Local nonprofits can still apply for $11.7 million in additional grants on first-come-first-served basis

 Nine Warwick nonprofits working on food insecurity, housing instability and homelessness prevention, and behavioral health will share nearly $1 million in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation.

 State leaders funded the Foundation’s ARPA Nonprofit Support Program using $20 million from the state’s $1.1 billion share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation for COVID-19 recovery. Governor Dan McKee, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio joined the Foundation to unveil the program in October.

“The state’s nonprofits are a lifeline for Rhode Islanders most in need. This federal funding we proudly included in the state budget process provides critical assistance in these very challenging times.  We thank the Rhode Island Foundation for its invaluable role in making sure people are housed and healthy as they bounce back from the pandemic,” said Speaker Shekarchi.

Warwick’s Amenity Aid, Coastline EAP, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, Friends Way, House of Hope Community Development Corporation, Integrated Healthcare Partners, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Rhode Island Parent Information Network and Sargent Rehabilitation Center are among more than 90 nonprofits statewide that received funding.

 “Nonprofits across the state have been going above and beyond to provide support and resources to people in need. Given the impact of COVID-19 and ongoing cost increases, our grants ensure they can continue doing the essential work that their communities depend on,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

 House of Hope will use its grant to recruit and retain staff. In addition to serving Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, the organization also manages dozens of affordable apartments and provides a range of supportive services for residents across the state.

 “The mission of House of Hope CDC affirms housing as a basic human right, however the agency finds itself in the challenging position of navigating food and housing insecurity experiences of our staff as housing and other costs of daily life continue to rise,” said Laura Jaworski, executive director.

 “Our ongoing commitment to DEI work has forced us to challenge the systemic racism inherent in not offering a housing wage to our staff, and our values as an affordable housing provider. At the current moment, there is no more critical need for the agency than protecting the health, well-being, and housing of our team members without whom we are unable to continue our exceptional work for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness,” she said.

 The Foundation encourages organizations that have not already received grants to apply for the remaining $11.7 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the funding is expended. The maximum grants are expected to be $150,000.

 “We are grateful that state leaders believed in our capacity to quickly get this funding out to the organizations that are doing the boots-on-the-ground work helping their communities recover from the pandemic’s continuing impact on the daily lives of Rhode Islanders," said Steinberg.

 Applicants must have a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and must submit a copy of their most recent IRS Form 990, 990EZ or 990N; and their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter with their application if it is not already on file at the Foundation. For more information, visit rifoundation.org/arpagrants.

 Since 2020, the Foundation has distributed $19.8 million in federal pandemic relief funding in partnership with the state.

 The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $98 million and awarded $76 million in grants last year. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org