Three groups to share foundation grant

PROVIDENCE—Three organizations will share a $500,000 “Emergency Community Grant” from the Rhode Island Foundation.

The announcement was made at the Rhode Island Food Bank in Providence on Wednesday.

The Food Bank said the money will pay for 400,000 pounds of food—enough to fill its warehouse. Crossroads Rhode Island said the money will allow them to expand their crisis intervention services and the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Fund will be able to help 500 more people.

Rhode Island Foundation president Neil Steinberg, said the board felt compelled to act in today’s troubled economic times.

“Part of the purpose of this grant is not only to make direct services available to those in need, but it’s also hopefully to provide leadership and to ask those throughout the state to dig a little deeper,  support philanthropy, support the charities of your choice, and support those in need,” he said.

Steinberg calls this is a “pivotal moment” for the state and said the Foundation would be thrilled if this gift inspires others to help, too.