New Roots Providence sent over a press release about some new grants available for non-profits in Rhode Island.

New Roots Providence Announces Funding Opportunity:

Organization to Provide Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofit Organizations Focused on Workforce Development or Access to Federal or State Benefits

Today, New Roots Providence announced the release of its 2011 Request for Proposals, for Capacity Building grants for organizations or collaborations carrying out Workforce Development or those helping, or preparing to help Rhode Islanders with Access to Federal or State Benefits. New Roots Providence provides grants, technical assistance, and training to Rhode Island nonprofits and community and faith-based organizations to help improve the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders. Information about the program is available at www.newrootsprovidence.org.

New Roots Director Marti Rosenberg stated, “New Roots’ 2011 Grant Program is part of the Strengthening Communities Fund – a project funded with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars aimed at sparking economic recovery. Therefore, eligible Rhode Island nonprofits must have a meaningful workforce development program in existence now, and/or must be providing, or plan to provide Rhode Islanders with assistance in increasing their income or accessing federal benefits.”

These workforce development or access to benefits programs should focus on helping low-income individuals secure and retain employment, earn higher wages, obtain better-quality jobs, and gain greater access to state and Federal benefits or tax credits, including Recovery Act benefits. Examples of such programs are adult education institutions, workforce training organizations, or faith-based or community groups that assist people in applying for benefits like food stamps or RIte Care.

Rosenberg continued, “New Roots funds capacity building for non-profit organizations. That means that we help organizations become stronger in areas such as Leadership or Organization Development, Revenue Development, or Technology.” New Roots does not fund general operating or program costs.

Community organizations and faith-based organizations which have secular programs and which serve or work with people living anywhere in Rhode Island are encouraged to apply.

New Roots will be holding Information Sessions throughout January where organizations can learn more about the grant program’s other requirements. See the New Roots website for more information and for Information Sessions dates and locations (www.newrootsprovidence.org).

This past year, New Roots provided funding for technical equipment for the Rhode Island Center for Law and Public Policy (riclapp.org), and being that I am RICLAPP’s treasurer, I am particularly grateful for their assistance.