Grants Will Fund Community-building in Woonsocket

NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley and Tides FamilyServices are among the nonprofits that will share $385,000 in grants for community-building projects from the Rhode Island Foundation.

“Our grants will create places to gather, make friendships and launch new collaborations that will build community connections everywhere,” said Jessica David, executive vice president of strategy and community investments.

NeighborWorks received $10,000 to support free monthly events at the wood-fired, outdoor community oven in Market Square as well as at regularly scheduled community events, such as the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series on Friday nights and other cultural events.

“’Breaking Bread’ has become synonymous with a comfortable, friendly interaction. Something that is shared and brings people together. This is exactly what our ‘Breaking Bread’ program will achieve within the Woonsocket community. By combining the attraction of free, live music and the aroma of free or modestly priced homemade bread and pizza, we create a desirable space for regular community gatherings, accessible and appealing to all,” said Meg Rego, NWBRV’s director of resource development and communications.

Tides Family Services received nearly $6,000 to launch a bicycling program that will serve young men from Woonsocket. The funding will enable Tides to buy new mountain bikes, helmets, tools, spare parts and bike racks.

“These young men will be able to exercise their bodies and their minds while learning road safety and experiencing new environments and areas throughout the state. Our goal is to eliminate barriers and provide access for the youth we serve, most of whom report never having been outside of the urban areas they live in,” said Beth Bixby, CEO of Tides Family Services.

The two nonprofits are among 45 applicants that won funding through the Foundation’s competitive Community Grants program. More than 100 organizations applied. The maximum grant was $10,000. Most of the work is expected to be underway before the end of the year.

“We’re excited about these ideas for making community happen in more and better ways at the local level. Supporting community-building will improve shared places and quality of life, promote collaboration and increase community engagement,” said David of the Foundation.

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 $114 million and awarded $52 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2018. 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 https://rifoundation.org/.