Foundation announces first quarter strategy grants

The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded 14 competitive strategy grants totaling $565,028 to local nonprofit agencies during the first quarter of 2011. Through its discretionary grant program, the Foundation supports projects that strive for long-term solutions to critical community issues. Strategy grants strongly encourage collaborative projects that serve disadvantaged Rhode Islanders, foster innovation and seek to achieve efficiencies, reduce duplication, and provide strategies for long-term sustainability. In 2010, the Foundation awarded 114 strategy grants totaling $5.6 million.

“The Foundation offers several types of grant support for Rhode Island’s nonprofits. Strategy grants are extremely competitive and we applaud these nonprofit organizations. From promoting effective energy policy to chronic disease management, organizations are committed to finding long term solutions that will improve the lives of Rhode Islanders,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

Strategy grants fall into six sectors: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health, and human services. Last year, the Foundation announced an added emphasis on two areas within these sectors that it believes are critical to our state’s economic well-being: public education and primary health care. The Foundation, the largest and most comprehensive funder of Rhode Island’s nonprofit organizations, works in partnership with donors and nonprofit organizations to meet the needs of the people of Rhode Island. In 2010, it granted a record $29.2 million, the largest annual amount in the community foundation’s 95-year history.

Health Care

Rhode Island Free Clinic - $54,212 - Infrastructure Enhancement & Sustainability
Rhode Island Health Center Association - $10,000 - Integrating Behavioral Health Service
Rhode Island Hospital - $38,700 - Primary Care Pediatric Oral Health Intervention
Tri-Town Community Action Program - $64,761 - Integrated Primary Behavioral Healthcare Training
VNS Home Health Services - $25,246 - Chronic Disease Management
Quality Partners of Rhode Island – $5,000 - Rhode Island Transitions Summit
The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation - $48,765 - Mobile Resource and Wellness Initiative

Education

Textron Chamber of Commerce Academy - $50,000 - Healthcare & Hospitality Pathways Program
The Greene School - $85,000 - National Sustainable School Design Competition & Feasibility Study

Arts and Culture

Environment Council of RI Education Fund - $10,894 - Public Art and Performance to Promote Environmental Action
Roger Williams National Memorial - $10,000 - Incentivizing Arts-based Organizations' Participation in Providence 375th Celebration

Human Services

YMCA of Greater Providence - $50,000 - Livestrong for Children and Youth

Community & Economic Development

Grow Smart Rhode Island - $75,000 - General operating support

Environment

Energy Consumers Alliance of New England - $37,450 - Making net metering work in Rhode Island