Roger Williams University Awards Nearly $12,500 in Grants to Community Organizations in Bristol

BRISTOL, R.I., Jan. 13, 2014 – As part of the Fund for Civic Activities established in 2007 when Roger Williams University and the Town of Bristol agreed to a 20-year PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) accord, the Town of Bristol / Roger Williams University Cooperative Committee awarded $12,460 in grant funds to eight nonprofits and local organizations in December.

The awards conclude the 10th cycle of biannual FCA awards, which were created to enhance the civic experience of Bristol residents, extend RWU’s commitment to active community engagement and provide support to local organizations. The University pledged $25,000 annually in FCA grants and to date has distributed $145,436 to support nearly 100 projects and initiatives.

The FCA is part of the 20-year PILOT agreement established in 2007, under which the University makes an annual voluntary payment of $150,000 to help offset the cost of emergency services provided by the town. Selections are made by the 12-person Cooperative Committee, which comprises individuals from both the Town and the University. The complete list of awards for this grant cycle includes:

•  $1,000 to Friends of St. Elizabeth’s Church to support efforts to coordinate assistance to the needy in the areas of food, heating, medical, utilities, housing assistance, referrals and friendship to families, seniors and individuals in the Bristol community.

•  $760 to the Community String Project to meet the organization’s mission of making music lessons accessible and affordable for all youths.

•  $1,000 to the Bristol Elks Lodge to support the East Bay Cares program, which provides supplementary assistance to local food pantries and soup kitchens.

•  $1,500 to the Bristol Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force to fund this spring’s Pre-Prom Dinner, which educates prom attendees and their parents about the risks of underage drinking and other forms of substance abuse.

•  $2,000 to the Mosaico Community Development Corporation to be applied to the 2013/2014 Sense of Pride – Connecting Kids to Community program for fourth-grade students, which promote community awareness and involvement using history, geography, architecture, environmental awareness, community service and personal stories to help students develop a relationship with their community.

•  $1,900 to the Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter to be applied towards the total cost of epoxy flooring in all animal-related rooms, an eco-friendly solution that provides many benefits over sealed cement flooring.

•  $1,800 to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in order to increase seed selection and improve the productivity of its vegetable garden, allowing for an increase in planting opportunities, growing methods, community resources and educational offerings.

•  $2,500 to the Bristol Economic Development Commission to purchase a mobile film entertainment system that would be used for its Film Night in the Park series in parks across Bristol.

Applications for the next funding cycle are due by April 15, after which the Cooperative Committee will review proposals and award approximately $12,500 in grants.

For more information or to download an application, visit: www.rwu.edu/about/partnerships-initiatives/town-bristol-rwu-cooperative-committee.