R.I. Foundation accepting applications for 2017 Innovation Fellowships

THE 2016 Innovation Fellowship recipient, Raymond "Two Hawks" Watson, is shown in the studio that he and his wife have in Providence. The Rhode Island Foundation said applications are being accepted for the 2017 fellowships. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO
THE 2016 Innovation Fellowship recipient, Raymond "Two Hawks" Watson, is shown in the studio that he and his wife have in Providence. The Rhode Island Foundation said applications are being accepted for the 2017 fellowships. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – Hoping to inspire people to become “agents of change and progress,” the Rhode Island Foundation is accepting applications for $300,000 Innovation Fellowships that focus on ideas that have the potential to move the state forward.

Increasing and improving civic engagement is the goal of the fellowship program this year.

“We are marking our 100th anniversary with a year-long celebration of community. As we come to the end of our centennial, we could think of no better tribute than to encourage Rhode Islanders to think creatively about what that means to them,” Neil D. Steinberg, the foundation’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “With this targeted emphasis, we hope to engage and inspire people to become agents of change and progress.”
The fellowships, which have been offered for the past six years, are made possible thanks to philanthropists Letitia and John Carter.
Up to two recipients will receive up to $100,000 a year for three years. Preference will be given to proposals with potential to generate the greatest good for the greatest number of Rhode Islanders, “a small idea that has the promise to be built to scale or new approaches to long-standing challenges,” according to a news release from the foundation.

Only individuals may apply for fellowships. Applicants do not have to be residents of Rhode Island when they apply, but they must commit to living in Rhode Island during their fellowship term. Eligibility requirements are posted on the foundation’s website at rifoundation.org.

- Advertisement -

The application deadline is Dec. 16.
An informational session for potential applicants will be held Nov. 14. The initial, one-page application asks applicants to summarize their idea in no more than 150 words, describing how it would promote civic engagement.

The selection committee will be chaired by Steinberg. Other members are Elan Babchuk, director of innovation at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership; Central Falls School Superintendent Victor Capellan; Theresa Moore, president of T-Time Productions; Aidan Petrie, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Ximedica; Rhode Island College President Frank Sánchez; Dan Shedd, president of Taylor Box Company; and Leslie Taito, senior vice president of corporate operations at Hope Global.

In February, the selection panel will ask semi-finalists to submit a more detailed application and video. Winners are expected to be announced in April.

The 2016 recipient is Ray “Two Hawks” Watson, who is boosting the state’s tourism industry by capitalizing on the Ocean State’s cultural heritage, history and diversity through his Providence Cultural Equity Initiative.

Previous recipients include Amy Bernhardt, David Dadekian, Adrienne Gagnon, John Haley, Daniel Kamil and Emily Steffian, Soren Ryherd, Dr. Lynn Taylor and Allan Tear.

No posts to display