The Rhode Island Foundation is launching a new program to boost charitable giving in the Ocean State. Under the Giving Circles initiative, the Foundation will select up to six individual applicants who display leadership and interest in recruiting a group of family, friends and others to contribute to local charities. The Foundation will then match up to $5,000 in donations made by these six so-called giving circles. 

“We know that giving is a very personal decision. And we know that relationships and peer networks are often influential,” said Neil Steinberg, president and CEO. “That is why we’re testing an approach to encourage Rhode Islanders to tap in to their networks of family, friends and neighbors to participate in this collective form of philanthropy.” 

Rhode Island ranks low nationally for charitable giving as a percentage of income. The state came in 47th in the latest report by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

“Data aside, we see and hear it every day; nonprofit organizations are struggling to find funds to test new ideas, bring proven programs to scale or fully meet community needs,” said Steinberg. “Our goal is to build a culture of philanthropy here by increasing giving activity and engagement among more Rhode Islanders.”

The Foundation will provide up to $5,000 in matching funds for up to six of these giving circle groups statewide. Applicants must identify the potential members of their giving circle and agree to commit 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 by the Foundation.

The Foundation will select participants based on the demonstrated leadership of the applicants, the extent that the membership is representative of the state’s diverse population and the feasibility of the proposal given the stakeholders and available resources.

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 deadline to apply is Tues., Jan. 31. 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.