R.I. Foundation awards ‘strategy’ grants

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation awarded 14 “strategy” grants totaling $565,028 to local nonprofit agencies during the first quarter.
Strategy grants aim to encourage projects that serve disadvantaged Rhode Islanders, foster innovation and seek to achieve efficiencies, reduce duplication and provide strategies for long-term sustainability, the foundation said Wednesday.
“Strategy grants are extremely competitive, and we applaud these nonprofit organizations. From promoting effective energy policy to chronic disease management, organizations are committed to finding long-term solutions that will improve the lives of Rhode Islanders,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. In 2010, 114 strategy grants totaling $5.6 million were awarded.
In the health care category, organizations that received strategy grants were:

• The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation – $48,765 for its mobile resource and wellness initiative.
• Quality Partners of Rhode Island – $5,000 for the Rhode Island Transitions Summit.
• Rhode Island Free Clinic – $54,212 for infrastructure enhancement and sustainability.
• Rhode Island Health Center Association – $10,000 for integrating behavioral health service.
• Rhode Island Hospital – $38,700 for primary care pediatric oral health intervention.
• Tri-Town Community Action Program – $64,761 for integrated primary behavioral healthcare training.
• VNS Home Health Services – $25,246 for chronic disease management.

For the education category:

• The Greene School – $85,000 for the National Sustainable School Design Competition & Feasibility Study.
• Textron Chamber of Commerce Academy – $50,000 for its Healthcare & Hospitality Pathways Program.

For the arts and culture category:

• Environment Council of RI Education Fund – $10,894 for public art and performance to promote environmental action.
• Roger Williams National Memorial – $10,000 for incentivizing arts-based organizations’ participation in Providence’s 375th Celebration.

For the human services category:

• YMCA of Greater Providence – $50,000 for Livestrong for children and youth.

In the community and economic development category:

• Grow Smart Rhode Island – $75,000 for general operating support.

In the environment category:

• Energy Consumers Alliance of New England – $37,450 for making net metering work in Rhode Island.