The Champlin Foundation announced Thursday it will distribute $11.2 million to 98 Rhode Island nonprofits in its second grant cycle of 2025, including more than $1.5 million to 12 organizations in Newport County.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County received the largest local grant at $750,000 for expansion, renovation and restoration of its central clubhouse. Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England will receive $250,000 for Camp Rocky Farm renovations, while Fort Adams & The Fort Adams Trust was awarded $150,000 for interior renovation of the Southeast Demi-Bastion.
Other Newport grantees include Sail to Prevail ($50,000 for dock extension), Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist ($35,000 for window restoration), Newport Art Museum & Art Association ($19,850 for accessible campus pathways), newportFILM ($11,100 for filmmaking equipment at Rogers High School) and Turning Around Ministries ($1,635 for technology).
In Jamestown, the Jamestown Arts Center received $4,718 for ceramics studio air filter installation, and Jamestown Historical Society was awarded $50,000 for 1786 Conanicut Meetinghouse restoration.
Child & Family in Middletown received $143,125 for an HVAC system, while Gnome Surf in Little Compton was granted $44,400 for an outreach vehicle purchase.
The grants focus on capital improvement projects ranging from hands-on learning environments to community spaces supporting those in need. Combined with spring grants for camperships, the foundation’s 2025 distribution totals $19.6 million.
“The nonprofit community is under extraordinary pressure, facing deep uncertainty in the wake of funding and policy changes — both locally and nationally — at the same time that the need for services and support reaches an all-time high,” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation.
The foundation awarded grants across nine focus areas: Arts & Culture, Conservation & Parks, Education, Healthcare, Historic Preservation & Heritage, Libraries, Social Services, Welfare of Animals and Youth Services. Recipients span 30 Rhode Island cities and towns, plus 17 statewide organizations.
Eight traditional public high schools received grants this cycle, including Central Falls High School ($98,700) and North Kingstown High School ($100,000).
The next application cycle opens Dec. 15 and closes Jan. 15, 2026.
Founded in 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $725 million to Rhode Island nonprofits.