Rhode Island Foundation awards Warwick nonprofits $105,000

Posted 8/30/16

Warwick nonprofits received $105,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation in the first half of 2016. As the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofits in the state, the Foundation works in partnership with donors and grant recipients to

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Rhode Island Foundation awards Warwick nonprofits $105,000

Posted

Warwick nonprofits received $105,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation in the first half of 2016. As the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofits in the state, the Foundation works in partnership with donors and grant recipients to meet the needs of the people of Rhode Island.

 “We connect the desires of our donors to the challenges Rhode Island faces. By encouraging innovation, collaboration, and leadership, we make it possible for nonprofits to take on issues that are crucial to the state’s success,” Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO said in a statement.

 The grants target eight key sectors: arts and culture, basic human needs, children and families, education, economic security, environment, health and housing. The Foundation awarded funds to nearly a dozen local organizations.

 IN-SIGHT was awarded $9,900 to support its “On the Move Summer” Program, a two-week intensive summer orientation and mobility training program for youngsters ages 7 to 17 years who are blind and visually impaired.

 “For people living with visual impairments moving from place to place can be one of the most stressful and dangerous things that they do. Orientation and mobility training provides people with visual impairments the skills they need to get around independently, safely, and confidently,” said Christopher Butler, executive director.

Rhode Island Interfaith Power and Light received $10,000 to support the development of a long-term strategic plan, including retaining a professional, experienced advisor to facilitate the process.

“Like many small non-profits with volunteer boards, we spend too much time and effort raising funds and need to move to a more sustainable model that allows more time to focus on the best approach towards fulfilling our mission. The development of a long-term strategic plan will provide clarity to our partners, members and advisors, inform our program choices and optimize our allocation of resources to our program work,” said Rev. Dr. Anita Louise Schell, president of the board of directors.

The Rocky Point Foundation received $5,620 to restore the Rocky Point arch, which has fallen into a state of disrepair. With the assistance and support of the Warwick Department of Public Works and the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, rust and lead paint will be removed and the 60-foot-high structure at the site of the former amusement park will be repainted and restored to its former glory.         

“Members of the community have frequently, via social media and other means, called for the arch's revitalization. As Rocky Point's renewal as a recreational resource continues, we hope through this project to preserve this significant piece of park's rich past,” said John Howell, president of the Rocky Point Foundation. 

Thundermist Health Center received $14,860 to create a community orchard, including pear and sour cherry trees and berry plants. 

“Creating a place for people to interact can help facilitate relationships and catalyze a sense of community. We aim to make this space beautiful and with many shaded places to sit to ensure that the physical environment nurtures social connectedness,” said Chuck Jones, president and CEO. 

The VNA of Rhode Island received $15,000 to provide home health care to client who are not covered by insurance.  The services include telemonitoring of vital signs to detect problems quickly, interpreter services for clearer communication and understanding, supervisory visits to aid in case conferences with specialists, medication management with the aid of Pharm D interns and social workers to assist with barriers to compliance. 

“Our skilled nursing and therapy services are our core provision of health care for patients who are just home from a hospital stay for surgery, an illness or an injury.  These services are necessary for patients, particularly elderly patients, to recover and regain their former level of functioning,” said Jane Creamer, CEO.

The other local grant recipients included Cornerstone Adult Services, the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, the House of Hope Community Development Corporation, the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Warwick Public Library.

The announcement comes as the Foundation marks its 100th anniversary. Founded on June 13, 1916, with a $10,000 gift from industrialist Jesse Metcalf, the Foundation’s assets have grown to nearly $800 million. Over the past five years, the Foundation has awarded more than $165 million in grants.

The center piece of the centennial celebration is a $10 million campaign to restore Roger Williams Park. The work will include improvements to the park’s entrances, new signage, expanded walkways and bicycle paths and repairs to the Museum of Natural History, the Bandstand, the Casino and the Temple to Music.  

The Foundation has already raised $5.7 million. The support includes $1.5 million from the Foundation itself as well as a $1.15 million gift from The Champlin Foundations to restore the historic Bandstand and Museum. In addition, more than 90 other donors also have contributed to the campaign.

IT’S A GRIND:

Blane Toedt from the Warwick Department of Public Works grinds rust from the Rocky Point arch in preparation to painting it. A grant from the Rhode Island Foundation is funding paint and equipment rental for the project. (Warwick Beacon photo)

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