Site Search

Dozens of nonprofit organizations serving Newport County residents will share nearly $340,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The Newport County YMCA, East Bay Community Action Program and the Jamestown Arts Center are among 44 organizations that received funding from the Foundation’s Newport County Fund.  

“We are grateful to be able to help these organizations carry out their crucial work. We are fortunate to partner with passionate donors who make it possible for us to support nonprofits that are on the frontlines of serving the needs of their communities,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.    

Amenity Aid received $5,000 to provide Newport County residents with hygiene products such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and other must-have items. Last year, the organization distributed 7,614 products to 2,566 people through its local network of direct service agencies, including Lucy’s Hearth, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.   

“Our work supports wellness and inclusion of the region’s low-income and marginalized communities. At Amenity Aid, we believe that hygiene is essential, not optional. Consistent access to essential hygiene products improves the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. No one should be forced to choose between food and hygiene products,” said Liz Duggan, founder and executive director.  

The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross received $5,000 to support preparedness, recovery and relief services in response to local disasters, mostly residential home fires. The organization works closely with local agencies, including the Aquidneck Island Emergency Volunteer Alliance, the Edward King House and the Middletown Fire Department among other groups. 

“The Red Cross collaboratively helps to prepare communities for emergencies —whether it’s home fires, gas outages or storms. Our volunteers are trained to respond, and we ensure food contracts, shelter options and supplies are in place. Given the island’s vulnerability, meticulous preparations are vital,” said Susan Roberts, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Rhode Island chapter. 

Aquidneck Community Table in Newport received $6,600 to support Root Riders, which provides paid summer internships to high school students in Newport County. The program provides students with hands-on training in growing, harvesting and distributing fresh produce, in addition to running a food-based business. 

“Teaching young people to eat healthfully and to grow their own food are important and empowering life skills," said Rose Jones, executive director. "At the same time, we're cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards, community leaders, and food entrepreneurs. As a Root Rider, students will not only grow, harvest and sell local foods - but also share free, fresh produce with their neighbors in need. We are grateful to the Rhode Island Foundation for continuing to generously support our efforts to promote food equity across Newport County." 

Best Buddies of Massachusetts & Rhode Island received $2,500 to support its Friendship Program in Newport County, which matches students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in one-to-one friendships with neurotypical peers. The organization expects to match at least 30 students in Newport County this school year.  

“We work to end the social inequalities faced by young people with disabilities by providing a continuum of services aimed at creating more inclusive spaces in schools, communities, and workplaces. Participants in our school friendship program acquire and practice social skills that are critical to their future success in the workplace and society,” said State Director Kara Falcone. “Studies have shown that strong social skills can help youth with disabilities develop positive peer and familial relationships, succeed in school, and begin to successfully explore adult roles such as employee, co-worker, and community member. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island received $5,000 to support their community-based mentoring program, which pairs youth ages 7 to 14 with adult mentors for a minimum of 18 months based on common interests, Mentee goals, and the Mentor’s skillset. The Matches meet independently in the community.  

“We connect young people with mentors to set goals, share new experiences and broaden perspectives. Understanding the diverse challenges faced by Newport County youth, we offer personalized support tailored to their unique needs. Our approach is flexible and responsive, ensuring each young person and their family receives the guidance and assistance best suited to them. Through this commitment, we empower our participants to achieve their full potential and navigate life's challenges with confidence,” said Katje Afonseca, Chief Executive Officer. 

Bike Newport received $5,000 to launch an e-bike safety training initiative. The program will train riders on the safe handling of e-bikes, the rules of the road and best safety practices. The organization expects 150-200 residents to participate in the full multi-session curriculum with on-bike training and to reach 1,000 people through large-scale availability and online training options. 

