Rhode Island Foundation

Rhode Island Foundation
FoundedJune 13, 1916 (1916-06-13)
FounderGroup of Rhode Island civic leaders; Rhode Island Hospital Trust Bank
TypeCommunity foundation
FocusPhilanthropy; grantmaking; community investment; capacity building
Location
CEO
David Cicilline
Websiterifoundation.org

The Rhode Island Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community foundation based in Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1916, it is the state’s only community foundation and one of the oldest such institutions in the United States. The foundation manages charitable endowments, administers grants and scholarships, and partners with donors, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations to address statewide needs and long‑term community priorities.

History

The foundation was established on June 13, 1916, after a group of Rhode Island civic leaders asked the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Bank to help create a permanent philanthropic institution modeled on the Cleveland Foundation. Its first contribution was “a relatively modest gift of $10,000 from industrialist Jesse H. Metcalf.”[1][2][3]

A volunteer distribution committee oversaw the fund and deferred grantmaking until 1922, when the foundation issued its first awards, including a $25 grant to the American Red Cross and a $10 grant to the Providence YMCA.[2]

The passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1969 increased the attractiveness of community foundations relative to private foundations, accelerating the foundation’s growth. During the 1970s, it absorbed the Hope Charitable Foundation’s $4.9 million in assets and hired its first executive director, John E. Marshall III. By 1977, assets reached $20 million and annual grants exceeded $1 million.[2]

In 1984, the foundation created a parallel entity, the Rhode Island Community Foundation, enabling diversified investment management and acceptance of donor‑advised funds with broader geographic grantmaking.[2]

The foundation marked its 100th anniversary in 2016. A centennial editorial noted that “for 100 years, the Rhode Island Foundation has invested in the betterment of the Ocean State.”[1] Centennial activities included a statewide community grant program and a $10 million campaign to restore Roger Williams Park.[4]

In 2025, the foundation distributed a record $93 million in grants to more than 2,600 organizations statewide.[2] in July 2025, the foundation awarded $6.1 million in grants to 147 organizations through its Community Priority and Capacity Building program. Approximately $2 million supported nonprofits that had recently lost federal funding.[5] President and CEO David Cicilline noted that federal budget cuts were “making the work that these nonprofit organizations do even more challenging.”[5]

Operations and programs

The foundation is headquartered at One Union Station in downtown Providence. The foundation manages more than 1,000 permanent and donor‑advised funds, including unrestricted funds, designated funds, field‑of‑interest funds, and scholarship funds. These funds reflect a wide range of donor priorities and community needs.[2]

The foundation distributes grants to nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, supporting areas such as health care, housing, education, the environment, arts and culture, and economic mobility.[2] The foundation administers hundreds of scholarship funds guided by donor intent. Scholarships may support general educational assistance or target specific fields of study, geographic areas, or student backgrounds.[2] The foundation supports statewide initiatives such as the Equity Leadership Initiative, which develops leaders of color, and sector‑support programs for nonprofit capacity building.[2]

Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of directors and advised by an external investment committee. Former U.S. Representative David Cicilline serves as president and chief executive officer.[2]

Executive Officers
Name Title Years
John E. Marshall III Executive Director 1975–1979[6]
Doug Jansson Executive Director 1979–1993[7]
Ronald Gallo President and CEO 1993–2007[8]
George Graboys Acting President 2007–2008[8]
Neil D. Steinberg President and CEO 2008–2023[8]
David N. Cicilline President and CEO 2023–present[8]

Five‑year action plan (2024–2029)

In December 2024, the foundation launched a five‑year action plan through its Community Priority and Capacity Building program. The plan organizes discretionary grantmaking around six statewide priorities:[5]

  1. Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
  2. Expanding civic and cultural opportunities
  3. Reducing the effects of climate change
  4. Improving education and strengthening student and educator support
  5. Lowering barriers to affordable housing and generational wealth
  6. Expanding equitable access to quality health care

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b Providence Journal 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rhode Island Foundation 2024.
  3. ^ DiVeglia 2026.
  4. ^ PBN 2015.
  5. ^ a b c New England Council 2025.
  6. ^ Nauffts 2006, p. 81.
  7. ^ Greater Milwaukee Foundation 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d Rhode Island Foundation, Our History.

References

  • "Rhode Island Foundation Annual Report 2024". Rhode Island Foundation. 2024.
  • "Rhode Island Foundation awards $6.1 million in grants". New England Council. 2025-07-22.
  • DiVeglia, Angela (2026). "Metcalf Estate". Rhode Tour.
  • "Editorial: R.I. Foundation turns 100". The Providence Journal. 2016-06-12.
  • "R.I. Foundation launches statewide community grant program to celebrate centennial". Providence Business News. 2015-12-08.
  • Nauffts, Mitch, ed. (2006). Philanthropy in the 21st Century: The Foundation Center's 50th Anniversary Interviews (PDF). New York: The Foundation Center. ISBN 1-59542-163-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Greater Milwaukee Foundation (June 17, 2014). "Community organizer recognized for leadership". Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Rhode Island Foundation. "Our History". Rhode Island Foundation.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
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