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For Henry Gonsalves, the decision to dissolve the Portuguese American Scholarship Foundation doesn’t represent an ending, but a new chapter.

Invited to join the Portuguese American Scholarship Foundation by a community member from the Newport area, Henry became deeply involved — serving as board member, treasurer, and eventually president. The organization, founded in the mid-1990s, built a proud tradition of supporting students studying Portuguese language and culture, offering a generous scholarship model that funded recipients through their entire college journey. "Most scholarships would be for a year only," Henry recalls. "This organization followed the student through all four years, which was kind of a big deal."

But sustaining a volunteer-driven nonprofit is no small feat. Over time, finding people willing to step into leadership roles becomes increasingly difficult. Rather than see the organization's good work come to a halt, Henry proposed a practical and lasting solution to his board — transferring the funds to the Rhode Island Foundation to ensure scholarships would continue reaching students in perpetuity.

That vision became a reality through the Portuguese American Scholarship Foundation Fund, a designated fund supporting the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College. The Institute promotes Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures, and annually awards scholarships to students concentrating or minoring in Portuguese, as well as those studying abroad in Portuguese-speaking nations.

What gives Henry and his former board particular peace of mind is the Rhode Island Foundation's commitment to honoring donor intent — even across generations. Should Rhode Island College ever cease to offer Portuguese studies, the Foundation will direct the funding to another organization carrying that same mission forward, ensuring the founders’ original vision endures.

For the many who worked to build the Portuguese American Scholarship Foundation over the years, this fund is a lasting testament to their dedication, and it remains open to contributions from anyone wishing to support educational opportunities for future students. “Our donors and volunteers worked hard to raise that money and administer the scholarship,” reflects Henry. “If you want to have that work memorialized, this is a great vehicle for that.”