RI Launches $750K Grant Challenge To Encourage Getting Vaccinated

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is taking a new approach to encourage resident to get vaccinate: charitable giving. Gov. Dan McKee announced the creation of a new initiative to give grants to nonprofits in the state as new vaccine milestones are reached.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Fund is a collaboration between the Commerce Department, Department of Health, Rhode Island Foundation and the governor's office. In total, the fund will have $750,000, with $500,000 coming from the state and $250,000 coming from the Rhode Island Foundation. New rounds of grants will be administered every time the state reaches another 5,000 new first doses.

"I'm really proud of the vaccine incentive program the State and our partners at Rhode Island Foundation have designed," McKee said. "We did intentional research and reflection to create a program that celebrates the spirit of Rhode Island, sustains the importance of getting all Rhode Islanders vaccinated over time, and provides support back to the organizations that are getting our most vulnerable neighbors through the pandemic."

The grants will go out to organizations that supported the state's COVID-19 recovery and response, the governor's office said. Applications opened on a portal on the Rhode Island Foundation's website Tuesday and will remain open until the end of the month. For the first round of funding, the first round of applications must be received by July 13.

"Rhode Island's successful vaccination efforts to date are a key reason for our state's strong re-emergence from the pandemic," Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor said. "This effort will help us build upon our positive momentum – by encouraging more Rhode Islanders to do the right thing for themselves and for their community."

Grants will be awarded based on the following increments. Each are based on new, first vaccine doses, as reported by the Department of Health.

• First 5,000 doses: 10 awards totaling $100,000
• Second 5,000 doses: 12 awards totaling $120,000
• Third 5,000 doses: 15 awards totaling $150,000
• Fourth 5,000 doses: 18 awards totaling $180,000
• Fifth 5,000 doses: 20 awards totaling $200,000

"The RI Vax Challenge is one more reason for you to get vaccinated if you’re eligible and haven’t yet received your shot," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. "In addition to helping keep Rhode Island safe by boosting our vaccination rate, this program will support the critical network of non-profit organizations in Rhode Island that have been helping people and families throughout the pandemic. As we envision a post-pandemic Rhode Island, it is critical that we keep investing in the organizations that promote well-being at the community level and contribute to a healthier and more resilient state."

To be eligible, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Rhode Island with an annual operating budget of $3 million or less in 2020. The organization must have provide3ed services or direct assistance to individuals or communities to help the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. These include behavioral health services, food insecurity services or learning loss programs.

"Continuing to encourage more Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated, coupled with the incentive to provide support for nonprofits helping many still in need, is a double benefit that serves all in the community," said Neil D. Steinberg, the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. "We are pleased to be able to step up as a partner to provide support for the Governor’s creative program and to administer the grants."

Applications will be vetted by the Rhode Island Foundation. At each milestone, eligible organizations will be entered into a lottery to select recipients.