In 2025, Grants Reach 30 Cities and Towns and 17 Statewide Organizations
Cranston, RI – The Champlin Foundation today announced $11,227,100 in grants to Rhode Island nonprofits. Ninety-eight organizations across the state are receiving funding for capital improvement projects in this cycle — the second round in 2025. Projects range from creating hands-on learning environments to enhancing community spaces that provide direct support to those in need.
Combined with the spring grants cycle and its support for camperships, this brings Champlin’s total distribution in 2025 to $19.6 million. The 188 nonprofits receiving funds for capital needs this year directly serve 30 Rhode Island cities and towns, as well as 17 organizations with statewide reach and impact. Additionally, funding was provided to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank for the purchase of food for distribution to pantries across the state.
“The nonprofit community is under extraordinary pressure, facing deep uncertainty in the wake of funding and policy changes — both locally and nationally — at the same time that the need for services and support reaches an all-time high,” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation. “As our state’s purpose-driven organizations and their leaders are being tested and stretched thin, The Champlin Foundation seeks to live up to the core values of our founder, offering help and hope to Rhode Islanders who need it most.”
Providing Help and Hope from Woonsocket to Westerly
Eight traditional public high schools will receive grants this cycle, including some that have not applied for Champlin support in more than 25 years. Grants for public schools are focused specifically on supporting an inspiring teacher who has a vision for enhancing classroom learning that requires specific equipment.
Central Falls High School and North Kingstown High School are among these school-based grants, receiving $98,700 and $100,000, respectively. At Central Falls High School, the biomedical career education program will use funds to build a SMART® Clinic (School Health Model for Academics, Reaching All, Transforming Lives). Meanwhile, at North Kingstown High School, Champlin funding will supplement support from Electric Boat and the school district for a Machinist Defense career education program.
“Hands-on learning opportunities are important for career exploration and preparation, and they can also make traditional classroom subjects come alive in new and compelling ways for our students,” said Dr. David Upegui, Central Falls science teacher. “The addition of a SMART® Clinic to our biomedical program will enrich the educational experience of our students while providing more holistic care and support for the entire student body. We are thrilled this grant allows us to invest in the talent of our Central Falls students, unlocking the immense potential that will drive the future of our community and the world.”
“In our backyard at Quonset Point, Electric Boat employs more than 7,000 skilled workers and continues to hire thousands more each year across Rhode Island and Connecticut to meet the demand for submarine shipbuilding. With this grant, we will be able to strengthen each student’s skill set, enabling them to become more qualified and competitive candidates for well-paying careers within our local community,” said NKHS Career & Technical Education Coordinator Kevin Gormley.
Across multiple areas of focus, fall grants will also help combat food insecurity, a persistent headline in recent weeks as the state sees record hunger against a backdrop of changing federal benefits.
At Federal Hill House in Providence, a $270,000 grant — the largest Champlin gift to date for the organization — will support a community dining room with a warming kitchen, multi-purpose classrooms, and other essential upgrades at their Swiss Street facility.
“Federal Hill House’s Swiss Street location is home to one of the most frequently visited food pantries in the state and has become a hub of community activity and support. This support will help us expand the resources and opportunities available to the community — from hot meals and exercise for seniors, to tax assistance and more,” said Executive Director Kimberly Fernandez.
At the other end of the state, the Westerly Land Trust — part of Champlin’s Conservation & Parks portfolio — will clear and prepare land that their partner, the Jonnycake Center of Westerly, will begin farming. This is the Center’s second such farm. Fresh produce grown on site will support Jonnycake’s weekly farmer’s market in the summer and its food pantry year-round.
“The Westerly Land Trust is committed to conserving open space and protecting our natural resources. When we can accomplish those goals while supporting a partner like Jonnycake and helping them put food on the table for families in need, it’s a win-win,” said Executive Director Jennifer Fusco.
Founded in 1932, The Champlin Foundation focuses its grantmaking on capital needs, including building maintenance and equipment, across nine areas of focus: Arts & Culture, Conservation & Parks, Education, Healthcare, Historic Preservation & Heritage, Libraries, Social Services, Welfare of Animals, and Youth Services. These capital expenses are often mission critical yet difficult to fundraise for. Grants are directed with the support of a robust Distribution Committee, which includes a new member, with the addition this summer of Andrew Schiff. Schiff was the longtime leader of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, who retired as CEO in May.
The next grant application cycle for The Champlin Foundation opens on December 15 and will close on January 15, 2026, with the Distribution Committee making its final decisions in late May.
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About The Champlin Foundation: Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $725 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.