One of the main objects of giving should be to help people to help themselves.
Helping charities in their service to Rhode Island and its people.
The capital projects that are funded by Champlin are often behind-the-scenes but always essential: a new roof at a Boys and Girls Club, a HVAC system at a food bank, technology for a library. We are proud to provide support for hundreds of nonprofits in Rhode Island so they can focus on their mission.
Every day, in some way it happens.
Whether strengthening the safety net, modernizing medicine, or inspiring the next young dreamer, nonprofits that apply to Champlin touch all Rhode Islanders. The applications we receive are a profound testament to the organizations and individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving our community.
Public libraries, hospitals, schools, nature preserves, museums, social service organizations, and beyond—every year, our grants provide funding for a diverse range of capital projects and needs. Our goal is always the same: improving the lives of Rhode Islanders. To see different types of requests Champlin has recently funded, look through the Annual Reports.
Social Services
We see and support the often-invisible heroes in our communities, whose efforts are providing our most vulnerable and marginalized populations with food, shelter, education, job training, and more. We are committed to keeping these essential agencies and organizations strong.
Stories of impact
Youth Services
The Champlin family recognized the importance of investing in the young—the future leaders of industry, community, and government. From Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, summer camps, and career and leadership development, supporting the organizations that help them to develop physically and mentally is a cornerstone of the Foundation.
Stories of impact
Welfare of Animals
Sadly, animals have the same ability to suffer as humans. Our support of well-established regional organizations that offer care, adoption services, medical treatment, and more helps ensure that more animals across the state are healthy, well-nourished, and free from distress.
Stories of impact
Arts & Culture
Creative expression enables greater understanding and a deeper perspective of our society. Artists give voice, spark imagination, and inspire. Creative communities are economic drivers. Supporting theaters, museums, music groups, and other arts organizations provides access for children and adults to enjoy Rhode Island’s exceptional artists and arts organizations.
Stories of impact
Conservation & Parks
As the nation’s second most densely populated state, open space is a precious, priceless resource in Rhode Island. Preserves and parks contribute mightily to the high quality of life enjoyed in the Ocean State, which is why working with land trusts, conservancies, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, The Nature Conservancy, and others has been a priority for the foundation.
Stories of impact
Education
Our young are a reflection of what our future will be. This is why Champlin maintains a focus on supporting those organizations and schools that provide equitable access to experience and learning—in the classroom, after school, or beyond. Whether it is funding equipment for classroom innovation or grants toward building infrastructure, for preparatory and enrichment programs or independent and charter schools, it all plays a role in Champlin’s grant strategy.
Stories of impact
Healthcare
Every Rhode Islander deserves equal access to quality, affordable healthcare and a strong public health system in our state. This means ensuring that our local hospitals, community health centers, treatment centers, and other nonprofit healthcare providers have the infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment needed to provide quality care and service to all, regardless of the patient’s background or zip code.
Stories of impact
Historic Preservation & Heritage
Learning from the past contributes mightily to understanding the present. Rhode Islanders respect and treasure their history—from First Nations, Colonial era, and the Industrial Revolution through the Great Wars. Historic homes, landmark locations, and museums are one reason Rhode Island is a fascinating place to live and visit.
Stories of impact
Libraries
In the 21st century, libraries have evolved into hubs for education, professional development, and community engagement. In many communities, the local library also serves as an after-school haven and the access point to technology for young and old. With programming that fosters creativity, innovation, and dialogue, libraries across Rhode Island remain a home for knowledge and meaningful connection.
Stories of impact
Social Services
We see and support the often-invisible heroes in our communities, whose efforts are providing our most vulnerable and marginalized populations with food, shelter, education, job training, and more. We are committed to keeping these essential agencies and organizations strong.
Stories of impact
Youth Services
The Champlin family recognized the importance of investing in the young—the future leaders of industry, community, and government. From Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, summer camps, and career and leadership development, supporting the organizations that help them to develop physically and mentally is a cornerstone of the Foundation.
