Three community projects win funding from RI Foundation

The Rhode Island Foundation announced that nonprofits from Bristol and Warren are among 30 organizations that will share nearly $225,000 in grants to fund community-building projects across the state. The Community Grants program will support work ranging from creating performance spaces to restoring playgrounds.

“Initiatives like this would not be possible but for the foresight of those who came before us, the donors who generously invest in our state and the nonprofits that transform those resources into action,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

The Foundation received nearly 130 proposals; 30 received funding, including five in the East Bay. Most of the work is expected to be underway before the end of the year.

“Our grants will create places to gather, build relationships and inspire new collaborations that will strengthen community connections all over Rhode Island,” said Steinberg.

The Town of Warren received $7,500 to revitalize the Baker Street Playground off Water Street. The improvements will include adding gates to the existing fencing, a trash and recycling center, a preschool-appropriate play structure, seating, a bike rack and a security camera.

“At just under 7,000 square feet, this pocket park provides an important community space to a densely populated neighborhood. This will be the town's only fully enclosed play space, which parents with young children in particular will seek out,” said Parks and Recreation Director Tara Thibaudeau.

The playground was originally donated to the community by the Massasoit Society for use as a "tiny tot" playground. It has not been refurbished since the 1990s. To complement the improvements to the playground, the town plans to partner with Mashpee Wampanoag leaders to install a marker noting the tribe’s deep ties to the area.

The project was adopted by Volunteer Warren as one of its projects for this year. The organization and town officials will also work with local artists’ group The Collaborative to create a public art display to convey the history of Warren's working waterfront.

“Warren is lucky to have many partners and volunteers involved in this project, including the Recreation, Public Works and Planning Departments, Volunteer Warren, the Warren Preservation Society, the arts community and local community and business leaders,” said Town Planner Kate Michaud. "We thank the Rhode Island Foundation for helping us put our community spirit to work."

Navigant Credit Union worked with the Foundation to fund the project, donating an additional $2,500 that made underwriting the full scope of work possible.

“We are excited to partner with the Rhode Island Foundation and help bring the Baker Street playground to life. The ability for Navigant Credit Union to co-fund this project with the Foundation allows us to stretch our resources and participate in our communities in a broader way,” said Tim Draper, Navigant’s vice president of marketing.

Historic Warren Armory received $3,800 to restore and replicate an historic, circa 1882 painting titled “Indian Chief” that was uncovered during the process of restoring the facility’s former drill hall. The restored original will remain on the north side of the stage, while a newly commissioned, but historically accurate, reproduction will be placed on the south side of the stage.

“Our ‘Indian Chief’ has thrilled our community. These unique paintings will document the historical significance of our town and demonstrate the commitment to the continued use of the Armory as a public hall and an historic public property of significance and pride,” said Richard J. Valente, president.

The Bristol Art Museum received $8,000 to produce a summer-long Portuguese Arts and Culture Project. The centerpiece is an exhibit in the Museum’s main galleries featuring Portuguese art, which will be complemented by a program of classes, lectures and workshops.

“Our goal is to engage and unite the community in celebration of Bristol's significant Portuguese cultural heritage. We will leverage our summer exhibit of Portuguese art to showcase Luso-American culture throughout the East Bay, because a vibrant community honors our differences as much as it celebrates what binds us together,” said Jane Lavender, who chairs the Board of Directors.

“More than half of Bristol's population is first- or second-generation Portuguese. As workers in our factories and fishing industry, Portuguese immigrants epitomize the American experience,” she said.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2016, the Foundation awarded a record $45 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.