Mission

As Rhode Island’s only community foundation, we mobilize generosity and motivate change that makes a difference. Our local roots, state-wide relationships, and century of experience anchor our work, and our hopes for our home reach high.

Since 1916, we’ve been a funder and true partner to those who help this state thrive, working hard at each table, across every community, by their side to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders. Only together, through strong partnerships and building on work that’s come before, can we create progress that lasts.

Values

                         

Neighbors Serving Neighbors

Our work is personal because Rhode Island is home. We know our neighbors and care about every one of them. Through these relationships, we connect the most pressing needs and practical solutions with an eye for equity and a heart for all. We start there to serve the home we share.                              

The Community Table

The Community Table More than ever, the world needs spaces where everyone can come to engage — so we set the table. We gather Rhode Islanders from all sides around common issues, supporting local leaders and transformative ideas. Then together, we catalyze action on our biggest challenges for the common good.                                  

Opportunity's Stable Ground 

The generosity of countless Rhode Islanders has built the foundation we stand on. Because of them, we have state-wide reach and the financial strength to give progress a platform to leap. With a broad and long-term view, we innovate to meet systemic needs. On a century of service, each day we build the trust that gives rise to opportunity.

A Greater Force for Good 

Every act of giving makes an impact; collectively, they’re a force that shapes our state. This is where we lead. With bold vision, we focus in on what works best, then we scale it. Both adaptive and adept at coordinating quick action, when we get behind something, we make it move.

The Rhode Island Foundation is accredited by the National Standards for the U.S. Community Foundations program, representing the Foundation’s commitment to meet and exceed federal and state law requirements in practice and by policy.