Nov 19, 2024

Cranston, RI – The Champlin Foundation announced today more than $9.1 million in grants to 109 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, including 16 that are first-time recipients of Champlin funding. In keeping with the organization’s 92-year history, grants cover nine areas of focus and are for capital needs — projects that are mission critical but often invisible.

Grants range in size from $2,800 to $700,000, with organizations leveraging Champlin funds to stabilize their facilities, equip their businesses, and accelerate impact in their communities.

“Across the nonprofit community, leaders are still coping with the surge in need borne of the pandemic that never subsided. To meet this demand, they are acting with intention to serve the daily, urgent needs of Rhode Islanders. Our grants reflect that commitment to impact at every level,” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation. “Youth services is a perfect example. Nonprofits are maximizing even small investments to engage the people they serve in new and innovative ways, while also pursuing ambitious visions for what is possible when we support and care for our neighbors.”

Grantees in youth services are both meeting young people where they are and creating spaces for new experiences and opportunities.

In Woonsocket, Villa Nova Middle School is bringing hands-on educational programming to students, helping them envision new opportunities for their future. A $20,000 grant will launch a career exploration project in digital media that builds on the school’s existing iExplore career exploration class. This program includes opportunities for students to learn about and build skills in video production, graphic design, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and more.

Public schools like Villa Nova are encouraged to apply to Champlin for capital needs annually during the fall distribution cycle. In 2025, applications will be open to all public high school teachers for classroom equipment that enhances education through hands on learning.

“If we want to improve school attendance and enhance student achievement, especially in communities with limited access to resources, we need to provide our students with dynamic learning experiences that are relevant to their lives and their futures. That kind of career-aligned exploration and skills development is exactly what we hope to achieve in this program,” said Career Exploration Teacher John Aellig.

Youth Pride Inc. is the state’s only nonprofit specifically dedicated to meeting the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth ages 25 and under. A first-time grantee, they will use a $13,570 capital grant to invest in technology for students and staff and improve digital literacy from their Providence headquarters.

“LGBTQIA+ Rhode Islanders — and especially our youth — feel anxious and excluded in so many ways. Youth Pride is a place where they know they will be seen, accepted, and respected,” said Rush Frazier, executive director of Youth Pride, Inc. “We need more of those safe spaces, both in the community and in the digital world, and this investment will ensure we have the tools and technology necessary to best connect with and empower the young people we serve.”

Access to outdoor summer adventures in nature can change a child’s life. Rhode Island has several bucolic day and overnight camps that enable that experience for children of all means. Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England has big plans to revitalize Camp Rocky Farm in Newport. A $400,000 grant from Champlin will help get those plans underway. The organization is transforming the camp into a year-round hub so that the 4,000 girls and young women they serve, as well as the greater community, can experience nature, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills.

“By reenvisioning all that Camp Rocky Farm can be through improved outdoor spaces, lodge renovations, and expanding access to our grounds and other learning and gathering spaces, we hope to increase inclusion and engagement on Aquidneck Island and beyond,” said Dana Borrelli-Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England. “This work will increase our programming with upgraded spaces for youth-led, hands-on, diverse learning opportunities and welcome new families and community partners into the Girl Scout Movement.”

With a grant of $250,000, the YMCA of Pawtucket also plans to invest in outdoor spaces for young people. They will renovate the kitchen at Camp Westwood in Coventry, where participants — nearly all of whom receive some form of financial assistance — can access hiking trails, a ropes course, a beachfront, and arts and education programs.

“We want to provide a true summer camp experience for all our campers, roughly half of whom come from Pawtucket and many more with limited access to opportunities, to enjoy open space and experience nature in a meaningful, immersive way,” said President and CEO Jeff Merhige. “With significant improvements already completed across the property, we are eager to build a working kitchen that will enhance our ability to host overnight camp programs in the near future, as well as outside events and meetings.”

In addition to these grants, both Camp Rocky Farm and Camp Westwood participate in Champlin’s campership program, which makes available approximately $435,000 each year to provide financial assistance for children who might otherwise not be able to afford summer camp.

Applications for Champlin’s first round of 2025 grant funding will be open from December 15, 2024, through January 15, 2025. This next round of awards will be announced in June.

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About The Champlin Foundation: Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $705 million to fund capital projects for Rhode Island nonprofit organizations. Its nine areas of focus cover Arts & Culture, Conservation & Parks, Education, Healthcare, Historic Preservation & Heritage, Libraries, Social Services, Welfare of Animals, and Youth Services. For more information visit ChamplinFoundation.org.