Champlin Foundation Provides Grants to More Than 100 Organizations Delivering Critical Support to Communities Across the State
Cranston, RI – The Champlin Foundation today announced $12,192,398 in grants to Rhode Island nonprofits. The 103 organizations receiving funds for capital needs in this cycle have statewide reach and impact, with operations in 28 cities and towns.
“The funding landscape, both at the government and philanthropic level, for the social sector has been in a sustained state of upheaval, making the challenges these essential organizations face overwhelming. Yet, the Rhode Island nonprofit community continues to show up, providing extraordinary service to the people of Rhode Island.” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation. “Across the state, in ways seen and unseen, these organizations are meeting urgent needs and improving the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.”
This is the first of two annual grants cycles, with a second opportunity for Rhode Island nonprofits to apply in June.
Supporting Healthier Communities Across Rhode Island
Healthcare has long been an area of focus for Champlin. In this grants cycle, 16 nonprofits dedicated to improving peoples’ physical and mental health received funding, ensuring that the impact is felt around the state. Among the notable projects are Miriam Hospital in Providence and Westbay Community Action in Warwick.
A $1 million grant to The Miriam Hospital, for example, will support demolition and site preparation ahead of a transformative construction project that includes renovation and expansion of the emergency department to create a state-of-the-art facility.
“As The Miriam Hospital marks 100 years of caring for our community, we are proud to honor our legacy while also looking boldly toward the future of health care in our state,” said Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president of The Miriam and chief quality executive for Brown University Health. “This investment gift toward our new emergency department and inpatient units will help ensure The Miriam is prepared to serve patients and families for the next century.”
In Warwick, Westbay Community Action will use its $244,035 grant to purchase a van to provide mobile services for the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) program.
“At a moment when the WIC program is facing threats to both benefits and program administration, we must do everything we can to meet people where they are,” said Westbay President and CEO Paul Salera. “Supporting women and children is a force multiplier for our communities, and the impact of this WIC Mobile Van will be felt beyond those we serve directly.”
An Investment in Woonsocket’s Future
In northern Rhode Island, six organizations in Woonsocket received a cumulative $504,133 in Champlin support for a diverse range of projects.
Beacon Charter Schools is repurposing green space for outdoor learning opportunities. Connecting for Children & Families is renovating the Front Street Family Center. The Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative is renovating the snack shack and public bathroom at River Island Art Park where it hosts community programming throughout the year. PACE Organization of RI is upgrading its Woonsocket facility kitchen. Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre is installing an energy efficient HVAC system. And Project GOAL is building a new mini pitch to host futsal games, a fast-paced version of soccer.
“Project GOAL uses athletics as a tool to build community, engage students, and put them on a path to not only academic success but character and leadership development, as well,” said Executive Director Darius Shirzadi. “We worked closely with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the World Cup in developing our mini-pitch strategy and it became clear that Woonsocket was an ideal location for us to expand this work and connect with the city’s young people.”
Both individually and taken together, Woonsocket’s six projects will improve quality of life in the city and create more opportunities for members of the community to connect with each other and access key services like food, recreation, and education.
The next grant application cycle for The Champlin Foundation opens on June 1 and will close on July 1, 2026, with the Distribution Committee making its final decisions in November. For a full list of Spring 2026 grant recipients and to learn more about The Champlin Foundation’s work and their application for grants, visit their website.
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About The Champlin Foundation: Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $737 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.