The Champlin Foundation announced this week the award of $13.2 million in capital funding to 126 nonprofit organizations serving a variety of priorities, including 17 first-time grantees. From building renovations and facility expansions to equipment upgrades and vehicle purchases, grants will help Rhode Island build back stronger. 

This grant cycle builds on a round of $5.8 million in funding that was distributed in June for a 2021 total of $19 million.

Eleven grants totaling $691,949 were awarded to Warwick-based agencies.

Amenity Aid was awarded $2,071 for a shed for product storage; Boys and Girls Clubs of Warwick, $219,790 for interior and exterior renovations to its Norwood and Oakland Beach branches; Bridgemark Inc. $10,000 for a fire sprinkler system for state licensed treatment beds; Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center $6,000 for playground equipment and landscaping at the center; Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, $48,125 for repair and paving of Camp Hoffman entry road; In Sight, $59,990 for the replacement of HVAC system.

Also, Kent Hospital, $87,450 for a bone density scanner; Pilgrim High School, $29,685 for A/V equipment in 360 degree recording production; Thrive Behavioral Health, $96,838 for improvements to the Hillsgrove Clubhouse and Westbay Community Action $100,000 for new flooring.

“For The Champlin Foundation and the many grantee organizations we fund, this has been another year of navigating the complexities of the pandemic. Despite this intense time of challenge, I am heartened by the resolve of Rhode Island’s robust nonprofit community. It is encouraging to see many returning to their important pre-pandemic capital priorities,” Nina Stack, 

executive director of The Champlin Foundation said in a release. “This past year has been one of innovation for so many organizations.”    

 Of the 126 organizations receiving funding, the greatest number of applicants came in the Social Services category, ranging from smaller projects like a storage shed for Amenity Aid to store basic care items for shelters, to larger initiatives like the work of Open Doors to provide transitional employment services to individuals with criminal records.  

 Support for Education remains a constant for The Champlin Foundation. The Mt. Hope Learning Center provides opportunities for children and adults from Providence to participate in programs to learn skills and build confidence as they work to overcome barriers and recognize their full potential for success. This grant will support building needs.

“Part of feeling confident and optimistic about working toward goals and dreams is having a safe, inclusive, inviting space to learn and connect,” said MJ Daly, executive director of the Mt. Hope Learning Center. “Champlin’s investment to repair and improve our physical home will make our space more inviting and comfortable for our community to come together across of range of offerings, from after-school enrichments to library and computer lab access.” 

To help diversify the teaching workforce and encourage more students of color to consider careers in education, William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School in Lincoln is launching a new teacher pipeline program in collaboration with the YMCA of Pawtucket. Funding will provide the equipment, furnishings, and technology for the dedicated space for this new program to begin. 

“In Rhode Island public schools, 89 percent of teachers identify as white, and without visible role models, it’s difficult for many students of color to imagine a career in the classroom,” said Susan Votto, supervisor of Career and Technical Education of Davies. “The data is clear that having teachers of color—teachers who look like them and have a lived experience that resembles their own—has a positive impact on learning experiences. We need to build a better, more diverse teacher pipeline, and this funding will help us advance this critical work.”  

Youth Services is another core focus area for the Foundation. Camp Hoffman, operated by the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, celebrated its 100th anniversary in July and has been the setting for girls from all backgrounds to experience nature and adventure. This grant will support road improvements to the camp, located in South Kingstown.   

 “We know that camp is the place where girls have built their confidence and found their voice while living in a supportive environment that provides the safety net for taking appropriate risks with each challenge presented,” said Pam Hyland, chief executive officer. “The Champlin Foundation’s many investments in our camp properties ensure that today’s Girl Scouts will be sharing their stories of empowerment at Camp Hoffman’s sesquicentennial celebration!” 

The Champlin Foundation also announced that Paola Fernandez, the vice president of community development at Centreville Bank, has joined the Foundation’s Distribution Committee. Ted Wetherill, Linda Newton, and Rev. Rebecca Spencer have also been reelected as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary, respectively.  

 The first round of applications for 2022 grants will open on December 15th and close on January 15th. The second cycle will begin June 1, 2022, and close on July 1, 2022. A secondary track for campership grant applications will open in September 2022.  

Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $610 million to fund capital projects for Rhode Island nonprofit organizations. Its nine area of focus cover Arts & Culture, Conservation & Parks, Education, Health, Historic Preservation, Libraries, Social Services, Welfare of Animals, and Youth Services. For more information visit www.ChamplinFoundation.org.