Stories of impact
Welfare of Animals
Sadly, animals have the same ability to suffer as humans. Our support of well-established regional organizations that offer care, adoption services, medical treatment, and more helps ensure that more animals across the state are healthy, well-nourished, and free from distress.
Stories of impact
Arts & Culture
Creative expression enables greater understanding and a deeper perspective of our society. Artists give voice, spark imagination, and inspire. Creative communities are economic drivers. Supporting theaters, museums, music groups, and other arts organizations provides access for children and adults to enjoy Rhode Island’s exceptional artists and arts organizations.
Stories of impact
Conservation & Parks
As the nation’s second most densely populated state, open space is a precious, priceless resource in Rhode Island. Preserves and parks contribute mightily to the high quality of life enjoyed in the Ocean State, which is why working with land trusts, conservancies, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, The Nature Conservancy, and others has been a priority for the foundation.
Stories of impact
Education
Our young are a reflection of what our future will be. This is why Champlin maintains a focus on supporting those organizations and schools that provide equitable access to experience and learning—in the classroom, after school, or beyond. Whether it is funding equipment for classroom innovation or grants toward building infrastructure, for preparatory and enrichment programs or independent and charter schools, it all plays a role in Champlin’s grant strategy.
Stories of impact
Healthcare
Every Rhode Islander deserves equal access to quality, affordable healthcare and a strong public health system in our state. This means ensuring that our local hospitals, community health centers, treatment centers, and other nonprofit healthcare providers have the infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment needed to provide quality care and service to all, regardless of the patient’s background or zip code.
Stories of impact
Historic Preservation & Heritage
Learning from the past contributes mightily to understanding the present. Rhode Islanders respect and treasure their history—from First Nations, Colonial era, and the Industrial Revolution through the Great Wars. Historic homes, landmark locations, and museums are one reason Rhode Island is a fascinating place to live and visit.
Stories of impact
Libraries
In the 21st century, libraries have evolved into hubs for education, professional development, and community engagement. In many communities, the local library also serves as an after-school haven and the access point to technology for young and old. With programming that fosters creativity, innovation, and dialogue, libraries across Rhode Island remain a home for knowledge and meaningful connection.
Stories of impact
Social Services
We see and support the often-invisible heroes in our communities, whose efforts are providing our most vulnerable and marginalized populations with food, shelter, education, job training, and more. We are committed to keeping these essential agencies and organizations strong.
Stories of impact
Youth Services
The Champlin family recognized the importance of investing in the young—the future leaders of industry, community, and government. From Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, summer camps, and career and leadership development, supporting the organizations that help them to develop physically and mentally is a cornerstone of the Foundation.
Stories of impact1210
The number of individual organizations that have received Champlin funding since 1932
291
The average number of applications Champlin receives annually requesting support
10
The number of organizations and agencies receiving a grant from Champlin for the first time in 2024
Improving lives and building communities.
In 85 years of supporting the capital needs of nonprofits from Westerly to Woonsocket, the impact of Champlin grantees has been widespread and profound. We are proud to share some of the stories of the people and organizations who are in the community and making an extraordinary difference in the lives of their neighbors.
If you’d like to share a story about the impact your organization has had thanks to Champlin Foundation funding, please email office@champlinfoundation.org. Please include any high-resolution photos you would like to share on our website or in our annual report.
Tides
We offer programs through our fully COA-accredited Youth Transition Center, Preserving Families Network, Multi-systemic and Functional Family Therapy Programs, and our Youth Outreach Program. Thanks to Champlin, we now have a safe, secure and welcoming environment that directly benefits the most at-risk children, youth and families of our state’s capital city.
See Full StoryRI Community Food Bank
The Champlin Foundation has supported the work of the Food Bank for many years, providing grants for critical capital projects. Thanks to the Foundation, the Food Bank maintains a fleet of six trucks. These trucks make the entire network more efficient, because the Food Bank can deliver to agencies, reducing the need for each agency to have its own vehicle. In addition, because the entire fleet is refrigerated, the Food Bank is now able to acquire and deliver significantly more fresh produce.
