCA, East Bay Community Action Program, and the Jamestown Arts Center are among 44 organizations that received funding from the Foundation’s Newport County Fund.
The Newport County YMCA in Middletown received $5,000 to support RhodySquash, an afterschool program for area middle school students that combines squash instruction and competition with mentorship, tutoring and character-building opportunities.
“The focus is on recruiting rising 5th graders who would otherwise be unable to access this program due to family financial constraints. Through this program and with the support of funders, at-risk youth develop new skills and make connections that allow for a healthier and brighter future,” said Mike Miller, the Y’s CEO. “In a community where after school programs are lacking and often costly, RhodySquash provides a safe place for kids to play, learn and thrive at no cost to families who need financial assistance.”
The East Bay Community Action Program in Newport received $10,000 to support its Baby Steps program, which provides family education sessions and family enrichment activities that engage family members as partners in the education of children through the age of four.
“Parents and caregivers are the most instrumental people in a child’s life, so developing effective parenting skills is vital. By promoting positive relationships and enhancing engagement, we can better prepare children and their families for the future,” said Rilwan Feyisitan Jr., president and CEO.
The Jamestown Arts Center received $10,000 to support its Arts Experiences program, presenting a year-long series of free arts experiences, including artist-led workshops, Family Days, and public outdoor artworks. More than 500 Newport County residents are expected to participate in at least one of the activities.
“Our Arts Experience Initiatives open doors to creative expression and learning for all Newport County residents, particularly children and families. By removing barriers and showcasing our many voices, we aim to foster a more inclusive and vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to engage with arts experiences of the highest caliber,” said Christine Cocca, executive director.
Aquidneck Community Table in Newport, the American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, Conexion Latina Newport, FabNewport, Girl Scouts of Southeast New England, the Jamestown Food Pantry, the Katie Brown Educational Program, the Little Compton Community Center, Live and Learn in Jamestown, Lucy’s Hearth in Middletown, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport, Newport Contemporary Ballet, newportFILM, the Newport String Project, Rhode Island Black Storytellers, Rhode Island Slave History Medallions in Newport, Sail Newport, the St. John’s Lodge Food Bank in Portsmouth, St. Lucy’s Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Middletown, Turning Around Ministries in Newport and the Washington Square Services Corporation in Newport are among the nonprofits that also received grants.
The Newport County Fund awards grants of up to $10,000 to strengthen or expand established programs, to support policy or advocacy efforts on behalf of community concerns, to fund new projects that focus on significant problems or opportunities, and to leverage strategic collaborations and partnerships.
In making the funding decisions, the Foundation worked with an advisory committee comprised of residents from every community in Newport County.
Established in 2002, the Fund has awarded over $6 million in grants for programs and services for residents of Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton over the years.
It is just one grant program that enables the Foundation to serve Newport County communities. Since 2022, the Foundation has awarded more than $10.9 million in grants to Newport County nonprofits.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.
