The Providence Shelter remains dedicated to supporting the well-being and education of children of African descent. Our funding prioritizes holistic youth development for children of African descent. Our grants focus on programs that offer well-being, mental health support, educational advancement, and leadership opportunities. We also fund initiatives in art exposure, summer camperships, music training, and various other programs designed to develop well-rounded youth.. We are currently awarding grants between $5,000-$10,000.

The Proposal Review Committee uses these guidelines when evaluating grant applications:

1. We are committed to supporting organizations and programs where leadership reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.
2. Children to be served should live in the urban centers of RI. The priority is placed by the population of children of color in that location. Please reference the RI 2023 Kids Fact Book: Racial & Ethnic Diversity.
3. The PSCC serves children through the age of 18
4. The PSCC funds agencies that provide Cultural, Educational, and Social opportunities as well as cover basic needs expenses.
5. Preference will be given to programs serving more rather than fewer children (e.g. scholarships for one child are not available)
6. Approval may also take into consideration the other sources of an agency’s income.
7. Funding is for services to children, not for equipment or capital improvements

Organizations interested in applying must do so online via The PSCC landing page on the Rhode Island Foundation’s website. With the introduction of a new application platform, all applicants will need to register for a new account.

A complete application package includes:

• Online Application: The primary form is to be filled out directly within the RI Foundation system.
• Budget Form: Include this in your online application, ensuring to detail all funding sources.
• Self-Evaluation Form: Mandatory for organizations that received a grant from the Providence Shelter in the previous year. If your program is ongoing, please submit an interim report.
• Supporting Materials (Optional): You may include up to four pages of additional documents to complement your application.

Please submit your application and supporting materials electronically and not by mail.

Requests must be completed and submitted by March 31. For general inquiries or content-related questions about the application, please contact Monica Benson at 401.427.4017  or mbenson@rifoundation.org. For technical questions, please contact Ian Ross at 401-427-4012 or iross@rifoundation.org. For questions about The Providence Shelter, contact Kilah Walters-Clinton at Kilahwaltersclinton@providenceshelter.org

Applicants will be informed of the Proposal Review Committee’s decision after the Shelter’s Annual Meeting in May.

Please be advised that we make these grants based on projected income, therefore funds are generally not immediately available. They are usually disbursed beginning in August following grant approval through March of the following year.

If your program should need funding early in the Shelter’s fiscal year (which begins on May 1st), please include such information in your application.