PROVIDENCE— National, and local, transitions of power have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of all Rhode Islanders, and on the organizations that help support thriving communities. From the uncertainty many experience during times of transition, to navigating complex conversations about the challenges we all face – as the state’s community foundation we have chosen and will continue to choose a singular, purposeful response: meeting the needs of all Rhode Islanders.   

For over a century, during times of tumult and tranquility, the Rhode Island Foundation has remained committed to solutions-oriented philanthropy, and to thoughtfully addressing the powerful structures that may be keeping progress at bay.   

In many ways our work is more relevant than ever. That is why we are reimagining how philanthropy can address our shared challenges and prove that generosity is more than just a donation—it's a strategic investment in our collective future, that will stand the test of time, bridge divides, and create meaningful progress in an increasingly complex world.  

For those new to our work, community foundations are powerful, yet adaptable, tools for the public good. They pool charitable gifts and invest them, channeling the returns into meaningful initiatives that improve quality of life. Community foundations aren’t government agencies, nor are they dependent on public funds. And they are not private philanthropies. Community foundations are bridges, connecting everyday generosity to true progress.  

Recently we unveiled our Five-Year Action Plan —an ambitious blueprint for hope that was informed by the voices of Rhode Islanders. The Action Plan focuses our attention on Civic and Cultural Life; Climate Action and Sustainability; Education and Student Success; Healthy and Strong Communities; and Housing and Economic Mobility; guided by inclusiveness, accessibility, compassion, mutual respect and humility. The Action Plan acknowledges the intricate web of challenges that Rhode Islanders face and creates space for sourcing and supporting solutions.  

The priorities outlined in the Action Plan are not siloed. They are interconnected pathways to progress. Their intersections are where the most transformative possibilities emerge. For example, a climate resilience project is about creating a blue economy workforce – and about environmental protection. An education initiative is about breaking the generational cycles of poverty – and about leveling-up classroom learning. Building affordable, accessible housing is about providing our children and grandchildren with a way to settle in, and contribute to, the community right here in Rhode Island – and about driving down the cost of rent and homeownership for all.  

To address these priorities, we’ve developed a new approach to funding local organizations and institutions. By updating the design of our grant programs, we aim to make the process more accessible and better equipped to meet the complex needs of the nonprofits and community leaders driving this work. 

Three core grant programs will power these efforts: Community Priority Grants, Catalyst Grants and Capacity Building Grants. The three programs represent a sophisticated understanding of community need and offer a range of flexible funding – meant to empower organizations with the resources to not just respond to challenges, but to innovate and create lasting progress.  

Our future isn't predetermined. It's constructed, brick by brick, gift by gift, grant by grant, opportunity by opportunity. The Foundation’s work is grounded in partnerships with individuals, nonprofits, businesses and civic leaders who have come together for over a century to create a better Rhode Island. And as challenging as the obstacles ahead may feel – we have cause for hope.  

We invite everyone – whether you work at a nonprofit, run a local business, lead the PTO or the local zoning board, or are simply interested in the well-being of our state – to explore our Five-Year Action Plan and consider how you might contribute to this shared vision. Learn more about the action plan and our new grant programs by visiting rifoundation.org.

Together we can transform generosity into a powerful force for good, building the thriving and resilient communities that we all want to be a part of. 

David N. Cicilline is President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Editor’s Note: This column originally appeared in The Providence Journal.