“The exploding popularity of e-bikes underscores the importance for communities everywhere to take timely and effective measures to promote their safe operation. Their increasing use is easy to observe on Aquidneck Island, and indeed everywhere. E-Bikes are dependable, comfortable, and easy to use. E-Bikes are prevalent, growing ever more so, and by all indications they are here to stay,” said Bari Freeman, executive director. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County received $3,000 to support its new Teen Dance Program, which was conceived by participants in the Club’s SMART Girls program to provide an alternative to wrestling, which is the only other organized physical activity.  

“By providing participants with a physical activity in performance art, an opportunity to develop confidence and teamwork and the experience of giving back and supporting the community by performing at community events, we keep them returning to the Club to benefit not only from this program, but from our other activities that will help keep them on the path to success and give them a safe place to go,” said Joe Pratt, executive director and CEO. 

The Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation in Jamestown received $10,000 to support its TIDES program, which exposes students to a range of career opportunities available in the state’s “Blue Economy.” The organization expects 10-15 Jamestown students from North Kingstown and Narragansett High Schools to participate in the after-school program during the coming school year. 

"We will utilize our deep relationships with Blue Economy partners to run a series of trips to local marine-based organizations through which students will learn about the Blue Economy, and make connections with local business owners, scientists, educators and community members who are thrilled to share their experiences and help the next generation,” said Meg Myles, executive director. 

Conexion Latina Newport received $10,000 to support its Bienvenido initiative, which helps newly arrived Spanish speaking residents of Aquidneck Island access housing, employment, schools, adult education, health care and food among other basic needs. 

“Because of Newport’s intense concentration of tourism and service industry jobs, and the more recent staffing crisis, the city and its tourism employers have become dependent on the Hispanic community to keep their businesses running, and the economy of the city in the black. Bienvenido is of great benefit to newcomers because it enables them to get training and experience in an industry with high demand and potential for advancement,” said Rebekah Gomez, executive director. 

Day One received $10,000 to provide evaluation, advocacy and treatment services to child and adult victims of sexual violence and abuse in Newport County. Last year, the organization supported more than 300 children and adults through its Children’s Advocacy Center in Middletown and its adult advocacy and clinical programs. 

“As the only agency in Rhode Island specifically organized to deal with issues of sexual assault as a community concern, this assistance will help us provide critical advocacy and treatment services for victims of sexual abuse, as well as expand prevention education to help end sexual violence in Newport County,” said Peg Langhammer, executive director. 

The East Bay Community Action Program in Newport received $10,000 to support its Baby Steps program, which provides family education sessions and family enrichment activities that engage family members as partners in the education of children through the age of four. 
 
“Parents and caregivers are the most instrumental people in a child's life, so developing effective parenting skills is vital. By promoting positive relationships and enhancing engagement, we can better prepare children and their families for the future,” said Rilwan Feyisitan Jr., president and CEO. 

The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District received $9,693 to support its AgInnovation Farm in Portsmouth, which provides experiential learning opportunities for middle and high school students. The primary goal is to build foundations in STEAM literacy by engaging students academically with agricultural science through school day instruction, promotion of healthy eating, and hands-on after school programs and summer camp. 

“Students gain the knowledge and skills to promote stewardship on a broader community level. Additionally, the program fosters career development by exposing students to various agricultural professions, from farming and crop management to environmental science and agribusiness, all with a strong focus on sustainable practices,” said Sara Churgin, executive director. “Through partnerships with local organizations, and academic institutions, the farm expands students’ horizons and inspires them to consider career paths that contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Students develop essential skills, empowering them to contribute to sustainable agriculture and food systems in the future. AgInnovation is not just a place of learning; it's a catalyst for the state’s farmers and environmental leaders of tomorrow.” 

FabNewport received $7,500 to support its Newport Experience Summer Program, which offers 80 unique opportunities, including surfing at Second Beach, clamming in Jamestown and artmaking in its lab and in the community. Approximately 100 youngsters participate in the activities, 77% of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch during the school year. 

“The focus is on communities of color and low-income public-school students. Our programs close the equity gap. They move the needle most towards equity when our learners connect with others across the community. They build relationships with mentors, business owners, kids from different neighborhoods and other people who present new possibilities,” said Steve Heath, executive director. 

