The BankNewport Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $470,000 in spring 2026 grants to nearly 50 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, the foundation announced this week.
The funding supports programs focused on arts and culture, basic needs, education success and healthy lives.
“BankNewport is proud to support organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders every day,” said Jack Murphy, president and CEO of BankNewport. “The grants will help advance important work in communities across the state, and we’re honored to partner with nonprofits that are expanding opportunity, improving wellbeing, and meeting critical needs.”
Among the recipients, the foundation recommended a $100,000 grant to the Newport Hospital Foundation to help acquire the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, a tool for minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, and a $50,000 grant to the Friends of Middletown Public Library to support the Children’s Room as part of the library’s campaign.
Arts and culture recipients include FirstWorks for its family and arts education programs in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls and Newport; the Greenwich Odeum for its 100th anniversary restoration project; the Newport Art Museum for its “Free for All” Saturday community arts programming; the Newport Restoration Foundation for its Keeping History Above Water programming; the Providence Performing Arts Center for a sensory-friendly performance of Bill Blagg’s Family Magic; and Rhode Island Slave History Medallions for its Juneteenth Semiquincentennial celebration, Newport Black History walking tours and cultural event.
Basic needs recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island, Centro de Innovación Mujer Latina, the East Bay Community Development Corporation, FAB Newport, Farm Fresh RI, Good Neighbors, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, Pawtucket Central Falls Development, Project Weber/RENEW, the St. Vincent de Paul Society Saint Joseph Conference and Trinity Church in Newport.
Education success recipients include the Children’s Workshop Foundation, College Visions, the Community String Project, the Empowerment Factory, IYRS School of Technology & Trade, the Learning Community, Looking Upwards, Project Goal Inc., Providence Public Library, the Rhode Island School for Progressive Education, Sail Newport, San Miguel School of Providence, STEAM Box, the Star Kids Scholarship Program, the United States Sailing Association, the YMCA of Greater Providence and Youth In Action.
Recipients in the healthy lives, thriving communities category include Aquidneck Community Table, Clinica Esperanza/Hope Clinic, the Domestic Violence Resource Center, Hope & Main, Melior Inc., Newport Mental Health, the Potter League for Animals, the Rhode Island Land Trust Council, Shri Service Corps, the Tiverton Farmers Market and Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice.
Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport is one of the oldest banks in the United States and operates as a mutual organization with 19 branch locations, a community lending center in Central Falls and a commercial lending office in Providence. Over the past decade, BankNewport has awarded more than $12 million in grants, sponsorships and donations to Rhode Island nonprofits, and employees contribute 10,000 hours annually in financial education and community service.
More information is available at BankNewport.com.
