The Champlin Foundation announced today (May 28) that it will award $8 million in grants to support improvements for 89 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, with several Newport County organizations among the recipients. The grants support capital projects in healthcare, historic preservation, social services, and other critical areas.
“A core value for The Champlin Foundation is constancy. We recognize that for any business environment to thrive– whether nonprofit or commercial – it relies on consistency from its investors. In today’s environment, where there is so much uncertainty and upheaval, the Foundation recognizes its responsibility to support the organizations that provide help and hope to Rhode Island,” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation.
In Newport, five organizations receive funding for various capital improvements. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center received $70,500 for elevator refurbishing, supporting its continued delivery of social services to the community.
The Newport Public Library has secured $250,000 for roof replacement, one of the larger grants awarded in this cycle. The Redwood Library & Athenaeum received $64,700 for outdoor security lighting improvements.
St. Clare Newport, a healthcare facility, received $125,000 for cooling tower replacement, addressing critical infrastructure needs for patient care.
The International Yacht Restoration School received $30,860 for a learning management system platform.
In Middletown, four organizations benefit from Champlin support. James L. Maher Center received $25,000 for an accessible van purchase, enhancing its ability to serve clients with disabilities.
John Clarke Senior Living secured $90,000 for generator and electric room updates, ensuring continued care for elderly residents during power outages and emergencies.
Newport Mental Health received $121,352 for elevator and access control upgrades. These improvements enhance accessibility and security at their facilities where they provide critical behavioral health services.
Norman Bird Sanctuary received $75,000 for main campus repairs and upgrades, supporting its mission of environmental education and habitat preservation.
In Portsmouth, two organizations receive funding. Boys Town New England secured $52,000 for kitchen renovation, supporting its work with vulnerable youth and families.
The Portsmouth Historical Society received $15,000 for ADA lift installation, making its historic properties more accessible while preserving local heritage.
In Jamestown, two organizations benefit from the foundation’s support. The Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation received $50,000 for campus site development, enhancing its educational programs.
Jamestown Community Farm secured $50,000 for tractor purchase, supporting its mission of growing and donating fresh produce to those in need.
Little Compton Community Center received $34,400 for kitchen equipment, bolstering its ability to serve as a hub for community activities and social services.
The grants come at a critical time when many nonprofits face increasing demands for services amid economic challenges. The Champlin Foundation’s focus on capital needs addresses projects that impact services but for which funding can often be difficult to raise.
For nearly a century, The Champlin Foundation’s grantmaking has centered on capital needs across nine areas of focus: Arts & Culture, Conservation & Parks, Education, Healthcare, Historic Preservation & Heritage, Libraries, Social Services, Welfare of Animals, and Youth Services.
Many of the Newport County organizations receiving funding address pressing community needs. Healthcare facilities like St. Clare Newport and John Clarke Senior Living help address the challenges in nursing home availability, exacerbated by workforce shortages and financial pressures.
The grants to Newport County organizations reflect broader statewide challenges, including housing insecurity, healthcare access, and maintaining historic infrastructure.
The Champlin Foundation conducts two grant application and distribution cycles each year. The next application cycle opens on June 1 and closes on July 1, 2025, with the Distribution Committee making its final decisions in mid-November.
Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $713 million to fund capital projects for Rhode Island nonprofit organizations. This latest round of funding includes 12 first-time recipients of Champlin support.