See Full StoryCrossroads
In 2016, Crossroads received a grant from The Champlin Foundation to purchase a new vehicle for the program. The Subaru Outback replaces a very old van that was unreliable, expensive to operate and unsuitable for the project. The new vehicle is equipped with a GPS system and other technology that was desperately needed. It is also a suitable vehicle for reaching people living in outdoor camps or tents.
See Full StoryAmos House
In 2014, Amos House was awarded a $750,000 grant from the Champlin Foundation to support the construction of a new facility to that included an expanded Soup Kitchen, as well as consolidated office and program space from five campus buildings. This new building, which combines all Amos House programs except for housing, offers 29,000 square feet of space for the Rhode Island community.
See Full StoryDay One
We appreciate The Champlin Foundation’s continued support to allow us to focus on our true mission of reducing the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence as well as to support and advocate for those affected by it.
See Full StoryTiverton Public Library
The Champlin Foundation provided major funding for the new Tiverton Public Library, a beloved institution that both embraces its storied past and strides boldly into the 21st century. The first year exceeded the wildest expectations in number of library users, books checked out, online usage and program participation. By any metric the new Tiverton Library has been the biggest thing to happen to the town in recent memory.
See Full StoryOcean State Libraries
When technology has changed, the Champlin Foundation has made it possible for our public libraries to change with it. Their commitment to Ocean State Libraries has been unbounded and we owe them a debt of gratitude beyond measure.
See Full StoryCranston Public Library
Cranston Public Library has enjoyed a long-standing collaboration with the Champlin Foundation and future generations will have the Foundation to thank for many of the comfortable, safe, and educational spaces at Cranston Public Library.
See Full StoryEast Providence Public Library
As a result of The Champlin Foundation’s generosity, East Providence Public Library is able to continuously support curious minds and makers alike.
See Full StoryAshaway Free Library
The Champlin Foundation understands how important small libraries are to our society. Thanks to their support over the years, the Ashaway Free Library continues to evolve and nurture our community.
See Full StoryPeace Dale Library
We are incredibly proud of the services we provide to our community, and the support of The Champlin Foundation has been a tremendous asset to that end — thank you!
See Full StoryWesterly Armory
Thanks to the Champlin Foundation, the Armory’s 6,000-sq-ft drill hall has installed a large HVAC (heat, ventilation, air-conditioning) system. This system has meant that the hall can be used 12 months a year, whereas formerly, the hall was almost unusable for 4 months, and the old heating system was noisy.
See Full StorySlater Mill
Recognizing this importance and the need for its partnership, The Champlin Foundation has funded major exterior restorations of the Old Slater Mill and the Sylvanus Brown House, supported improvements to the waterworks that enable the museum to demonstrate water power, and has provided infrastructure improvements to the campus to allow it to continue to be enjoyed every day by residents and visitors alike. In two decades of support, the Foundation has contributed $1.9M toward bricks and mortar preservation projects, and in doing so has leveraged additional support from federal, state and local agencies and other philanthropic partners.
See Full StoryChanning Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church
Stained-glass scholars and students, domestic and international, as well as tourists often visit Channing for its windows. All major windows with the exception of the large Shaw window in the east transept have been restored. The Champlin Foundation supported the church in its ongoing restoration efforts with a grant in 2006 as well.
See Full StoryMystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport Museum received a $60,000 grant award from The Champlin Foundation in 2012, toward the five-year, $12.5 million campaign to restore the Museum’s flagship, the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, to sail the vessel on a commemorative “38th Voyage” in the summer of 2014, and to share the Morgan’s journey onsite, onboard and online.
See Full StoryProvidence Preservation Society
Thanks to the help of The Champlin Foundation, Providence Preservation Society has been able to restore and preserve two historical gems, the Old Brick School House and the Shakespeare’s Head Building, both located on lower Meeting Street at the foot of College Hill.
