EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Foundation is inviting East Bay residents to share their thoughts about the issues that are important to them at a free community dinner in East Providence on Tuesday.
"We want to hear what matters most to you. Sharing your perspective will help guide our grantmaking, community engagement and more," David N. Cicilline, the Foundation's president and CEO, said in a media release.
"Your input will help us better understand how you see things in your community," Cicilline said. "These conversations will help us shape our work going forward."
The event will be held at the East Providence Senior Center, 610 Waterman Ave., from 5-p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Register here.
"We're giving people the opportunity to talk face-to-face with each other over family-style meals,"Cicilline said. "Bring your ideas for improving your community and the local challenges you'd like to see the Foundation address."
The Foundation will provide moderators to help guide the conversations, but participants will drive the discussions.
In addition, as part of its "Rhode Island Foundation in your Community" initiative, Foundation staff will also be at the Senior Center from 3:30-4:45 p.m. to talk one-on-one with the public about local philanthropy, how to apply for grants and how start a nonprofit or help an existing nonprofit grow.
"We encourage you to drop by, ask questions and find out more about what we have to offer," Cicilline said.
Last year, the Foundation awarded $4.3 million in grants to East Bay nonprofits for work in education, health care, economic opportunity, the arts, the environment and housing among other sectors.
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