The Rhode Island Foundation is offering local
libraries, schools, municipal agencies and
nonprofit groups grants of up to $10,000 to
fund proposals that bring people together as a
community. March 12 is the deadline to apply.

“We are looking for proposals that will enhance
the quality of life, form relationships
and increase connections. Our goal is to make
unique and important things happen that will
enliven neighborhoods and build bonds that
last,” said Jenny Pereira, vice president of
grants and community investments. “We also
will consider factors like whether proposals
will serve and are led by historically marginalized
communities.”

Since launching the Community Grants program
in 2016, the foundation has awarded $1.9
million to hundreds of projects across Rhode
Island. Recent projects in Cranston include
$10,000 to offer racial equity training to as
many as 50 municipal, business and nonprofit
leaders, $10,000 to purchase a pop-up library
for community events as well as locations such
as playgrounds and bus stops that serve children
from underserved communities, and

$10,000 for the Cranston Discovery Network, a
of historic markers documenting and celebrating
significant events, places and people in
Cranston’s history.

Proposals should spark community engagement
at the local level, be easily accessible, create
new or enhance existing partnerships, be
relevant to the particular community, promote
the role of shared public spaces as local anchors,
be doable and demonstrate a meaningful
impact. Priority will be given to proposals
that include community support such as
matching grants, the participation of volunteers
and donated space or other forms of inkind
contributions.

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.

For more information about applying for a
Community Grant, visit www.rifoundation.org.