Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269
United Way Releases RFP for its Olneyville Community Fund, Makes More than $100K in Grants Available
Organization continues to invest in strengthening the neighborhood it calls home
Providence, R.I. (April 25, 2022) — Continuing its commitment to strengthening the neighborhood it calls home, United Way of Rhode Island has released a request for proposal (RFP) for funding from its Olneyville Community Fund. More than $100,000 in grants is being made available to nonprofits located in Olneyville and those whose work specifically serves the Olneyville community.
Applications may be completed online, and the deadline to apply is Friday, May 20 at 11:59 p.m. Grants may be awarded for specific programs or projects, as well as general operating support, up to $20,000. Grantee organizations will be required to incorporate into their scope of work a plan with strategies and activities that promote growth with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization. Funding decisions will be announced by mid-June.
United Way established the Olneyville Community Fund in 2008 when it relocated its headquarters to the neighborhood from Providence’s East Side. The fund was created to help community-based organizations initiate positive, lasting change through investing in programs that benefit local residents and businesses, and support a thriving neighborhood. In particular, the fund focuses on creating the following results:
- Improving access to key services for residents;
- Increasing the capacity of local organizations to deliver services to individuals and families;
- Enhancing the physical environment of Olneyville’s public spaces;
- Improved awareness and advocacy around issues impacting Olneyville; and
- Growing the sense of community between area residents and community partners.
United Way will host 60-minute information sessions via Zoom on May 4 at 4 p.m. and May 5 at 10 a.m. The sessions will provide an overview of the Olneyville Community Fund, a walkthrough of the grant application platform and application process, and a Q&A session. Online pre-registration is required. Additionally, staff will be available for virtual office hours via Zoom on May 9, 13, and 18. Those interested in attending are asked to sign up for virtual office hours in advance online.
Those with questions or general inquiries may contact Roshni Darnal, United Way’s director of community investments, at roshni.darnal@unitedwayri.org.
Since 2008, United Way has awarded more than $1.2 million in funding through its Olneyville Community Fund.
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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.