RI Foundation accepting applications for 2015 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowship

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2015 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowship, its fourth round of competitive grants.
The annual program is designed to stimulate solutions to the state’s challenges by awarding two applicants up to $300,000 each over three years to develop, test and implement innovative ideas that have the capacity to improve life in the Ocean State. Philanthropists Letitia and John Carter envisioned the program and fund it.
“Letitia and I strongly believe in the potential of creative thinking and exceptional originality to power Rhode Island’s growth,” John Carter said. “We are excited to see the proposals that this platform for change generates.”
Preference is given to proposals that promise the greatest good for the greatest number of Rhode Islanders, support a small idea that has the potential to be built to scale or create new approaches to long-standing, intractable challenges, said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
“This initiative enhances Rhode Island’s reputation as a place of innovation and ingenuity,” Steinberg said. “Letitia and John Carter are to be applauded for having the vision to invest in encouraging bold thinkers to bring their ideas to life.”
Fellowship recipients must commit to living in Rhode Island during the course of the fellowship, although they do not have to be state residents when applying.
The 2014 Fellows are David Dadekian and Amy Bernhardt. The 2013 fellows are Adrienne Gagnon and Dr. Lynn Taylor. Soren Ryherd and Allan Tear received the first fellowships in 2012.
Projects have ranged from Tear’s platform, to help entrepreneurs launch start-ups, to Taylor’s project, which aims to make Rhode Island the first state to eradicate the Hepatitis C. virus.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 12. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org/innovation.

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