Governor McKee, Rhode Island Foundation announce $4.5 million grants for Nonprofits

Those interested in the COVID-19 Response Grants can apply by December 6.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Foundation announced that nonprofits on the frontlines of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for $4.5 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding.

The grants will range from $25,000 to $100,000 and be put to use towards services or direct assistance in response to the pandemic impact on individuals or communities vulnerable to COVID-19. Work includes housing, homelessness prevention, behavioral health services, access to health care, job training, food insecurity and child care.

The Rhode Island Nonprofit Support Fund II was established by McKee through the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office and the Rhode Island Foundation. They initially distributed $2.5 million last December.

Only Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible. Nonprofit hospitals, educational institutions and foundations are not eligible.

Those who receive funds are limited to payment or reimbursement of direct costs incurred from March 20, 2020 through December 30, 2020.

Applicants must have a DUNS number and submit a copy of their most recent Form 990, 990EX, or 990N. They must also have their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter.

“Nonprofits have had an immeasurable impact on our communities during this pandemic, and we must make sure they get the support they deserve,” said Governor McKee. “These grants provide an opportunity for our local nonprofit organizations to invest in their services and programs so that they can continue to help Rhode Islanders in need. I am so grateful for our community partners who step up to the plate, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply. I want to thank Neil Steinberg and the Rhode Island Foundation for administering these grants and making the best use of valuable federal funding.”

“We will get this funding into the hands of the boots-on-the-ground organizations without delay. These grants will shore up nonprofit organizations around the state that work diligently every day and have spent the past 20 months in an unrelenting effort to help those in their communities cope with the challenges created by the COVID pandemic,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO

For information on obtaining a DUNS number, visit https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html.

For more information about the Nonprofit Support Program, visit rifoundation.org.