BankRI grants support work of 23 Rhode Island nonprofits

Twenty-three Rhode Island nonprofits have received funding to support their work from Bank Rhode Island (BankRI). With a particular focus on programs that advance educational opportunities for at-risk populations, human services, and civic organizations improving our communities, the bank has awarded $89,885 in charitable grants.

“This is an especially challenging time for nonprofits and an opportunity for all who are able, to step up and support programs making a difference in every community in our state,” said Will Tsonos, President & CEO of BankRI. “These funds will help our grantee organizations advance the important work that impacts the lives of so many Rhode Islanders.”

Facing a level of demand for its services never seen before, the Potter League for Animals received $5,000 in funding from BankRI. The grant is helping to support the areas of greatest need among the organization’s programs, benefiting animals and their owners across the state thanks to its physical presence on Aquidneck Island, in Warwick and Riverside. This includes foster and adoption, the Pets in Need Veterinary Clinic, mobile vaccine services, and the spay/neuter clinic. Last year, Potter League’s work touched some 11,000+ animals, while also providing more than 29,000 pounds of pet food to animal owners facing economic hardship. 

“We often must quickly shift our services to meet the emerging needs of families with pets. The flexibility BankRI has provided in the way they support our programs makes an enormous difference,” said Brad Shear, CEO of Potter League for Animals. “Right now, many pet owners are struggling, and that is especially true when families are experiencing housing and financial uncertainty. If not for the generosity of our community and our programs, thousands of local pets would not have access to the care they need.” 

Another organization to receive a grant is Youth Pride, Inc., which was awarded $2,500 in support of its Basic Needs Pantry for LGBTQ+ youth. The pantry assists youth with food, toiletries, school supplies, and clothing, including gender-affirming clothing youth might not otherwise have access to. 

The full list of local nonprofits to receive BankRI funding is as follows:

• A Wish Come True, Inc.
• Academic Decathlon of Rhode Island
• Books Are Wings
• City of Cranston
• City of Pawtucket
• Clinica Esperanza
• College Visions
• Connecting for Children & Families
• Edgewood Eagles
• Family Service of Rhode Island
• Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
• Island Moving Company
• Junior Achievement of Rhode Island
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
• McAuley Ministries
• Potter League for Animals
• Providence Children’s Film Festival
• Rhode Island Business Competition
• Salve Regina University
• School One
• Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island
• WARM Center
• Youth Pride, Inc.