The Champlin Foundation has announced $8 million in grants that will help advance improvements for 89 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island. Here in Bristol, the Friends of Linden Place was awarded $90,000 for the restoration of the ballroom roof, while the Benjamin Church Senior Center received $9,350 towards the repair of their side porch.

For nearly a century, The Champlin Foundation’s grantmaking has centered on capital needs – projects that impact services, but for which it can often be difficult to raise funds. Applicants are considered from nine areas of focus: Arts & Culture, Conservation & Parks, Education, Healthcare, Historic Preservation & Heritage, Libraries, Social Services, Welfare of Animals, and Youth Services.

“A core value for The Champlin Foundation is constancy,” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation. “We recognize that for any business environment to thrive– whether nonprofit or commercial – it relies on consistency from its investors. In today’s environment, where there is so much uncertainty and upheaval,
the Foundation recognizes its responsibility to support the organizations that provide help and hope to Rhode Island.”

According to Executive Director Donna Wilson, the $9,350 award to the Benjamin Church Senior Center provides the match for the $7,650 grant also received from Preserve Rhode Island and the 1772 Foundation. Together, these funds will be used to restore the side porch of the historic Benjamin Church Home.

The side porch, similar in style to the larger front porch, is an original element of the Colonial Revival building, designed by Clarke, Howe & Homer architects and built in 1909. Benjamin Church Senior Center is preserving the history and heritage of the original Benjamin Church Home for Aged Men by responsibly stewarding the building, keeping the historic appearance of the structure in its original location and serving its original function as closely as possible in modern times. Since its construction, the building has only ever been used to provide services to senior citizens of Bristol. Today, the Center serves more than 2,500 older Bristol residents annually.

“Once safely restored, the porch will be used once again by our seniors, staff, and volunteers,” said Executive Director Donna Wilson. “We appreciate the support of funders such as the Champlin Foundation, who respect the history of our town and help us continue serving our seniors to the best of our ability.”

“We are so thankful to The Champlin Foundation for funding our grant request in support of repairing the historic slate roof on the ballroom,” said Cara Massey, Linden Place Executive Director. “Their support will go a long way towards making much needed repairs and ensuring the continued preservation of Linden Place. The Champlin Foundation has long been a valued partner in historic preservation work throughout the state and we are grateful that they have continued to champion this cause.”

Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $713 million to fund capital projects for Rhode Island nonprofit organizations. Champlin conducts two grant application and distribution cycles each year. The next application cycle opens on June 1 and will close on July 1, with the Distribution Committee making its final decisions in mid-November. For more information visit ChamplinFoundation.org.