See Full StoryThe Preservation Society of Newport County
Studies demonstrate that our economic impact on the community is in excess of $109 million annually and our impact on Rhode Island’s economy far exceeds $136 million. Working together with The Champlin Foundation, we will continue to protect and preserve Newport’s vital historic assets, which contribute significantly to Rhode Island’s fiscal resiliency, unique sense of place, and community pride.
See Full StoryWood River Health Services
From its initial $10,000 construction grant in 1981 to help build a new home for a little store-front health center to the recent half-million dollars spread over two years to remodel that now 35-year-old building, the Champlin Foundation has been a friend to Wood River Health Services from the very beginning.
See Full StoryHasbro Children’s Hospital
The Champlin Foundation was a lead donor in the construction of Hasbro Children’s Hospital in the early 1990s. Since then, it has been a constant presence, helping to build, to renovate, and to outfit the hospital with state-of-the-art equipment.
See Full StoryRhode Island Blood Center
Ensuring a safe, plentiful and cost-effective blood supply is our mission, and The Champlin Foundation has played a pivotal role in helping us continue to carry it out. RIBC is tremendously grateful for their generosity and philanthropic efforts to support local non-profits.
See Full StoryHopeHealth
Inpatient hospice care in Rhode Island would not have been possible without the support of The Champlin Foundation.
See Full StoryRhode Island Free Clinic
Since its founding in 1999, the Clinic has grown from its grassroots, storefront origins to the award-winning statewide network of safety-net medical care that it is today, in large part thanks to the support of The Champlin Foundation. From its initial grant in 2001 that enabled us to expand into our current clinical space, The Champlin Foundation has supported vital facility improvements for nearly 20 years as we have grown to serve more patients and adapt our services to meet their changing health care needs.
See Full StorySaint Elizabeth Home
We are grateful to The Champlin Foundation for being an instrumental partner in bringing a new concept of eldercare to Rhode Island.
See Full StorySargent Rehabilitation Center
The Champlin Foundation has provided grants for a series of capital improvements to the pediatric and neurorehabilitation buildings and for the construction of the resource center. The grants have positioned Sargent to provide state-of-art space, therapeutic equipment and technology assisted instruction which when combined with professional experience and expertise has resulted in successful client recovery from disability.
See Full StoryUniversity of Rhode Island
The Champlin Foundation’s generosity to the University began in 1970 with a scholarship grant for the College of Pharmacy. Their continued investments, since that time— in research, innovation and discovery—have been highly impactful. Since 1986 alone, Champlin has awarded annual grants to the University of Rhode Island totaling more than $13 million.
See Full StoryCommunity Prep
The Champlin Foundation’s lifetime support of $1.6 million has enabled Community Prep to grow from its meager beginnings of one classroom at the YMCA to serving over 160 students in its own newly renovated building.
See Full StoryChariho Tech Center
Due to the generous support of The Champlin Foundation, students in CHARIHO tech’s Engineering, Drafting, and Design program are now able to better apply their knowledge to real-world situations. With their newfound ability to program the state-of-the-art computer numerical control (CNC) machine funded by the Foundation, students have gained a more thorough understanding of advanced manufacturing principles. Real learning through the application of skills and knowledge allows students to take their designs from conceptual sketches straight through to the manufacturing process.
See Full StoryExeter-West Greenwich Junior High School
Exeter-West Greenwich Junior High School STEM Park was completed with a generous donation from The Champlin Foundation in 2014.
See Full StorySan Miguel School
From our humble beginnings on Carter Street to our present location on Branch Avenue, The Champlin Foundation's investment in our mission and our students is immeasurable. Since moving into our current location, The Champlin Foundation has provided funding totaling $242,960.
See Full StoryRoger Williams Park and Zoo
Roger Williams Park and the Roger Williams Park Zoo are among Rhode Island’s most treasured community assets and have benefited from millions of dollars in funding from The Champlin Foundation over the years.
See Full StoryAudubon Society
Since its opening, approximately 500,000 people have come to the Center to learn about their local environment and the variety of habitats and wildlife found in our state. Audubon is grateful for the support provided by the Champlin Foundation, which has enabled the Society to increase its capacity as an environmental resource for the community.
