Woonsocket Organizations Awarded $500K in Champlin Foundations Grants

The Champlin Foundations have announced their 2011 grant recipients and Woonsocket organizations were given more than $500,000 in funding for capital needs. The group provided nearly $19 million in grants to organizations across Rhode Island, focusing on equipment, construction, renovations, the purchase of real property and reduction of mortgage indebtedness for the state's tax-exempt organizations.

Of the ten organizations in Woonsocket to receive 2011 funding, the largest share was awarded to , where the grants were used to install a new HVAC system, replace carpeting and purchase a new dental compressor for their South County facility.

Woonsocket public school students benefited from more than $90,000 in funding for the second consecutive year. Kathy DiModica, k-12 Science Coordinator, secured the science grant for the city's middle schools- used to purchase technology and engineering equipment for instruction in STEM curriculum. In 2010, DiModica applied for the funds used to improve the science department at Woonsocket High School. 

Two Woonsocket religious organizations made the list for their work in social services. received $48,490 for air quality improvements needed for the Because He Lives Soup Kitchen. was given $41,165 for capital improvements related to the mens shelter.

received the largest library grant in the state to be awarded by the foundation, with $100,000 used to upgrade their heating system and install climate control equipment.

Other Woonsocket organizations that received funding were YWCA of Northern Rhode Island, Woonsocket YMCA, Boys and Girls Club Woonsocket, Stadium Theatre and RiverzEdge. 

The grants were handed out in December, with Champlin donating 11% more to community organizations statewide in 2011 than the previous year. The group is now accepting grant requests for 2012 and will be taking applications between March 1 and April 30. Instructions on how to apply can be found on their website at http://www.champlinfoundations.org/.