Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport Polo Gala to support local environmental initiatives

Newport Polo’s 24th annual charity gala, “Singapore Swing,” is set for Aug. 1, 2025, at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport. This black-tie event will support four local environmental organizations: Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Save The Bay, and Newport Tree Conservancy. These charity galas have raised nearly $2.2 million for nonprofit initiatives […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Student documentary filmmakers celebrated at newportFILM’s docUnbound screening

Tuesday, June 10 marked the premiere of two short documentaries made by newportFILM’s newest batch of homegrown filmmakers. Screened at the Firehouse Theater in Newport, “The People’s Policy” and “Talking Ghostly” were the semester-long capstone projects made by students participating in newportFILM’s Documentary Unbound (or “docUnbound,” for short) program. First beginning in February of 2022, […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

BankNewport Charitable Foundation awards more than $400,000 in grants

The BankNewport Charitable Foundation on Monday (June 16) announced the recipients of its Spring 2025 grants.  More than $400,000 was awarded to over 60 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, reflecting the Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening communities and supporting programs across a wide range of focus areas, including arts and culture, basic needs and food security, education […]

Posted inInstagram, News, Nonprofit

2nd Annual Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5K raises $20,000 to benefit Newport County YMCA and MLK Community Center

Foggy conditions didn’t stop 290 participants from running and walking in the second annual Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5K race on Saturday, May 17th. The event was presented by BRS Building Company. Mr. Holder passed away on Aug. 6, 2023.  In his memory, all net proceeds from the race again benefited the Newport County YMCA […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Things To Do

Newport Historical Society wins Award of Excellence for ‘A Name, A Voice, A Life: The Black Newporters of the 17th-19th Centuries’

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) announced today (June 10) that the Newport Historical Society is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for their 2024 exhibition, A Name, A Voice, A Life: The Black Newporters of the 17th-19th Centuries. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most […]

Posted inNonprofit

Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District takes first step in Elizabeth Brook restoration project

The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) has selected EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC (EA)  as their engineering consultant for the “Designing Habitat Improvements to Support Newport’s North End” project, which was awarded $680,500 in grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund. The project seeks to design solutions to […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Free Cybersecurity Summer Camp being offered to local students

Students entering grades 7 through 10 are invited to explore the exciting world of cybersecurity at a free, week-long CyberCamp hosted at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Newport Campus this summer. Campers will gain hands-on experience through interactive cybersecurity labs and receive instruction from CCRI professors and industry professionals—no prior knowledge required. Camp […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport International Boat Show joins Sail Newport to support Community Waterfront Day

The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport announced today (June 5) its continued involvement in supporting Sail Newport to aid in a shared dedication to attract new boaters to a lifetime of making memories on the water. In partnership with Sail Newport and World Boating Day, the Show recently sponsored Waterfront Day at Fort Adams […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Belmont Chapel Restoration to receive National Award from Victorian Society in America

Professor Emeritus Richard Guy Wilson, noted archi­tectural historian who is serving in his last year as director of the Victorian So­ciety in America, visited the Belmont Chapel on May 31. Dr. Wilson’s specialty is scholarship involving the architecture, design, and art of the 18th to the 21st centuries in America and abroad. His research, publications, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

For Safer Streets: Ocean Drive swaps cars for bikes again at ‘Elliot’s Ride for Everyone’

On Saturday morning, June 7, Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive will close to cars and open to people – biking, walking, rolling, strolling, and enjoying the coastline car-free. It’s Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, Bike Newport’s annual open-road celebration of safe cycling and community fun! Everyone is welcome – people of all ages, abilities, and wheels – including […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport County organizations receive portion of $8 million in Champlin Foundation grants

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 […]

Posted inCity & Government

DEM: 5,000 local food benefit cards available for eligible seniors

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will distribute about 5,000 benefit cards to eligible seniors to purchase fresh, RI Grown fruit and vegetables, as well as local honey. The SFMNP benefit cards preloaded with $50 will be distributed from senior centers throughout the state starting June 1, 2025, and are valid through November […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Susan Jacobsen named President and Chief Executive Officer of Child & Family Services of Newport County

Child & Family Services of Newport County, one of Rhode Island’s oldest and most comprehensive human service organizations, has announced the appointment of Susan Jacobsen, MA, LMHC, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Jacobsen brings two decades of leadership in behavioral health, nonprofit management, philanthropy, and health equity initiatives across Rhode Island. […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Aquidneck Island Land Trust gives out $10,148 in community grants

The Aquidneck Island Land Trust is supporting local community and neighborhood groups with $10,148 in grants through its yearly Merritt Neighborhood Fund program. Six groups received awards between $998 and $2,500 for projects that build community identity and encourage land conservation and stewardship through volunteer work. This year’s grant recipients include Aquidneck Elementary School, which […]

