University Awards $12K in Grants to Community Organizations in Bristol

Funding to assist 10 groups with community projects focused on social services, arts, education and more

Public Affairs Staff
Downtown Bristol

BRISTOL, R.I., – As part of the Fund for Civic Activities established in 2007 when Roger Williams University and the Town of Bristol agreed to a 20-year “memorandum of understanding” accord, the Town of Bristol / Roger Williams University Cooperative Committee has awarded $11,550 in grant funds to 10 local nonprofits and organizations.

The awards conclude the 14th cycle of biannual FCA awards, which were created to enhance the civic experience of Bristol residents, extend RWU’s commitment to active community engagement and provide support to local organizations. The University pledged $25,000 annually in FCA grants and to date has distributed $194,451 to support nearly 130 projects and initiatives.

Selections are made by the 12-person Cooperative Committee, which comprises individuals from both the Town and the University. The complete list of awards for this grant cycle includes:

  • $1,000 to the Bristol Elks Lodge to support the East Bay Cares program, which provides supplementary assistance to local food pantries and soup kitchens.
  • $2,000 to the East Bay Food Pantry to purchase food for its Access Nutrition initiative, which provides much-needed healthy foods to local families and children while offering education on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating.
  • $1,000 to the Guiteras Parent Teacher Organization to help create a discovery garden for the Guiteras Elementary school that will serve as an outdoor classroom for lessons on nature, science and environmental awareness.
  • $500 to the Bristol Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force to support its 9th Annual Pre-Prom Dinner, which invites high school students and their parents to a dinner with speakers who share information on proactive prevention strategies for teen alcohol and substance abuse.
  • $1,500 to the Community String Project to meet the organization’s mission of making music lessons accessible and affordable for all youths.
  • $1,000 to the Mosaico Community Development Corporation for its Sense of Pride – Connecting Kids to Community program, which allows Bristol’s fourth graders to learn more about the Town’s unique history, architecture and natural environment through presentations, projects and field trips.
  • $1,500 to Benjamin Church Senior Center to purchase new recycle bins with adaptive wheel sets and easy-to-hold handles, which will improve the ability of seniors to easily and safely transport their recyclables.
  • $750 to the Neverland Theater Company to provide funding for up to 10 elementary students to participate in the spring 2016 production of Nanny Poppins.
  • $1,500 to the Bristol Thrive By Five and Beyond program to support the coordination of programming in creating early learning and parenting workshops and events for local families.
  • $800 to the Herreshoff Marine Museum to support the launch of a new film series in which the Museum will feature free outdoor movie screenings of films related to the East Bay, history and sailing.