Aquidneck Land Trust has awarded eight grants totaling $10,000 to local community and neighborhood groups through its annual grant program, the Merritt Neighborhood Fund. Grant awards ranged from $450 to $2,200.
Established in 1999 to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the organization’s president emeritus, the Fund supports projects that strengthen community identity and character, and which model the ethic of land conservation and stewardship through community volunteerism. It has awarded grants each year since its founding, distributing over $181,000 in total. A committee of Land Trust volunteers determines the awardees.
“It’s been wonderful to learn about the inspiring projects that community groups across Aquidneck Island have completed since the Merritt Neighborhood Fund was established,” said Terry Sullivan, Aquidneck Land Trust Executive Director. “These modest grants have been able to assist with historical preservation, beautifying small parts of the Island, and providing delicious locally grown foods and educating our community. This year’s awardees continue the Merritt Fund tradition of connecting people to nature and improving Aquidneck Island for everyone.”
Awards were given to the following applicants:
- Aquidneck Elementary School: creation of a Learning Garden
- Battle of Rhode Island Association: Butts Hill Fort grounds restoration
- Channing Memorial Church: Magnolia tree plantings
- Emmanuel Church: expansion of the Community Garden
- The Pennfield School: Land Acknowledgement Trail Signage
- Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust: Compost bin and support
- Town of Middletown: Preservation of Albro Woods ecosystem
- The Zabriskie Memorial Church of St. John The Evangelist: Restoration of the prayer garden
Information on the 2025 Merritt Neighborhood Awards will be announced in March 2025.
