PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island have announced a first round of funding for local nonprofit organizations at the forefront of COVID-19 response.

Nearly $1.25 million in grants will be distributed in the coming days to 27 local organizations, including some in city and the surrounding area.

A joint grants review committee – composed of team members from the Foundation and the United Way – are working together to review applications and make funding decisions in real time. Additional grants from the fund will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Qualifying nonprofit organizations may apply at rifoundation.org/covid19grants.

Among those organization receiving grants are:

The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence: The funding will provide delivery of free dinner kits to families and
children in East Providence by request. 400 meal kits are expected to be served daily through the end of the original school year.

Elisha Project: Funding will be used to replenish food inventory stock and increase distribution for the next three to six months.

Barrington TAPIN: Granted funds will be used to purchase additional food, household items, and toiletries for East Bay residents in need.

Adoption Rhode Island: Funding will ensure that Adoption Rhode Island can meet the needs of high-risk clients and new foster and adoptive children, youth, and families in crisis due to the pandemic.

Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island: Grant funds will be used to continue and expand Meals on Wheels
work to keep our state’s homebound senior citizens well-fed and safe in their own homes.

The full list of recipients can be viewed at https://assets.rifoundation.org/documents/COVID19_Grants-Round-1_03272020_v2-final.pdf