Woonsocket nonprofits win COVID-19 relief grants
WOONSOCKET, RI [Dec. 28, 2021] – Three Woonsocket nonprofits are among the organizations selected by the Rhode Island Foundation to receive COVID-19 relief grants through the federal CARES Act. The funding covers the cost of housing, behavioral health services, health care, job training, food pantries and child care among other uses.
“We are getting these grants to the nonprofits that are doing the boots-on-the-ground work that Rhode Islanders have been depending on since the pandemic began. This funding will keep these essential partners going as they continue to respond to the needs of their communities," said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are appreciative of the Governor, legislative leaders and the state’s Congressional delegation for their unfailing dedication to providing the resources that support Rhode Island's safety net in times of crisis."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern R.I. received $50,000, Connecting for Children & Families received $40,000 and NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley received $40,000. They are among more than 100 nonprofits statewide that will share the funding. The full list of grant recipients is posted at rifoundation.org/NonprofitSupportII [rifoundation.org].
The Rhode Island Nonprofit Support Fund II at the Foundation was established in partnership with Governor Dan McKee through the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office. Statewide, the grants average more than $32,000 and target services or direct assistance that respond to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on vulnerable individuals or communities.
“I am pleased to see these grants go to nonprofits that serve their communities in a number of ways,” said Governor McKee. “I know this funding is invaluable to these organizations that have overcome incredible challenges throughout this pandemic, and I’m grateful that they continue to step up to the plate for Rhode Islanders. I thank the Rhode Island Foundation for partnering with my administration to get these funds into the hands of our nonprofit community quickly.”
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $68 million and awarded a record $87 million in grants in 2020. Since its centennial five years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $284 million in grants and has raised more than $328 million. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org [url.emailprotection.link].
At least some low-income Americans who rely on SNAP are getting a little good news as the government shutdown rolls on. The USDA said 65-percent of benefits will be paid this month, more than the 50-percent that was previously thought. Meanwhile, the shutdown is now hitting the skies, with the transportation secretary announcing flights will be reduced by ten percent at 40 airports nationwide starting Friday. 
