TD Charitable Foundation Awards $250,000 to Rhode Island’s Foster Forward, Part of $10M Housing Initiative in Northeast

The TD Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of TD Bank U.S., has awarded a $250,000 Housing for Everyone grant to Rhode Island nonprofit Foster Forward as part of a major $10 million investment supporting housing stability programs across the Northeast and East Coast.

Foster Forward, based in East Providence, was the sole Rhode Island recipient selected in the 20th annual Housing for Everyone grant program, which this year distributed the largest awards in the initiative’s history — $250,000 each to 40 nonprofit organizations working to prevent eviction and improve long-term housing stability in low- to moderate-income communities.

The funding will strengthen Foster Forward’s “Your Way Home” housing program and expand its “Stability First” initiative, focused on helping young people impacted by foster care remain safely housed before housing crises occur.

The organization said the grant will support hands-on case management, landlord mediation, tenant education, rental and utility assistance, and connections to free legal services for young adults transitioning out of foster care.

“Young people leaving foster care face some of the greatest barriers to housing stability,” said Lisa Guillette, Executive Director of Foster Forward. “We are deeply grateful for this transformative investment, which strengthens our ability to provide both housing and individualized support, helping ensure that young people can transition into adulthood with stability and opportunity.”

Foster Forward noted that the housing work is reinforced through broader support systems including career pathways, mentoring, and financial literacy programs designed to help young adults build income, manage finances, and establish long-term independence.

The grant also reflects an ongoing partnership between TD Bank and Foster Forward. The nonprofit previously received a $5,000 TD grant in 2018 for its Works Wonders program, a $10,000 grant in 2021 supporting barrier assistance, and another $10,000 grant in 2024 for its ASPIRE financial literacy initiative.

“Long-term housing stability is essential to financial security and overall wellbeing, which is why we are proud to support the important work of Foster Forward through the Housing for Everyone grant program,” said Paige Carlson-Heim, Head of Social Impact at TD and Director of TD Charitable Foundation. “By delivering early, service-based solutions that help renters avoid eviction, this organization is reducing disruption, strengthening resilience, and creating a foundation for individuals and families to thrive.”

The Housing for Everyone initiative began in 2005 and has now distributed more than $73 million supporting over 675 affordable housing initiatives throughout TD Bank’s service area from Maine to Florida.

Other New England Housing for Everyone Grants from TD Charitable Foundation

In addition to Rhode Island’s Foster Forward award, TD Charitable Foundation announced several other major New England grants this year:

Connecticut

• Central Connecticut Coast YMCA – $250,000
• Hands on Hartford, Inc. – $250,000

Maine

• Penquis C.A.P., Inc. – $250,000
• Tedford Housing – $250,000

Massachusetts

• Caritas Communities, Inc. – $250,000
• FamilyAid Boston, Inc. – $250,000
• Open Sky Community Services, Inc. – $250,000

New Hampshire

• Waypoint – $250,000

Vermont

• Housing Trust of Rutland County, Inc. – $250,000

TD said this year’s recipients were selected for proactive eviction-prevention strategies that help individuals and families maintain housing continuity, reduce financial stress, and strengthen communities before crises emerge.

Across all states, the foundation distributed a total of $10 million this year, marking the 20th anniversary of one of TD’s largest philanthropic initiatives.

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About the TD Charitable Foundation

The TD Charitable Foundation is the giving arm of TD Bank U.S. TD Bank US Holding Company and its subsidiaries, including TD Bank, N.A., are collectively known as TD Bank U.S. As the U.S. banking business of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX and NYSE: TD), a leading North American financial services firm, TD Bank U.S. serves more than 10 million clients and has a network of approximately 1,050 locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Carolinas and Florida. We support our clients and communities with a full range of retail, small business, commercial banking products and services, and more.

Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $386 million through donations to local nonprofits from Maine to Florida. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation is available here.

About Foster Forward

Foster Forward’s mission is to empower lives impacted by foster care. We have an unwavering commitment to support children and youth, families, and the child welfare system as a whole, to grow, connect, improve, and move forward.