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Local libraries, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to fund proposals that bring people together as a community. Sept. 24 is the deadline to apply for funding through the Rhode Island Foundation's Neighborhood Grants Program.
 
“Our goal is to strengthen our connections to one another by sustaining equitable, thriving communities. We are looking for proposals that give neighbors opportunities to come together over common experiences,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation's president and CEO.   
 
Recent recipients include the Roger Williams Park Conservancy in Providence, the South County Museum in Narragansett, the Empowerment Factory in Pawtucket, the Newport String Project, the Cape Verdean Cultural & Education Program in East Providence, Rhode Island Latino Arts in Providence, the East Smithfield Public Library and the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative. 
 
“The vitality of a community’s civic and cultural life is critical to its success. Powerful connections between neighbors, strong relationships between people and public institutions, and positive experiences in the places we live are closely tied to a variety of positive outcomes, including improved health, employment rates and resilience,” said Cicilline.  
 
The program targets resident-led, community-making efforts that foster social networks, strengthen lasting relationships, elevate shared public spaces as vital community anchors, help identify goals, solve problems or make group decisions; and celebrate traditions that connect people and promote volunteerism and arts and cultural activities.  
 
To be eligible, proposals must deliver visible results within 12 months, have lasting impact, be accessible to the broader community, be relevant and beneficial to a specific neighborhood or community and leverage community resources such as cash matches, volunteer time, donated space or other in-kind contributions.  
  
While both new initiatives and enhancements to existing projects are eligible, the grants are intended to support one-time costs and expenses. Proposals that have received prior funding through the program will not be prioritized. 
 
Capital campaigns, endowment funds, for-profit entities, fundraising events, individuals, on-going operational support, lobbying or political efforts and non-secular purposes are not eligible.

For more information about applying for a Neighborhood Grant, click here.  
 
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.