Gnome Surf Therapy received $5,000 to offer 10 free one-on-one surf therapy sessions a month for Aquidneck Island youths who are experiencing financial hardship and to buy essential equipment to meet growing demand for its surf therapy programs 

“We focus predominantly on at-risk youth, including those who are neurodivergent, physically diverse, and come from economically disadvantaged households. By bridging this demographic to ocean experiences in their community, this initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance the Aquidneck Island ecosystem of programs, fostering holistic well-being and empowerment among the community's most vulnerable youth,” said Christopher Antao, founder and executive director. 

The Herren Project in Tiverton received $10,000 to support and expand upon recovery and family services programming in Newport County to meet the critical need for prevention, mental health, and intervention strategies. In addition to treatment navigation, Herren Project offers recovery scholarships for individuals, as well as 1-on-1 phone consultations and 27 different online support groups for family members and loved ones directly affected by addiction. 

“We meet people wherever they are at in their recovery journey. Our distinctive family support services empower family members to best care for themselves and navigate their loved one’s addiction so they can begin to heal. We build protective factors, connect vulnerable populations to community services, and support community resilience in the face of the challenges Rhode Islanders face today,” said Bonnie Sawyer, executive director. 

The Jamestown Arts Center received $10,000 to support its Arts Experiences program, presenting a year-long series of free arts experiences, including artist-led workshops, Family Days, and public outdoor artworks. More than 500 Newport County residents are expected to participate in at least one of the activities. 
 
"Our Arts Experience Initiatives open doors to creative expression and learning for all Newport County residents, particularly children and families. By removing barriers and showcasing our many voices, we aim to foster a more inclusive and vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to engage with arts experiences of the highest caliber,” said Christine Cocca, Executive Director. 

The Jamestown Community Food Pantry received $10,000 to support the increased costs of purchasing food and personal care and pet items. The organization provides clients with meat, fish, juice, cheese, yogurt, milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to non-perishables. 

"People often think that a town like ours can't possibly have a need for an emergency food pantry. We have witnessed the exact opposite of that. The beneficiaries of our program are those individuals and families in Jamestown who need emergency food help when their budgets are tight. Many of our clients are shut-ins, or without reliable transportation, and our services offer them what they need without having to travel across one of the bridges to get help," said Deb Nordstrom, executive director. 

The Katie Brown Educational Program received $7,000 to provide evidence-based, relationship violence prevention education to Jamestown, Little Compton, Newport, Portsmouth and Tiverton students in grades 4-12. Through the KBEP students learn skills necessary to recognize, avoid, and prevent relationship violence by shifting unhealthy attitudes and changing behaviors. 

"Our programming will improve their ability to identify warning signs of violent or unhealthy relationships and their acquisition of protective social emotional learning skills as well as decrease the prevalence and longevity of violent relationship experiences in youth. While eliminating their interactions with violent individuals are a statistical impossibility, improving their ability to more quickly and effectively identify risk behaviors and highlight safe exit strategies are likely to reduce the amount of time spent in violent relationships and encourage safer disengagement," said Claire McVicker, executive director. 

The Little Compton Community Center received $10,000 to support its Senior Lunch Program. The center prepares meals for pick up, for home delivery and to be served in its dining room. 

"The senior lunch program has become an important part of our recipients social and emotional wellness, providing a place to connect in a comfortable atmosphere over an affordable and delicious meal. Meals are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, with the exception of major holidays. We have a robust roster of volunteers who deliver our meals to homebound neighbors, help in the kitchen and serve those who are dining in," said Amy Mooney, executive director. 

The Little Compton Food Bank received $10,000 to support operations. Open Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the facility serves approximately 60 households a week that are facing food insecurity.  

"We know that our food bank serves only a portion of the population in Tiverton and Little Compton that is going hungry for lack of assistance. For every person we serve, there are more who can't get to us for whatever reason, or who may be too shy to come in. This grant will help us partner with other local organizations to identify ways to reach more of the people in need who are not getting our help" said Carter Wilkie, president of the Board of Trustees. 

