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The Rhode Island Foundation is inviting the public to share their thoughts about the issues that are important to them at a series a free community dinners across the state.

“We want to hear what matters most to you. Sharing your perspective will help guide our grantmaking, community engagement and more,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “Your input will help us better understand how you see things in your community. These conversations will help us shape our work going forward.”

The first get-together will be held at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, on Tues., June 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by Woonsocket on Wed., June 10, at the Millrace Kitchen, 40 South Main St., Woonsocket, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Others are planned for East Providence and Narragansett in September.

“We’re giving people the opportunity to talk face-to-face with each other over family-style meals. Bring your ideas for improving your community and the local challenges you’d like to see the Foundation address,” said Cicilline.

The Foundation will provide moderators to help guide the conversations, but participants will drive the discussions. The public can attend any of the dinners regardless of where they live. The complete schedule is posted at rifoundation.org/togetherri.

In addition, as part of its “the Rhode Island Foundation in your Community” initiative, Foundation staff will be available from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. before each dinner to talk one-on-one with the public about local charitable giving, grantmaking and nonprofit capacity‑building opportunities.

“We encourage you to drop by, ask questions and find out more about what we have to offer,” said Cicilline.

Last year, the Foundation awarded a record $93 million in grants to more than 2,000 nonprofits for work in education, health care, economic opportunity, the arts, the environment and housing among other topics.

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.