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To inspire a spirit of giving going into the holiday season, the Rhode Island Foundation is matching every donation the public makes to Trinity Rep during its 2026 run of “A Christmas Carol” with an equal grant to the R.I. Community Food Bank, up to a total of $50,000.

“Hunger is always looming for many of our neighbors, but the soaring cost of going to the grocery store is making this year much more challenging. For anyone considering giving to Trinity, there has never been a more urgent time to be generous,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

The public can unlock the matching grants by contributing to Trinity Rep online at trinityrep.com/match or by texting SCROOGE to 44-321. Through this philanthropic challenge, their donations will benefit Trinity Rep’s artistic, educational and community programs and the Food Bank’s network of neighborhood food pantries and meal sites.

“At the heart of 'A Christmas Carol' is the idea that we have the power to make a difference in one another’s lives. This partnership brings that message to life, connecting the generosity of our audiences with meaningful support for Rhode Islanders facing hunger. Trinity Rep is grateful to our community for joining us in putting the story’s enduring message of compassion into action this holiday season,” said Meredith McDonough, Trinity Rep’s artistic director.

The matching grant challenge comes at a time when a growing number of Rhode Islanders are facing food insecurity due to the high cost of food, housing, utilities and transportation. In the last 12 months, the Food Bank’s network of 140 member agencies has served an average of 89,000 people a month, more than ever before.

"At a time of record high need when so many Rhode Islanders are struggling to keep up with the most basic expenses, it’s incredibly moving to see our community come together in the spirit of ‘A Christmas Carol,’” said Melissa Cherney, Food Bank CEO.

Trinity Rep’s 50th annual production of “A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 31. In addition to the matching challenge, the theater is encouraging audiences to take part in a food drive to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank by bringing non-perishable and canned food items to performances. More information is available at trinityrep.com/carol.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.