EP Groups Can Get $10,000 Grants for Community Projects

The Rhode Island Foundation is offering local libraries, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations grants of up to $10,000 to fund proposals that bring people together as a community. March 22 is the deadline to apply.

"Communities thrive where people, places and traditions meet. We want your best suggestions for enhancing the quality of life, building relationships, enlivening neighborhoods and improving community connections," said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation's president and CEO.

Since launching the Community Grants program in 2016, the Foundation has awarded $3 million to hundreds of projects across Rhode Island. Work has ranged from creating performance spaces and urban farms, to hosting neighborhood meals and making historic places and nature preserves more accessible to the public.

Previous East Providence winners include the Weaver Library, which received $8,944 to promote its weekly farmers' market; the East Providence Arts Council, which received $15,000 for the Watchemoket Sculpture Garden; Friends of Grassy Plains Park, which received $5,000 to create a community gathering space; the East Providence Historical Society, which received $8,500 for its community garden project; and East Providence Heritage Days, which received $7,500 to support the annual event.

Proposals should build social networks, improve the quality of life, promote collaboration and increase community engagement within a neighborhood, city or town.

Priority will be given to proposals that include community support such as matching grants, the participation of volunteers and donated space and other forms of in-kind contributions. Other considerations may include whether projects are led by or serve historically marginalized groups, including people who identify as Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or multiracial.

While both new initiatives and enhancements to existing projects are eligible, the grants are intended to support one-time costs and expenses. Applicants will not be eligible for renewed funding for the same project in future years. Capital campaigns, endowments, for-profit entities, individuals, political groups and lobbying efforts are not eligible.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information about applying for a Community Grant, visit www.rifoundation.org.