RI Foundation offers grants to nonprofits that serve Barrington residents

Nonprofits that provide health care, counseling or basic human needs such as food or shelter to Barrington residents have until Feb. 10 to apply for grants of up to $15,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation.

“We are casting a wide net, seeking applications from human service organizations and other nonprofits anywhere in Rhode Island that deliver medical and behavioral health care, health education or provide basic needs services to enhance the lives of Barrington residents,” said Kelly Riley, who oversees the Barrington District Nursing Association Fund at the Foundation.

Among the nonprofits that received funding in recent years are Barrington Tap-In, Bayside Family YMCA, East Bay Center, East Bay Community Action Program, Friends of Barrington Senior Center, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties and the VNA of Rhode Island.

The grants have supported everything from mental health services for children and counseling for victims of domestic violence to home-delivered meals and wellness programs for senior citizens.

Incorporated in 1923, the Barrington District Nursing Association ceased operation in 1968, when it merged with a number of smaller agencies to create the East Shore District Nursing Association. In 1989, the board of the former Barrington District Nursing Association voted to turn its assets over to the Foundation and create the fund that bears the organization’s name and continues its mission.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in the state. In 2015, the Foundation awarded $41.5 million in grants to organizations addressing Rhode Island’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.