EAST PROVIDENCE — Seven non-profit organizations with direct city ties and a few others close by were among the recipients of the some $10 million total in grants distributed recently by the Champlin Foundation.

Foster Forward received the largest share, $250,000, for site work at its 350 Taunton Ave. location. Close by also on Taunton Avenue, the historic Haven United Methodist Church received $50,000 for entrance and masonry repairs

Two assisted living facilities, Hattie Ide Chaffee Home Linn Health & Rehabilitation, both received significant support. Chaffee was granted $75,000 towards its ongoing renovation project while Linn took in $38,343 for upgrades to its air conditioning system.

The continued rehabilitation by the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse to the local Providence River landmark received $15,000 towards its window replacement/shutter fabrication and installation effort.

The Potter League for Animals will purchase surgery and critical care veterinary equipment with the $6,535 it received in grant funding.

And lastly, the Good Neighbors Soup Kitchen in Riverside took in $3,200 towards the purchase of washers and dryers.

Champlin’s nine areas of focus are arts and culture, conservation and parks, education, healthcare, historic preservation and heritage, libraries, social services, welfare of animals and youth services.

“Rhode Island nonprofits are incredibly creative when it comes to doing more with less and providing excellent service and support despite having very limited staff or, in some cases, an entirely volunteer-led operation,” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation. “It is always impressive to see how many of these small teams are doing essential work, serving the urgent needs and addressing the wellbeing of Rhode Islanders in innovative and impactful ways.”

Another area outfit to receive a significant grant this period is the YMCA of Greater Providence, which will use $127,034 to replace the basketball court surface at the Newman Y in nearby Seekonk. Numerous residents from the Rumford section of East Providence as well as other parts of the city are members at the Newman YMCA.

Also of note, the Cape Verdean Museum Exhibit, which relocated from East Providence to Pawtucket, was granted $30,000 towards roof repair of Prospect Street building; the Community Boating Center at India Point Park in Providence will use $62,145 for deck and ramp replacement; and Family Service of Rhode Island received $224,083 towards the installation of an elevator at its 55 Hope St. locale on the East Side of Providence.

A total of 93 Rhode Island based nonprofit organization were a party to the latest tranche of grants, bringing the 2023 funding total to nearly $18 million. From Woonsocket to Peace Dale to Newport, 24 communities statewide will be served with these grants, which will be used to restore historic properties, expand facilities, improve safety, and enhance outreach capabilities.

Champlin Foundation grants are considered and approved by its Distribution Committee, which has had a change this year with Linda Newton stepping down and Marie Ghazal stepping in. Ghazal recently retired as the CEO of the Rhode Island Free Clinic.

“With wisdom and passion, Linda helped us to see the world differently. She helped guide The Champlin Foundation to recognize how it can better serve the people of our state—all the people of our state,” said Stack. “Linda’s departure is certainly a loss, but we feel quite fortunate to have Marie joining the Committee, bringing her years of healthcare experience to our work.”

The Committee also elected a new slate of officers for 2024. Ted Wetherill will step down as Chair after three terms. Dione Kenyon will serve as Chair, Judge Edward Clifton as Vice Chair, and Dr. Jose Polanco as Secretary.
In addition to the Distribution Committee changes, the Foundation also recognized the retirement of longtime Director of Grant Administration Tim Gorham, who has been with the Foundation for 24 years.

Stack said, “Tim and his family’s connection to George Champlin and the Foundation spans a century. Throughout his time, Tim’s contribution to the work of Champlin is truly unprecedented, having considered untold numbers of grant requests, making thousands of visits to hundreds of organizations, and distributing funding across Rhode Island. It is quite remarkable.”