See Full StoryNature Conservancy
Champlin’s investment in land protection has improved the quality of life of all Rhode Islanders. In nearly every community, lands conserved with Champlin grants have become a part of residents’ everyday lives, where they go to exercise, walk the dog, and be close to nature. The impact of Champlin’s extraordinary support for conservation is both immediate and lasting, connecting Rhode Islanders to nature for generations to come.
See Full StoryDowntown Providence Parks Conservancy
The Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy (DPPC) is on the positive footing it is today in large part because of the generosity of The Champlin Foundation. The funds awarded allowed for immediate and visible projects that positively changed the face of Burnside Park and Kennedy Plaza.
See Full StoryStadium Theatre
In November 2013 the Stadium renovated the second floor space and was unveiled as the Marquee Room. This new performance space was completely designed and furnished through gifts from individuals, business owners and most generously from The Champlin Foundation.
See Full StoryProvidence Performing Arts Center
PPAC’s relationship with The Champlin Foundations dates back to 1981 and we are thankful for their continued support of numerous capital projects including window replacement, new carpet throughout the building, new main electrical switchboard, roof repairs and many others.
See Full StoryProvidence Children’s Museum
In 2016, the Museum used a Champlin Foundation grant toward a major renovation of the Museum’s primary humanities exhibit, Coming to Rhode Island.
See Full StoryGreenwich Odeum Transformation
Since 2012, the Champlin Foundation grants have transformed The Greenwich Odeum from an abandoned building to one of the premiere live performance theaters in Rhode Island.
See Full StoryEverett Company
With support from The Champlin Foundation, Everett was able to construct an addition to its theatre to provide new space for programming including after school performing arts classes for underserved youth in Providence and beyond.
See Full StoryJamestown Arts Center
In 2016, the Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) received funding from The Champlin Foundation to upgrade the audio-visual equipment in our multi-disciplinary arts space.
See Full StoryRI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Over the years, The Champlin Foundation, has provided grant funding to the RISPCA for a number of resources, one of which has been for the purchase of fleet vehicles which serve a number of different and essential purposes.
See Full StoryOcean Community YMCA
The Champlin Foundation has been a lead partner in helping the Y achieve its mission over many years. This has included capital investments at Camp Watchaug and for facility improvements in Westerly and Richmond, as well as, annual financial assistance for camperships for deserving children.
See Full StoryBoys & Girls Club Woonsocket
Over the past eight years, the Champlin Foundation has given our Club grants totaling $669,000. These grants have enabled us to put on new roofing, new gutters, reduce our mortgage, exterior ground improvements, purchase additional property, construct a new parking lot, and install a new splash park, playground & outdoor basketball court. All of these improvements have created a BGCW complex with which we are able to effectively impact the youth in our community in three significant areas.
See Full StoryBoys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
We cannot thank the Champlin Foundation enough for everything they have done to help us serve the youth in our community, helping them to open the door to better futures!
See Full StoryCamp Ruggles
It is the generosity of organizations like The Champlin Foundation that gives me hope to continue on each year as our team tries to positively support each camper in our program, and to provide a fun summer setting away from the stresses of life.
See Full StoryYMCA of Pawtucket
We are so grateful for The Champlin Foundation’s support of the YMCA of Pawtucket and the generosity that has helped us to make amazing improvements to our facilities and better serve those in our community who need us.
See Full StoryApplication Process
The Champlin Foundation uses a web-based grant application hosted by Foundant Technologies, Inc. Prior to entering the portal, be sure that you have read and understand the guidelines and policies outlined here. Once you have gained access to the portal, you will be able to update your contact information, review your organization’s request history, and apply for a grant.
As most communications are now done electronically, please remember to update the system should your information change at any time. If you have questions about accessing the portal or navigating the online application, please call or email our Grants & Systems Manager, Heather Fraser, at 401-944-9200 x115 or hfraser@champlinfoundation.org.