Philanthropic Foundations

Before beginning to research on local philanthropic foundations, I wanted to lay out a short definition or meaning of the term. What makes an organization a philanthropic foundation? What are the benefits? According to the Britannica website, "a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization, with assets provided by donors and managed by its own officials and with income expended for socially useful purposes" (source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/philanthropic-foundation). Pretty much, a gathering of individuals in support of positive changes within communities by donating $$$. Philanthropic supports various causes, particularly in nonprofit organizations. 

My first search was on the Rhode Island Foundation. The Foundation was organized at the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Co. In 2017, the Foundation awarded $43 million in grants to more than 1,700 nonprofit organizations (amazing!). "The RI Foundation is a proactive community and philanthropic leader dedicated to meeting the needs the people of ocean state". Their money comes from generous and wonderful donors such as educators, RI residents, and professionals.The Foundation funds the RI arts scene, public education, health and human services. RI Foundation focuses on building community by investing $150,000 to expand the capacity of the Rhode Island Immigration Consortium, allowing 3 organizations- Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, Progreso Latino, and the Roman Catholic Diocese. This opportunity enables more people and processes more immigration cases (yay!).  

Questions: How is it determined on the donation amount given to grantees?
What is the process or experience like when choosing a potential grantee?
Questions: Why isn't there an official website?
Are financial and investment information accessible for public view?



My third research was on Hasbro's Children's Fund. Grants made by the Hasbro Children's Fund focus on standing for children, passionately working together to create a universe where every child experiences hope, kindness, and joy (source: https://corporate.hasbro.com/en-us/community-relations/childrens-fund).  The Foundation has partnered with organizations such as [BE] FEARLESS, KIND, Toys For Tots, and Operation Smile. AS220, Dorcas International Institute of RI, and Adoption RI has been generously given fund under this foundation. Hasbro's provides local community grants which support programs that deliver stability for children in crisis, educational programs, and quality out of school time programming.

Citizens Charitable Foundation's primary focus is to support programs that fight hunger, teach money management, strengthen and communities. Citizens has actually funded my all-time favorite youth program: College Visions. College Visions sets youth on the right path and continues to support them throughout their college career in order to ensure their success (proud member here!). Citizens Bank selected College Visions as one of two Rhode Island Champions in Action for the year. The foundation donated the organization with a $35,000 grant. 

The Carson Family Charitable Trust prioritizes education reform, hospitals, arts and culture, community development, and New York philanthropic organizations. The foundation had $16.7 million in assets at the end of 2015 with an average grant size of around $100,000. The foundation does have a website, however, and provides no clear guidelines for grant seekers (it was actually difficult to find legitimate information on the Trust- at least for me it was). According to the minimal details that I was able to retrieve, they focus on funding areas such as education, health, arts & culture, and community development.