RI Foundation Offers to Match Charitable Donations up to $5,000

The Rhode Island Foundation is offering up to $5,000 in matching donations to encourage Rhode Islanders to come together to support their favorite causes. Under the new Giving Circles Initiative, up to six applicants who agree to recruit a group of friends, family and others to contribute to local nonprofits will be eligible for the matching funds. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.

“We know that giving is a very personal decision. And we know that relationships and peer networks are often influential. By offering to match their contributions, we hope to encourage Rhode Islanders to tap in to their networks of family, friends, and neighbors to participate in this collective form of philanthropy,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Giving circles are groups of people who pool their donations and decide together how to distribute them. They typically have a shared interest or connection, but it is not required. The groups select their own members, goals, and giving levels. Giving circles may choose to focus on a specific cause, geographic location, or community, but cannot formed solely to benefit a specific nonprofit organization.

“The initiative is meant to inspire philanthropy throughout the community and to provide an opportunity for groups of people that might not otherwise come together around a fundraising effort. Our goal is to build a culture of philanthropy in Rhode Island by increasing giving activity and engagement,” said Steinberg.

The Foundation will provide up to $5,000 in matching funds for up to six Giving Circle groups. Applicants must identify the potential members of their giving circle and agree to spend at least one hour per week for one year to managing their group. Only donations to Rhode Island-based, federally tax exempt nonprofits are eligible to be matched.

Participants will be selected based on their demonstrated leadership, the extent that the membership is representative of the state’s diverse population and the feasibility of their plan.

In addition to the matching grants, the Foundation will offer recipients a communications and fundraising tool-kit, staff support and meeting space.

The Foundation plans to use the pilot Giving Circles initiative to test the feasibility of launching a permanent program. The application is posted at rifoundation.org.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2015, the Foundation awarded a record $41.5 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.