Live & Learn in Jamestown received $10,000 to expand the opportunities in Jamestown to expand sustainable living and reduce the impact of waste impact, including collecting items for extra-municipal recycling, primarily through accounts with Terracycle; upcycling craft materials into like-new kits that are donated around Rhode Island; and re-using plastic plant pots by growing microgreens to donate to homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Live & Learn will collect unwearable textiles to upcycle into shop cloths for painters and mechanics. 

"We hope to expand our relay recycling program again this year to include the Community Textile Upcycling program. In Rhode Island, there is no way to recycle fully used textiles into their component parts to be turned into new products. What we have are several programs and projects to collect gently used clothing for resale and redistribution. Items that cannot be re-used are destined for the landfill--or worse, shipped overseas in large lots of "donated" clothing that often ends up trashed in other countries, after the carbon-intensive trip to get there," said Gina Malloy, executive director. 

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport received $10,000 to give more children from diverse backgrounds access to engaging child education programs. Up to 124 children, many of whom will be English language learners, will be provided with high quality, experiential learning that supports academic achievement and social/emotional needs, in addition to enabling parents to continue working. 

“This funding ensures that children are safely and meaningfully engaged over the summer and after school, allowing parents to work. Our program provides affordable programing in support of student’s academic success, fosters self-sufficiency for families and provides basic needs to families such as meals and access to hunger relief services,” said Heather Hole Strout, executive director. 

 Meals on Wheels received $5,000 to support its work providing home-delivered meals to Newport County seniors and other homebound adults. The organization expects to serve nearly 300 Newport County residents with home-delivered meals, wellness checks and social visits. 

“Our goal is to enable people to remain living independently for as long as possible by addressing the issues of food insecurity and social isolation that are known risk factors for poor health outcomes. Every meal we deliver represents a time when a client receives a vital well-being check and a critical opportunity for socialization that directly works to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with their homebound status," said Meghan Grady, executive director. 

MENTOR Rhode Island received $10,000 to support the Aquidneck Island Mentoring program, which recruits volunteer mentors from the community who are screened, trained and then matched with children who have multiple risk factors, including poor self-esteem, high absenteeism from school, social struggles and disruptive home lives. 

“The impact of mentors on Newport’s children has been extremely positive. Our mentors are introducing our children to local industries and opening their eyes to career possibilities they may not have otherwise known existed. With the support of their mentors, our mentees will become our future workforce, our customers, our neighbors and our civic leaders. Ensuring the success of our students ensures the continued success of our community,” said Jeanine Achin, president and CEO. 

Newport Classical received $6,000 to support its free, year-round Community Concerts Series, which brings open-air, classical music concerts to community-centered gathering places across Aquidneck Island in a casual and family-friendly way.  

“These events are opportunities for Newport residents of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate community through the power of music. We are committed to ensuring that engaging and inspiring classical music experiences are inclusive and easily accessible to all members of the community by transforming neighborhood green spaces into beautiful performance areas,” said Gillian Fox, executive director. 

Newport Contemporary Ballet received $10,000 to support its Dancing Through Boundaries in-school and after-school education program. More than 3,600 students in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown and Little Compton participate in the comprehensive arts-integrated education program. 

“Our program increases student engagement, supports social-emotional learning and improves academic and health outcomes for disadvantaged young people. Last year we expanded to additional schools and grade levels in Newport County, introduced new curriculum and launched a diversified after-school program,” said Danielle Genest, artistic and executive director.  

The Newport County YMCA in Middletown received $5,000 to support RhodySquash, an afterschool program for area middle school students that combines squash instruction and competition with mentorship, tutoring and character-building opportunities. 