Posted inBusiness

BankNewport awards $23,000 grant to Child & Family’s Supportive Housing Program

BankNewport has given $23,000 to Child & Family to help their Supportive Housing Program for homeless families in Rhode Island. This money will provide stable housing, healthcare access, and financial education for up to 12 families each year. Child & Family’s program helps about 48 people annually, connecting them with key resources to find permanent […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Arts & Cultural Alliance picks Revka Hovermale for 2025 Artist Award

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County has chosen Revka Hovermale of Revka Dance as its 2025 Artist Award recipient. The yearly award will back RevkaDance Creative Movement Children’s Workshop, helping more students access arts education. Hovermale, with a BA in Arts and Science from Rhode Island College, specializes in Dance Performance and Theater. […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport Hospital’s Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund awards $188,500 to Aquidneck Island programs that serve youth

More than 30 local programs that serve youth across Aquidneck Island have received grants from Newport Hospital’s Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund. In total, the fund awarded $188,500 to 31 organizations to support initiatives that help children lead healthier lives through physical activity, education, and healthy choices. Among the recipients are six programs to be […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

One year after diagnosis: Middletown Tree Commission continues to fight beech leaf disease in Albro Woods

One year ago, Middletown’s Tree Commission and Open Space Committee joined forces and created a pilot program to rehabilitate the canopy of Albro Woods from beech leaf disease. The discovery of the disease in the nine-acre forest spelled disaster: beech leaf disease causes beeches – especially the American beech tree – to lose their canopy […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Potter League, Women’s Resource Center team up for film screening on domestic violence and pet safety

The Potter League for Animals, in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center, invites the public to a special screening of the short documentary film Tipping Point on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:00 PM at the Potter League’s Animal Care & Adoption Center in Middletown. Directed by award-winning local filmmaker Susan M. Sipprelle, Tipping Point shares the stories of eight […]

Posted inNonprofit

RENEWport hosts community dinner for Newport families

Over 125 Newport residents came together at Pell Elementary School on Thursday for a community dinner. The event, put on by RENEWport, aimed to connect families of third and fourth-grade students with local organizations. Kids enjoyed activities and arts performances while everyone shared a meal. Ellen Pinnock, RENEWport’s Co-President, explained that the event helps strengthen […]

Posted inArts & Culture

ACA now accepting applications for the Tinney Family Arts Scholarship and Soul & Conscience Award

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County is now accepting applications for scholarships and awards. Tinney Family Arts Scholarship, a $2,000 scholarship, is open to any Newport County high school senior who plans to continue their arts education after graduation.  This opportunity is available to any student planning to study fine arts, visual arts […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Jamestown Arts Center to host Summer Soirée on June 28

The Annual Summer Soirée celebrates the Jamestown Arts Center and opens the exhibition Canaries in the Coal Mine: Where have all the birds gone? with a gala fundraising event on Saturday, June 28 from 6-10pm.  The 13th annual Summer Soirée is the Jamestown Arts Center’s signature event, providing an unforgettable evening of art, culinary delights, and community. Attendees are invited to […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Janelle Monáe, The Roots, and Jacob Collier to headline 2025 Newport Jazz Festival

This summer, the Newport Jazz Festival will return to Fort Adams State Park in Rhode Island for the iconic cultural institution’s 71st edition. One of the longest-running and most storied festivals in America will return August 1-3. It will continue to host once-in-a-lifetime performances that only Newport’s unique alchemy of intimacy and artistic community can bring. Fans and artists alike return each year […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

GrowSmart to honor newportFILM

newportFILM is among four projects that will be recognized by GrowSmartRI as Outstanding Grow Smart Projects at the organization’s Sustainable Economic Growth & Quality of Place event on May 8. newportFILM, GrowSmart says delivers “robust year-round indoor placemaking events in recent years throughout Rhode Island, expanding impact and access of documentary films statewide,” according to […]

Posted inBusiness

Charlie Enright appointed CEO of US Sailing

US Sailing today announced Charlie Enright, an accomplished leader in the sailing industry and Bristol, Rhode Island native, as the Association’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Enright will take the helm of US Sailing, the sport’s National Governing Body (NGB), following an extensive national executive search. “We are extremely proud to welcome Charlie to US […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Things To Do

Rosecliff forum will highlight Beech Leaf Disease, other threats to urban forests

The Preservation Society of Newport County will host a free forum, “Iconic Trees of Newport II,” on May 8 at Rosecliff to address the variety of challenges facing urban forests, including the causes and treatment strategies for beech leaf disease (BLD). The forum begins at 6 p.m., and registration is necessary. Click https://www.newportmansions.org/events/iconic-trees-of-newport-ii/ to learn more. Last […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Aquidneck Resilience launches island-wide climate initiative with Earth Day Celebration

