Newport County nonprofits win grants for housing, hunger and behavioral health

NEWPORT, RI – Seven Newport County nonprofits working in food insecurity, housing instability and homelessness prevention and behavioral health are among the organizations to share $8.3 million in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation.

State leaders funded the Foundation’s ARPA Nonprofit Support Program using $20 million of the state’s $1.1 billion share of the federal America’s Recovery Plan Act allocation for COVID-19 recovery. Governor Dan McKee, Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio joined the Foundation to unveil the program last month.

“NGOs across the state have gone above and beyond to provide support and resources to people in need. Given the impact of COVID-19 and continued cost increases, our grants ensure they can continue to do the essential work their communities depend on,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, Conexion Latina Newport and Community Center Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Newport and Child & Family, Community Blessings Foundation, Lucy’s Hearth and Newport Mental Health in Middletown are among the organizations receiving funding. The foundation prioritized community-based nonprofits serving communities with the greatest need.

Mental Health Newport will use its grant to expand the services it provides to children and their families in schools, at its specialized Healthy Transitions Young Adult Center and during home visits throughout Newport County. Additionally, the grant will also support the rollout of Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams in Newport and Bristol counties, and East Providence in partnership with Horizon Healthcare Partners, Community Care Alliance and Health RI.

“This funding is so important to us and will help us in two critical areas. We can reach children to improve their present as well as positively influence their future. There is so much need for mental health care in children now, more than ever before,” said Jamie Lehane, president and CEO of Newport Mental Health.

“Also, we are strong advocates for the decriminalization of mental health issues. Mobile teams working in the community will help people with mental health problems get treatment, rather than being arrested or sent to the emergency room,” he said.

The foundation encourages organizations that have not already received grants to apply for the remaining $11.7 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. Maximum grants are expected to be $150,000.

“We are grateful that state leaders believed in our ability to quickly deliver these funds to organizations that are doing boots-on-the-ground work helping their communities recover from the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the daily lives of Rhodeans. Islands.” Steinberg said.

Applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and must submit a copy of their most recent IRS Form 990, 990EZ or 990N; and their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter with their application if not already on file with the Foundation. For more information, visit refoundation.org/arpagrants.