As the community foundation for the entire state, The Rhode Island Foundation funds a wide range of initiatives and projects, many of which are based on the charitable interests of our donors. In 2007, approximately 2,500 grants were awarded to more than 1,000 community organizations, in the following key funding areas:

• Arts & Culture
• Community & Economic Development
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Human Services

More than 60% of the dollars that are awarded to organizations fall into the designated and donor-advised category, meaning donors to the Foundation designate or recommend the organizations to which the funds are distributed. Less than 40% of awards are at the Foundation’s discretion--our discretionary grants programs. They include Strategy Grants, Small Grants, and other special funding opportunities.