BankRI – Charitable Giving & Community Support

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Organization: Bank Rhode Island

About the Funder

Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) is deeply committed to supporting the communities it serves through its Charitable Giving initiative. BankRI focuses on helping nonprofit organizations that deliver meaningful programs and services addressing community needs in areas such as neighborhood revitalization, education, critical services, and cultural diversity.

BankRI’s charitable strategy emphasizes partnerships with 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions align with the bank’s community focus, and contributions are structured to maximize local impact.

What This Program Supports

BankRI’s Charitable Giving supports nonprofits through:

Eligible Support Types

Charitable grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
In-kind contributions (facilities, technical resources, employee volunteers) considered case-by-case
Community partnerships that align with BankRI’s giving priorities

These supports are often used to:

Strengthen neighborhood revitalization efforts
Expand educational opportunities for at-risk youth
Provide critical services like food, housing, and health care access
Celebrate and support diverse cultural communities across Rhode Island

Key Areas of Support & Example Partners

BankRI invests in a wide variety of community initiatives, including:

Preservation & Neighborhood Revitalization

Local nonprofits focused on housing, job training, and community safety (e.g., AS220, Grow Smart Rhode Island)

Education

Organizations that support learning and youth engagement (e.g., Books Are Wings, Junior Achievement of Rhode Island)

Critical Services

Providers of essential services such as food, shelter, and healthcare (e.g., Crossroads Rhode Island, Lucy’s Hearth, Rhode Island Free Clinic)

Diversity & Community Strength

Groups that celebrate diversity and cultural connection (e.g., Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, Youth Pride, Inc.)

Eligibility

Organizations that may benefit from BankRI charitable support include:

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations recognized by the IRS
Nonprofits with clearly defined programs or services that align with BankRI’s community priorities
Organizations serving Rhode Island communities where BankRI operates

Organizations must:

Hold current IRS 501(c)(3) status
Align with BankRI’s charitable focus areas
Submit only one proposal per organization in a 12-month period

Not typically supported:

Individual requests
Fraternal or political organizations
Trips, tours, and conferences
Endowments
Local chapters of national health organizations solely focused on one disease
Religious groups or sectarian organizations
Colleges and universities (outside of capital campaigns)

Funding Amounts

BankRI’s contributions vary in size, with the average charitable grant typically less than $2,000. Smaller requests (e.g., $100 or less) may be addressed through local branch support.

Support levels depend on:

Program or project impact
Alignment with BankRI’s giving priorities
Organizational capacity and community reach

Deadline

📅 BankRI does not list a formal rolling deadline; requests are reviewed based on timing, alignment, and availability of funds. Advance planning and early submission are recommended.

Geographic Focus

BankRI’s charitable support is directed toward communities throughout Rhode Island where its branches and services operate. Organizations outside this geographic focus are generally not eligible.

Application / Request Process

To request support from BankRI:

Review the Charitable Giving eligibility and guidelines
Prepare a grant proposal outlining:
- Organization mission and IRS status
- Project description and outcomes
- Community benefit and alignment with BankRI priorities
Submit the proposal to BankRI’s Community Relations team
- Mail: Patricia O. Saracino, Vice President, Corporate & Community Relations, P.O. Box 9488, Providence, RI 02940

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is ideal for organizations that:

Are IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities
Focus on community needs in Rhode Island
Provide services in areas such as education, housing, safety net support, and cultural diversity
Seek modest but meaningful community investment to support nonprofit impact

BankRI’s Charitable Giving is especially helpful for small to mid-sized local nonprofits looking to strengthen their programs and enhance community services in Rhode Island.

Apply here: Link to Application