Nonprofits receive nearly $400,000 in grants to launch community-based ideas for building connections across Rhode Island

The work ranges from installing a string of pollinator gardens along the Woonasquatucket River and a Black Improv Festival to outdoor classrooms for urban youth and a community-quilting project

by Chris Barnett

Dozens of nonprofits have received nearly $400,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation to fund community-based projects across the state.

“In a time when division seems to rule, it’s never been more important to support work that brings people together. Our hope is that every one of these projects will strengthen the bonds that bind us together as neighbors and as Rhode Islanders,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

The Foundation is funding 63 projects in 18 cities and towns. The maximum grant was $10,000. Most of the work is expected to be underway before the end of the year.

“These grants will support places to gather, offer experiences that bring us together and launch new collaborations that will build community connections throughout Rhode Island,” said Cicilline.

Among the dozens of organizations receiving grants are the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in Providence, which received $7,500 to create a string of pollinator garden beds along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway; the South County Museum in Narragansett, which received $5,000 to support a community quilt project; Conexion Latina Newport, which received $5,000 support to its Festival Latino on Sept. 21; and Bread of Life in Woonsocket, which received $5,000 to organize a cultural cuisine festival.

The African Alliance of Rhode Island in Providence, Borders Farm Preservation in Foster, Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project, Crossroads Rhode Island in North Kingstown, Friends of Canonchet Farms in Narragansett, Good Neighbors in East Providence, House of Hope in Warwick, the Greenville Public Library and the Westerly Historical Society are among the other groups receiving grants. To see a list of every organization that received a grant, visit rifoundation.org/community.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders.