Bank Rhode Island (BankRI), a division of Beacon Bank & Trust, has awarded $120,700 in funding to 43 nonprofits across the Ocean State. The grants support a wide range of programs and services that directly impact the lives of Rhode Islanders.
 
The funding spans a variety of focus areas, including educational and after-school programs for children from underserved communities, services for seniors, food assistance and other basic needs, winter clothing, and access to health and dental care.
 
“At BankRI, we’re committed to making meaningful impact across our state, and that starts with supporting the organizations doing crucial, hands-on work every day,” said Will Tsonos, Regional President. “By providing these grants, we aim to help these nonprofits continue serving the Rhode Islanders who rely on them.”
 
Among the organizations to receive funding is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, which was awarded $2,500 for its youth mentorship program. The program empowers local children ages 7 to 14 by fostering meaningful, one-on-one relationships with caring adult role models. The connections help young people build confidence, set goals, and navigate challenges during key years for development, impacting their academics and emotional well-being. With every mentor match, the program changes lives, offering children experiences they might not otherwise have and ensuring families feel supported along the way.
 
“At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, we see firsthand how a positive relationship can change a young person’s life. Support from BankRI and our community helps us meet the unique needs of our matches and create space for new experiences,” says Katje Afonseca, CEO, BBBSRI. “With more than 150 youth waiting for a mentor, especially boys, this kind of support lets us say, ‘yes,’ to more families. Mentorship is about showing up, and incredible things happen when someone does.”
 
The full list of organizations to funding from BankRI is: 

• Aldersbridge Communities

• American Heart Association

• Angels' Care Closet

• Beacon Charter School

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island

• Blackstone Valley Prep

• Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation

• Childhood Lead Action Project

• Children’s Friend

• Coaching for Change Inc.

• Connecting for Children and Families

• Dare to Dream Ranch

• David Louis Cunha Foundation

• Everett: Company Stage & School

• Farm Fresh Rhode Island

• Feed RI

• FirstWorks

• Good Neighbors

• Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce

• Inspiring Minds

• New Urban Arts

• Nonviolence Institute

• Operation Stand Down RI

• Providence After School Alliance

• Providence Preservation Society

• Read to Succeed

• Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness

• Rhode Island Free Clinic

• Rhode Island Hospital Foundation

• RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation

• Sophia Academy

• Southside Community Land Trust

• Special Olympics of Rhode Island

• Stages of Freedom

• Teach for America Rhode Island

• The Avenue Concept

• The Providence Foundation

• United Way of Rhode Island

• WARM Center

• West Broadway Neighborhood Association

• West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation

• Youth in Action

• Youth Pride