The Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust has established its first-ever permanent endowment fund in partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation, marking a major milestone for the organization that preserves Newport Harbor’s historic island landmarks.
The endowment has been seeded with a $250,000 founding gift, an amount that symbolically aligns with the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations later this year.
“Starting an endowment fund is a watershed moment for any organization,” said Ryan Patrick Kelley, president of the board of directors. “Endowments provide the foundation upon which long-term financial stability can be built and this fund will help Rose Island fulfill its mission for generations to come.”
The Rhode Island Foundation will manage the endowment, which will support ongoing preservation and educational programming on Rose Island while providing a financial base to complement annual fundraising efforts. The trust plans to launch an ambitious multi-year campaign to grow the fund and invite broader community participation.
“This endowment allows us to plan responsibly for the long term while remaining nimble in meeting today’s ever-changing needs,” said Paula McHale, treasurer of the board. “It strengthens our financial resilience and ensures that donor generosity continues to have lasting impact.”
The announcement comes as the organization conducts a regional search for a new executive director. Bookings for the 2026 season will open in phases, beginning with events on Wednesday and overnight reservations to follow.
Donations to the endowment fund can be made at roseisland.org/donate.
