Narragansett & SK To Receive Community Grant Money

NARRGANSETT-SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI - From the Rhode Island Foundation: Visitors to Canonchet Farm and Kinney Bungalow can expect to see changes soon thanks to $15,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation.

“Our funding will enhance places to gather, build relationships and inspire new collaborations that will strengthen community connections all over South County,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

Friends of Canonchet Farm received $6,000 to install interpretive signs along the Canonchet Nature Trail in partnership with the Town of Narragansett and the University of Rhode Island.

“The signs will educate visitors who wish to explore and learn about the culture, history and scientific aspects of the property,” said Thomas Hoagland, vice president of the nonprofit organization that maintains and improves the lakesides and trails of the 174-acre property along Boston Neck Road.

One sign will be installed at a 40-foot section of colonial-era stone wall that was cleared of invasive plants by volunteers in 2016. The sign will describe the process for removing invasive plants, how the plant material was re-cycled as natural shelter for small animals and the historical significance of the stone walls.

A second sign will be located at a woodland fresh water wetland section of the trail and illustrate the importance of this habitat for the life-cycle of native plants and animals.

The Town of Narragansett received $9,000 for improvements to Kinney Bungalow, a popular spot for weddings and other special events onScarborough Road. The work will be done in partnership with Sunset Farm, the Narragansett Land Conservancy Trust and the Narragansett Parks Department.

“We will extend the privet hedge, provide a new irrigation system and plant trees and ornamental shrubs to enhance the grounds of this majestic building,” said Steve Wright, director of Parks and Recreation.

Kinney Bungalow was built in 1899 by Francis S. Kinney, a tobacco and real estate millionaire, in order to host parties, especially following polo matches. The Town acquired the property in 1991.

A third local nonprofit also won funding from the Foundation. The South Kingstown Senior Center received $2,350 to purchase exercise equipment, including exercise mats, hand weights, Pilates stability balls and yoga blocks, exercise straps and meditation cushions.

“For decades South Kingstown seniors, who have attended the Center, have come together in support of one another and their attempts to remain healthy and independent while leading purposeful, involved lives,” said Terry Murphy, director of Leisure Services

“A community of older adults, with similar goals of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, continues to grow and evolve in our town. It is a testament to this population’s enthusiasm towards being open-minded, adventurous and health conscious, in order to enjoy life to its fullest regardless of age,” she said.

The funding for the three projects is through the Foundation’s Community Grants program. They are among 30 grants awarded statewide.

The Foundation received nearly 130 applications for Community Grants. Work on most of the projects that received funding is expected to be underway before the end of the year.

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.

Image via Rhode Island Foundation