Rhode Island Reaches First COVID-19 Vaccine Donation Milestone

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island reached its first COVID-19 vaccine challenge milestone this week, triggering donations of $10,000 each to 10 nonprofits in the state. The initiative, launched by Gov. Dan McKee and other state leaders earlier this month, awards donations to community organizations as the state reaches new milestones of new, first vaccines administered.

The governor called the program "a win-win for Rhode Island, our local nonprofits and the comminutes they serve."

"Through the RI Gives Vax Challenge, we’re getting healthier, we’re raising awareness, and we’re able to help the organizations that have stepped up to support those most in need during the pandemic," McKee said. "If you haven’t gotten your vaccine yet, help us continue meeting these Vax Challenge milestones and get vaccinated today."

The 10 nonprofits chosen for the first round were selected by lottery from the pool of qualified applicants. All awardees were part of the state's frontline pandemic response and recovery. They are: Access To Recovery, Adoption Rhode Island, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, the Elisha Project, Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, the Refugee Development Center, the Rhode Island Free Clinic, Southern Rhode Island Volunteers and the WARM Center.

"This program is not only helping to encourage new vaccinations — it's also helping to support the small non-profits that are making a big difference as Rhode Island recovers from the COVID crisis," Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor said. "We thank Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Foundation, and our state’s non-profit community for collaborating on this innovative and important program."

Under the challenge, grants are awarded each time 5,000 new, first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are administered by the state, based off data from the Rhode Island 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 $750,000 initiative was funded by $500,000 from the state and $250,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation.

"Hitting the first vaccination milestone and making the initial round of grants is a great start," said Neil Steinberg, the head of the Rhode Island Foundation. "Every new person who gets vaccinated against COVID brings us closer to awarding the next $120,000 to nonprofits who are doing so much every day to help Rhode Islanders recover from the impact of the pandemic."

Organizations interested in being part of the program can submit an application through July 30.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Department of Health, reminded Rhode Islanders that although it's promising that the state hit this latest benchmark, "we have a lot more vaccinating to do."

"Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is a way to keep yourself and your loved ones healthier and safer, and a way to support the critical network of non-profit organizations that have been doing so much for Rhode Islanders since day one of this pandemic," Alexander-Scott said. "It’s never been easier to get a shot. If you have not been vaccinated yet, do your part and get vaccinated today."

Read More: RI Launches $750K Grant Challenge To Encourage Getting Vaccinated