“The focus is on recruiting rising 5th graders who would otherwise be unable to access this program due to family financial constraints. Through this program and with the support of funders, at-risk youth develop new skills and make connections that allow for a healthier and brighter future,” said Mike Miller, the Y’s CEO. “In a community where after school programs are lacking and often costly, RhodySquash provides a safe place for kids to play, learn and thrive at no cost to families who need financial assistance.” 

newport FILM received $5,000 to produce four documentary movie screenings with Spanish subtitles through February 2025 in collaboration with Conexión Latina, including at least one in Miantonomi Park. newportFILM will work with Conexión Latina on marketing and determining which films will most appeal to Spanish-speaking residents. 

 "It is important to engage Newport’s Spanish-speakers, who are often overlooked in public arts and culture programming. By building capacity and operationalizing bilingual screenings, with ongoing guidance from and active partnership with Conexión Latina, newportFILM endeavors to create broader community cohesion and welcome Spanish-speakers to a leading cultural offering in Newport," said Cathleen Carr, newportFILM’s executive director. 

The Newport String Project received $10,000 to support its youth development program, which includes lessons in violin, viola, or cello taught by the Newport String Quartet. The organization works with the MET School, the Florence Gray Center, and St. Paul’s Church to encourage students with diverse backgrounds to apply. 

“We create places for young people to learn, flourish, and dream, engaging children from low-income families in a free program of musical study during the school day and high-risk after-school hours. Students' lives are becoming increasingly complex, consequently, they need adults in their lives whom they trust and the structure that we provide. Our program demonstrates the power of music and mentoring to strengthen skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, and creativity,” said Ealain McMullin, co-founder and artistic director. 

The Rhode Island Center for the Book received $10,000 to provide books and resources to libraries, summer reading programs and families in Newport County in support of its summer reading initiative for students in grades 3-6, encouraging students to read one special book and engage in community discussions and programs that connect school and summer reading. 
 
“Our aim is to prevent summer learning loss, the phenomenon where youth lose academic skills over the summer. Teachers across Rhode Island are seeing more and more students struggle with reading. We are taking on this challenge by serving as a bridge to connect school libraries and community libraries, introducing kids to local, free learning resources, and encouraging them to remain engaged with books and libraries during the summer months,” said Director Kate Lentz. 

The Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust in Newport received $3,800 to enable families from diverse, underserved communities to travel to the island and stay overnight in the bunk rooms of the historic Fort Hamilton barracks on the 18-acre island in Narragansett Bay. The organization will partner with FabNewport to recruit families. 

By providing this opportunity, we hope to open doors for those who might otherwise not have the means to partake in such an immersive journey, enriching their lives and fostering a deeper connection to our shared heritage and environment,” said Sean O’Connor, executive director. “The island’s role in off-the-grid living will offer valuable insights into conservation in resource-limited environments, and an island retreat like this will give local families a place to simply relax, have a campfire, and enjoy our coastline.” 

Sail Newport received $10,000 to support its 4th Grade Science and Sailing Program at Pell Elementary School. The 16-week program, which is provided during the school day, takes place on Narragansett Bay, along the shoreline and in the organization's shore-side classroom. Established in 2017, nearly 1,000 children have participated in this program, including nearly 150 in the 2023-2024 school year. 

"The overarching goal of this impactful collaboration with the Pell Fourth Grade Teachers and the Newport School Department is to deliver engaging content that meets the district's STEM curriculum guidelines combined with the experiential aspect of an on-the-water sailing program,” said Brad Read, executive director. “The students' classroom learning, as well as important life skill development such as problem solving and communication, is complemented and reinforced through sailing. Importantly, these children are also deepening their sense of connection to their natural environment - Newport Harbor, the Bay and the oceans beyond.” 

Save The Bay received $10,000 to support shoreline cleanups, storm drain marking and water quality testing, particularly increasing the number of cleanups it hosts or co-sponsors with a focus on plastics, which were the number one item collected during cleanups for the first time last year. 

“Thanks to this grant, we can educate and inspire environmental stewards, collect critical data on our waters, help coastal habitats adapt to changing conditions and address climate change,” said Topher Hamblett, executive director of Save The Bay. “These activities help ensure Narragansett Bay remains a vibrant and thriving resource for future generations.” 

