Our History and Mission

The Rhode Island Foundation was founded in 1916, is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the country, and is the only community foundation serving the state of Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Foundation is a proactive community and philanthropic leader dedicated to meeting the needs of the people of Rhode Island.

To advance this mission we:

Actively inspire philanthropy and increase permanent resources for the state of Rhode Island
Create maximum positive impact through our grantmaking, outreach and other investments in the community
Provide leadership and a forum for dialogue on critical community issues
Collaborate with individual, business, government and community partners to catalyze positive change and develop solutions to longstanding challenges

Our history

1916 – The Rhode Island Foundation is established with a $10,000 gift from Jesse H. Metcalf

1932 – Foundation receives its first $100,000 gift

1977 – Foundation grants first exceed $1 million

1993 – Foundation is chosen as the state’s coordinator for the national Kids Count effort.

1995 – Convened first Professional Advisory Council

1997 – Launched Teachers and Technology, a $5 million initiative that provided a laptop computer and training to at least one in three Rhode Island public school teachers

1999 – Foundation moves into its first permanent home: One Union Station

2000 – Women’s Fund of Rhode Island established by $2.5 million challenge from the Foundation

2004 – Foundation introduces its Strategy Grants program

2006 – Foundation assets first surpass $500 million

2010 – Foundation launches new strategic direction