Foundation founder Jesse H. Metcalf

Our History and Mission

The Rhode Island Foundation is a proactive community and philanthropic leader dedicated to meeting the needs of the people of Rhode Island.

To advance this mission we:

• Actively inspire philanthropy and increase permanent resources for the state of Rhode Island
• Create maximum positive impact through our grantmaking, outreach and other investments in the community
• Provide leadership and a forum for dialogue on critical community issues
• Collaborate with individual, business, government and community partners to catalyze positive change and develop solutions to longstanding challenges

Our history

1916 - The Rhode Island Foundation is established with a $10,000 gift from Jesse H. Metcalf

1932 - Foundation receives its first $100,000 gift

1977 - Foundation grants first exceed $1 million

1993 - Foundation is chosen as the state's coordinator for the national Kids Count effort.

1995 - Convened first Professional Advisory Council

1997 - Launched Teachers and Technology, a $5 million initiative that provided a laptop computer and training to at least one in three Rhode Island public school teachers

1999 - Foundation moves into its first permanent home: One Union Station

2000 - Women's Fund of Rhode Island established by $2.5 million challenge from the Foundation

2004 - Foundation introduces its Strategy Grants program

2006 - Foundation assets first surpass $500 million

2010 - Foundation launches new strategic direction