St. John's Lodge Food Bank in Portsmouth received $7,500 to serve the needs of food-insecure residents of Portsmouth and the surrounding communities. The organization maintains an inventory of fresh and non-perishable foods at the St. John’s Masonic Lodge and relies on volunteers to pick-up food donated by local merchants, to assemble food packages for recipients and to distribute the packages to clients at the Lodge. 

“Newport County has a 6.9 percent food insecurity rate among its 85,000 residents according to Feeding America’s 2023 Map the Meal Gap study. These figures are borne out by our experiences at the St. John’s Lodge Food Bank, where visitor numbers show a steady increase year to year. In January 2024, the food bank fulfilled 1,600 requests, which included 482 children. These numbers represent increases of 68% and 48% percent, respectively, over January 2023,” said Mary Anne Crittenden, president. 

The St. Joseph Conference of the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Newport received $10,000 to provide emergency financial assistance to needy households facing financial hardship, including eviction, homelessness, utility shut off or inability to afford home heating oil or propane, prescription drugs, medical expenses, clothing and transportation among other needs. 

“One of our greatest challenges is to seek out and serve the homeless, the poorest of the poor. About 40% of our clients are single moms who receive no support from the children’s fathers; who find it difficult to obtain reliable or affordable daycare, leading to missed work hours, lost income or even layoffs. Others are older people, living day by day on a fixed income, where any unexpected expense is problematic. All are treated with dignity,” said Victory Walsh, president. 

The St. Lucy’s Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Middletown received $10,000 to provide emergency financial assistance to residents facing emergencies, including eviction, utility shut-offs, lack of home heating oil, need of prescription drugs and clothing among other needs. Last year, the organization helped 137 households with 157 adults and 167 children. 

"In Newport County, there simply is not enough affordable housing to meet the demand. The populations in Newport County who benefit from our mission are the poor, the marginalized, children, the elderly and people who are disabled. The assistance we are able to provide varies according to circumstance and needs, but our most common outcome is keeping individuals or families sheltered in their homes with utilities," said Judy Weston, president. 

The Star Kids Scholarship Program received $5,000 to support after-school and summer academic tutoring for students who have the ability to be successful in school, but are struggling academically and may not have the support system at home to help with homework and projects. 

“We provide tutoring and school books for low-income, at-risk children who have a parent with a history of incarceration or substance abuse. That academic support will assist our children in being successful within their competitive school environments, with the overall goal of graduating from high school,” said Karen Flanagan, acting executive director. 

Turning Around Ministries in Newport received $10,000 to provide case management and job readiness services to under-served and at-risk persons living in the community who face homelessness, poverty, debt, addiction and unemployment. The organization primarily serves people who have been involved in the criminal justice system, as well as residents of Newport County who are homeless. 

"During these difficult times, people are facing a myriad of challenges. We help them bridge that daunting period by offering comprehensive long-term services and support. It has been proven that by helping those in need to have a better life, the entire community benefits," said Cheryl Robinson, president. 

CISF, Lucy’s Hearth, Looking Upwards, Rhode Island Black Storytellers, Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, the Village Common of Rhode Island and the Washington Square Services Corporation are among the nonprofits that also received grants. 

The Newport County Fund awards grants of up $10,000 to strengthen or expand established programs, to support policy or advocacy efforts on behalf of community concerns, to fund new projects that focus on significant problems or opportunities, and to leverage strategic collaborations and partnerships.  

In making the funding decisions, the Foundation worked with an advisory committee comprised of residents from every community in Newport County. 

Established in 2002, the Fund has awarded more than $6 million in grants for programs and services for residents of Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth and Tiverton over the years.  

It is just one of the grant programs that enable the Foundation to serve Newport County communities. Since 2022, the Foundation has awarded more than $10.9 million in grants to Newport County nonprofits.   

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, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders.