2009 Grant Programs

Download Investing in Rhode Island: Grantmaking and beyond

As the largest and most comprehensive funder in the state, the Foundation is committed to creating maximum positive impact through grants, outreach, and other investments in the community. In 2009 we made grants of more than $27million to more than one thousand organizations.

Grants fall into two broad categories: discretionary grants made at the direction of Foundation staff and directors; and grants recommended by our donors through donor advised or designated funds. See a list of our 2009 discretionary grants and a list of 2009 donor-directed grants.

Discretionary grants fund organizations and projects in six sectors: education, health, human services, arts and culture, environment, and community and economic development, with a clear area of focus within each sector. Our financial report illustrates total 2009 grants by sector and fund type.

Download 2009 Impact Report

In all of our grantmaking, we are determined to measure and learn from the impact of our investments, and to communicate that impact more broadly. To that end the Foundation’s first impact report, describing results achieved by our grantees, was published in June 2010.

The Full Range of Foundation Grant Opportunities in 2009 included:

Strategy grants, which support projects that address significant community challenges, strive for lasting impact, and serve disadvantaged Rhode Islanders in the six sectors noted above

Small grants for planning, technical assistance, and pilot projects

Professional development grants for staff of nonprofit organizations to participate in professional development opportunities*

Basic human needs grants for organizations providing food, clothing, housing, prescription, and utility assistance

Fund for a Healthy Rhode Island grants to improve primary health care services and delivery

Newport County Fund grants for organizations serving the six communities of Newport County

Equity Action grants for organizations serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning communities of Rhode Island

Scholarships providing financial assistance for educational opportunities through more than 150 scholarship funds

*Program discontinued in 2010