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Press Advisory
For Immediate Release: May 2, 2011
Contact: Marti Rosenberg, 580-4741 (cell); 455-8880, ext 204 (work)
New Roots Providence Announces 2011 Docket of Strengthening Communities Fund Grantees
New Roots Provides Capacity Building to Rhode Island Nonprofits Focused on Workforce Development
Providence: Today, New Roots Providence, a program of The Providence Plan, announced its 2011 Strengthening Community Fund grants to 27 Rhode Island nonprofit or faith community groups in a Press Conference. Joining New Roots were members of Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation – Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman James Langevin – as well as representatives from New Roots’ grantee organizations.
New Roots Providence builds the capacity of Rhode Island nonprofit organizations and faith community groups through grants, technical assistance and training. The grants pay for specific organizational strengthening activities including Board Development, Revenue Development, Strategic Planning, or technology improvements.
New Roots Director Marti Rosenberg stated, “This year, we are very pleased to be making grants to 27 impressive nonprofits throughout the state, all of whom either carry out effective Workforce Development programs or help Rhode Islanders access federal or state benefits. The stronger these organizations’ foundations are, the more efficient, effective and sustainable they will be in service to Rhode Islanders.”
New Roots is a program of The Providence Plan, which improves the economic and social well-being of Rhode Island, its residents, and its neighborhoods.
New Roots’ funding for these capacity building grants comes from a two-year commitment from the Strengthening Communities Fund, which was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This year, New Roots has allocated $316,000, and in 2010, they granted $284,000, for a total of $600,000 to strengthen the nonprofit sector. In all, the funded organizations serve approximately 125,000 Rhode Islanders a year.
Rosenberg added, “Our funding for this grant program ends this year. However, President Obama included additional funding for the Strengthening Community Fund program in his FY2012 budget. We strongly believe that Congress should continue allocating funds to the Strengthening Communities Fund so that these critical capacity building projects can continue. The nonprofits that are serving Rhode Islanders most in need are struggling tremendously in this economy, and these grant dollars help make them stronger. Then achievements of these nonprofit organizations in workforce development will make a direct improvement in Rhode Island’s economy.”
Senator Jack Reed commented on the Strengthening Communities Fund saying it “…is giving organizations the ability to develop sophisticated plans to bring their communities long-term capacity that remains. This is a wise investment of resources.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said that “as the records of the recipient institutions show, this was a very impressive use of these funds.”
Congressman Langevin discussed how these funds would have an impact on Rhode Islanders by “… investing in our future, building a highly educated skilled population and closing the skills gap. These organizations are important for growing the Rhode Island economy.”
Channavy Chhay, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians stated, “Recently, SEDC-SEA received funding from New Roots Providence of the Providence Plan for a capacity building grant to strengthen our board and to redesign our website. In the past few years, we have undergone a significant transition period. And so, New Roots’ funding has come at a critical time for us. We know that we will be even stronger and successful at the end of our project – and we hope that Congress will continue funding the program for years to come.”
The organizations funded by New Roots in this 2011 docket are:
AS220 - Broad Street Studio
The Capital Good Fund
College Visions
Community Health Worker Association of Rhode Island
Dorcas Place
Free Geek Providence
La Fuerza Laboral
Genesis Center
George Wiley Center
Goodwill Industries of RI
Groundwork Providence
House of Hope CDC
Inspiring Minds
Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence
Literacy Volunteers of East Bay
New Urban Farmers
Open Table of Christ United Methodist Church
Rhode Island Center for Law and Public Policy
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation
Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Services, Inc.
Rhode Island Parent Information Network
Scalabrini Dukcevich Center
Social Venture Partners Rhode Island
Socio-Economic Development Center
Students Taking Action Now with Determination
Westerly Area Rest Meals -WARM Shelter
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