Preserve Rhode Island is giving out $125,000 in matching grants to 18 nonprofits across the state. Four projects in Newport County are getting $28,500 for fixing up historic buildings.
These grants, given out with The 1772 Foundation, are helping with urgent repairs and long-term care of Rhode Island’s old buildings.
In Newport, three projects are getting money.
The Fort Adams Trust is getting $9,000 to fix collapsed parts of the West Wall at Fort Adams.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is getting $8,500 to repair over 50 windows and six doors on the north side of the Aquidneck Mill Building.
The Newport Art Museum is getting $2,500 to put in a drainage system at the John N.A. Griswold House. This will help with water damage and set things up for fixing the porch later.
In Jamestown, the Historical Society is getting $8,500 to stabilize the Conanicut Friends Meeting House, which really needs it.
Complete list of 2025 Recipients
Bristol
Benjamin Church Senior Center — Awarded: $7,650
The Senior Center will restore its rear porch, including deteriorated lattice, trim, and balustrades. This work supports the daily programming and social services offered to Bristol’s older adults.
Friends of Linden Place – Linden Place Ballroom — Awarded: $8,500
A new slate roof will be installed on the early 20th-century ballroom at Linden Place, a contributing structure in the Bristol Waterfront Historic District. The project will prevent water infiltration and protect a space regularly used for public programs and events.
East Greenwich
Academy Science Center – Olney Cottage — Awarded: $4,250
Stabilization of the stone foundation at this 1897 cottage will support ongoing educational programming in science and environmental studies.
Varnum Continentals – Varnum House Museum — Awarded: $4,000
This grant will support the restoration of the Varnum House Museum’s central entrance portico and historic front door, originally built in 1773. The work will help improve visitor access to this Revolutionary War-era landmark.
Foster
Foster Preservation Society – Mount Hygeia Schoolhouse — Awarded: $9,000
Funds will help rebuild the floor framing and subfloor of Foster’s last unaltered historic schoolhouse, enabling future restoration and public use.
Jamestown
Jamestown Historical Society – Conanicut Friends Meeting House — Awarded: $8,500
A critical stabilization effort will temporarily lift the structure from its foundation to address water damage and foundational instability at one of the oldest Quaker meeting houses in the region.
Lincoln
Historic New England – Arnold House — Awarded: $8,500
A new fire detection and monitoring system will be installed in this 1693 National Historic Landmark, enhancing protection of the site while it continues serving as a museum and educational resource.
Newport
Fort Adams Trust – Fort Adams — Awarded: $9,000
Emergency masonry repairs to collapsed embrasures on the West Wall will stabilize one of America’s largest coastal fortifications, ensuring safe public access and continued programming.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades – Aquidneck Mill Building — Awarded: $8,500
Repairs to more than 50 windows and 6 doors on the north elevation will preserve this 1831 cotton mill, now part of the IYRS campus. The nonprofit school offers hands-on training in marine systems, woodworking, and preservation trades.
Newport Art Museum – John N.A. Griswold House — Awarded: $2,500
Funds will support the installation of a drainage system to divert stormwater from the foundation. This is the first step in a larger effort to restore the porch and address water-related damage.
North Kingstown
Cocumscussoc Association – Smith’s Castle — Awarded: $5,600
Exterior painting and wood repairs to the north and west elevations will complete the final phase of restoration at this 1678 structure. Once a colonial trading post, Smith’s Castle is now a museum interpreting early Rhode Island history.
North Smithfield
North Smithfield Heritage Association – Heritage Hall — Awarded: $7,000
This former Grange Hall, built in 1897, will undergo exterior repainting and restoration to support its continued use as a community meeting space within the Slatersville Historic District.
Providence
Hamilton House: Adult Learning Exchange — Awarded: $7,000
This project includes roof and masonry repairs of the Portico on the 1896 Hamilton House, along with removing a non-historic flagpole causing damage. The site serves as a vibrant educational hub for older adults.
Providence Art Club – Fleur de Lys Studios — Awarded: $4,300
Grant funds will support stucco repair and repainting on the iconic 1885 artist studio, preserving a nationally recognized example of Arts & Crafts architecture still used for creative work.
Rhode Island Historical Society – Aldrich House — Awarded: $4,700
Select elevations of the Aldrich House, an 1822 National Historic Landmark used for exhibits and events, will have exterior siding, window trim, soffits, and gutters repaired and repainted.
Trinity Gateway Historic Improvement Association – Grace Church Cemetery Caretaker’s Cottage — Awarded: $9,000
Chimney repairs and a new security system will help stabilize and protect this mid-19th-century caretaker’s cottage, a rare architectural feature within one of Providence’s earliest public cemeteries. The work supports long-term preservation and future reuse.
Warwick
House of Hope CDC – Fair House — Awarded: $8,500
Repairs to the foundation and exterior woodwork will address concerns identified in a recent conditions assessment funded by The 1772 Foundation. Built in the 1820s, the Fair House now offers affordable housing and services to prevent and end homelessness in Rhode Island.
Westerly
Westerly Armory Restoration, Inc. – Westerly Armory — Awarded: $8,500
The installation of a lightning protection system will mitigate future damage to this National Register-listed building, previously struck by lightning.
Since 2020, Preserve RI has helped give out more than $725,000 for preservation in Rhode Island.
These grants need the organizations to match the money they get, which means twice as much is being spent on keeping Rhode Island’s historic places in good shape.