Rhode Island Foundation gives 12 nonprofits ‘surprise’ year-end grants

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation did not wait till Christmas Eve to give out its gifts. The organization distributed 12 “surprise” year-end grants on Tuesday to local nonprofits that could help more than 100,000 Rhode Islanders.

A dozen groups received supplemental year-end grants totaling $300,000 to provide emergency assistance to families and individuals who are struggling with basic needs such as food, stable housing and health care.

“We hope these grants inspire people to dig deep and give more,” said Neil Steinberg, president and CEO of the foundation, noting that the program is a “departure” from its standard grant programs which focus on long-term solutions.

“The need in communities is still acute and providing some additional support is simply the right thing to do again this year,” the foundation said in a news release.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank received the largest grant of $50,000.

Seven organizations received $30,000 in assistance:

• Rhode Island Meals on Wheels

• Amos House

• Rhode Island Donation Exchange Program

• Salvation Army

• Basic Needs Network

• Newport Partnership for Families

• Rhode Island Community Action Association

Four were awarded $10,000:

• International Institute of Rhode Island

• We Share Hope

• Bristol County Basic Needs Network

• Woonsocket Protein Collaborative

“When you are delivering almost 2,000 meals a day to elderly residents, one can quickly see how the recent spike in the price of gas drives up costs instantly,” said Heather Amaral, executive director of Rhode Island Meals on Wheels. “We are grateful for this grant and appreciate the Foundation’s recognition of programs like ours that are dedicated to helping our most vulnerable citizens maintain their independence and dignity.”