The Aquidneck Island Land Trust is launching a new climate resilience program with an Earth Day event on April 22. The free, public celebration runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Newport Vineyards in Middletown. Guests can meet new team members, learn about ongoing projects, and join in family activities. Aquidneck Resilience, a grant-funded initiative […]

Posted inNews

Newport Little League to host annual fundraiser at O’Brien’s Pub

The Newport Little League invites the community to O’Brien’s Pub for their 2025 Annual Fundraiser on Thursday, May 1st, from 6 to 9 PM. The $20 admission includes a drink, light appetizers, a silent auction, raffles, and much more! Proceeds from this event help repair fields, provide equipment to their players, and provide scholarships. This is […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Things To Do

Aquidneck Island Earth Week is back, beginning April 19

Community partners across Aquidneck Island are coming together to host a week packed with impactful, eco-friendly events. Join us for clean-ups, free workshops, film screenings, work parties, guided hikes, and so much more! Now in its sixth year, Aquidneck Island Earth Week is a unified effort by local non-profits, town committees, businesses, and residents to […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at 2025 Grenon’s Newport Night Run

The 2025 Grenon’s Newport Night Run, a 5K race supporting local education, went ahead Saturday night despite rainy weather. Adrian Massie took first place overall, clocking in at 17:04. Nathaniel Tokarsky (17:58) and Fred Barber (18:22) secured second and third in the men’s category. For the women, Lil Harding led the pack with a time […]

Posted inColumns

Charles L. Roberts: How the current political landscape is affecting Rhode Island’s fledgling non-profit organizations

For those WUN readers who have been following my Voices contributions over the past few months, you’ll know I’ve spent a lot of time discussing the Black experience in American history. We’ve recently honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January), Black History Month (February), and Women’s History Month (March). I like to think the legacy […]

Posted inNonprofit

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County names Adequoyah Mathews its Youth of the Year

The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County has announced Adequoyah Mathews as the 2025 Youth of the Year, the organization’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to community service. The event was held at the Community College of Rhode Island – Newport Campus, where Adequoyah stood out among a talented group […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Rhode Island Foundation earmarks $3 million to help nonprofits weather federal funding freeze and cuts 

The Rhode Island Foundation today announced it will award $3 million in grants to help Rhode Island nonprofits affected by the loss of federal funding due to recent actions in Washington.  “We understand the harm these policies may pose to the work of our nonprofit partners, and most importantly, to the thousands of Rhode Islanders […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport Mental Health to host golf tournament, fundraising gala

Newport Mental Health has announced its fundraising events for 2025, each offering unique opportunities to make a lasting impact while enjoying unforgettable experiences. The events raise vital funds to support the comprehensive behavioral health and substance use services Newport Mental Health provides throughout Newport County. Drive for Mental Health Charity Golf Tournament June 23, 2025 […]

Posted inBusiness

IYRS School of Technology & Trades to host ‘Early Bird Earth Day Cleanup’

IYRS School of Technology & Trades will host an “Early Bird Earth Day Cleanup” from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. This community initiative aims to beautify lower Thames Street and the surrounding areas, reflecting IYRS’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The event will commence at the IYRS campus, located […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County seeking nominations for LeRoy White Soul & Conscience Award

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (“ACA”) and the LeRoy White Family Foundation are now accepting nominations for the third annual LeRoy White Soul & Conscience Award. The $5,000 award is given annually to a musician, of any age or situation, whose life and/or art contributes to and connects the community. Musicians may apply […]

Posted inNonprofit

Sweet Silas seeks forever home

Meet your new best friend, Silas – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption from the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Silas is a six-year-old male Bloodhound. “Can someone say gentle giant? That is exactly what this guy is. He walks fantastically on a leash which may surprise you due to […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Registration opens for Save The Bay Swim

Save The Bay this week opened registration for its annual Save The Bay Swim, an annual event that challenges skilled swimmers to tackle two miles of open water. The nonprofit organization’s flagship fundraiser, taking place this year on Saturday, July 19, starts at the Naval War College in Newport and finishes in Jamestown’s Potter Cove.   […]

Posted inBusiness

IYRS announces Glo Tech Scholarship Fund to support women in marine trades and advanced technology

IYRS School of Technology & Trades has announced the establishment of the Glo Tech Scholarship Fund, created in February 2025 in honor of Gloria Aurora Borrego, a pioneering leader in marine systems. This scholarship, made possible by the generosity of her family and friends, will support female graduates of IYRS and industry professionals seeking career […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport Mental Health celebrates 60th Anniversary and Annual Meeting

Newport Mental Health marked its 60th anniversary with a celebratory annual meeting at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown on February 24. The event brought together 80 dedicated supporters, partners, and community leaders to applaud the organization’s remarkable journey and significant accomplishments over the past year. Founded in 1964 with a mission to improve the […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Rhode Island Foundation offering $220,000 in grants to help Newport County residents 

Nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Newport County’s six cities and towns have until March 28 to apply for $220,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation.  “This is just one of the ways the Foundation focuses on serving the unique needs of the residents of Newport County. Working together with partners that have deep […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Rhode Island Slave History Medallions wins grant to support educational program for middle and high school students

Newport-based Rhode Island Slave History Medallions is among the nonprofits that will share nearly $130,000 in grants from the Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.  “There is no more appropriate time to bolster the work of organizations that are challenging the historic causes of inequity,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO […]

Posted inNonprofit

Newport Public Education Foundation awards $41,800 in grants for 2024-2025

The Newport Public Education Foundation (NPEF) is funding $41,800 in educational grants for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This will bring 24 new academic enrichment programs to Newport’s public schools. Announced on February 27, this funding continues NPEF’s ongoing support of initiatives that align with the Newport Public School System’s mission. Since it started in […]

Posted inBusiness

Greater Newport Chamber launches ‘The Nonprofit Leadership Circle’

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce today announced its newest program of 2025, The Nonprofit Leadership Circle, sponsored by Patridge Snow & Hahn, LLP. According to the chamber, the program, designed to give extra support to address local leaders’ challenges, will gather attendees with guest speakers on topics that impact the non-profit sector. Nonprofit leaders (Executives, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Mansions to offer free admission to Newport County residents March 8-9

Residents of Newport County are invited to visit The Preservation Society of Newport County’s open houses and properties for free on Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9. This offer applies to Jamestown, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton residents. Free admission is also extended to personnel stationed at Naval Station Newport and their […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Anna M. Ripa Memorial Scholarship opens for Aquidneck Island high school seniors

Forum Lodge #391 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America is offering three $1,000 scholarships to Aquidneck Island public high school seniors with Italian heritage. The Anna M. Ripa Memorial Scholarship is available to students graduating in June 2025 who are heading to college that fall. To be eligible, students need to have kept […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Aquidneck Island Land Trust is now accepting applications for grants from the Merritt Neighborhood Fund

Aquidneck Island Land Trust is now accepting applications for grants from the Merritt Neighborhood Fund, an endowed fund which seeks to support the preservation of small parks, community gardens, and other natural spaces on Aquidneck Island. Established in 1999 to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the Land Trust’s president emeritus, the Fund supports projects […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Love your pet and save lives: Join the Potter League’s 9th Annual ‘P.S. I Love You Pet Photo Contest’

Calling all pet lovers! The Potter League for Animals invites you to join the fun and make a difference by entering the 9th Annual P.S. I Love You Pet Photo Contest. This heartwarming fundraiser celebrates the love we share with our pets while providing critical support for animals in need. It’s easy to participate! Submit your favorite […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Puddingstone Music Series announces inaugural board of directors

The Puddingstone Music Series, a 501(c)3 non-profit, has just named its first Board of Directors. This new board brings together five members with diverse backgrounds and expertise: Karen Nielsen Bevan, a classically trained soprano, joins as a Director. Karen majored in the history of art and classical voice studies at Connecticut College and Yale, then […]

Posted inBusiness

Aquidneck Island Land Trust preserves 13 acres of Greenvale Vineyards

Aquidneck Island Land Trust Secures 13 Acres of Historic Vineyard A piece of Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage is now protected for future generations. The Aquidneck Island Land Trust has successfully conserved 13 acres of Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth, safeguarding it as open space and farmland. The conservation easement, announced on February 11, is a team […]

Posted inBusiness

IYRS School of Technology & Trades launches virtual campus tour

IYRS School of Technology & Trades now offers an interactive virtual tour of its marine trades and advanced technology campus. This digital experience gives prospective students and industry partners worldwide a chance to explore the school’s facilities from anywhere. Launched on Feb. 7, 2025, the virtual tour showcases 10 key areas including the marina, wharf, […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Nonprofit

Newport Restaurant Group’s gift card program raises more than $71,000 for local nonprofits

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) has announced that it has donated $71,142 to local nonprofits as a result of its annual, year-round gift card program, exceeding last year’s fundraising total by more than $7,000. Through the program, $2.00 from every gift card purchase is donated to area nonprofits fighting food insecurity. Since the program’s inception in […]

Posted inNonprofit

Portsmouth/Tiverton Rotary Club announces 2025 Scholarship Opportunity

The Portsmouth-Tiverton Rotary Club is now taking applications for its 2025 scholarship program. This opportunity is open to graduating seniors from Portsmouth and Tiverton High Schools who need financial help for college. The scholarship aims to recognize students who live up to the Rotary’s “Service Above Self” motto through their community work, leadership, and academic […]

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