The PROVIDENCE FOUNDATION AWARDED GRANT THROUGH the RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION’S ‘TAKE IT OUTSIDE’ INITIATIVE
The Providence Foundation has been awarded a $100,000 grant through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Take It Outside initiative and is partnering with InDowncity to support downtown businesses.
“It was a competitive process, with over 80 applications submitted seeking over $5.7 million in funding. Your application stood out as particularly strong and we look forward to the great work you are going to lead,” read the award letter signed by Director of Education and Workforce Development for the State of RI, John Snider.
The grant will help The Providence Foundation to bolster a multifaceted approach, and will provide both equipment and programming support as downtown businesses rely on safe outdoor options for their customers. The Providence Foundation will distribute patio heaters to businesses who plan to take portions of their business outdoors this fall. Additionally, the funding will help underwrite the expansion of InDowncity’s popular weekly event, Open Air Saturdays, offering guests a vibrant and safe environment for enjoying local vendors, entertainment and holiday shopping at local small businesses. Details can be found on the InDowncity website and Instagram. All activities will require guests to wear masks and practice safe social distancing outdoors in the fresh air.
“We are excited to collaborate with our partners at InDowncity to ensure the delivery of diverse services and programming in downtown Providence,” said Cliff Wood, Executive Director of The Providence Foundation. “We believe that with the support of this funding and all of the hard work of our vital downtown small business owners, we may sustain the people, places and events that make our city so special, even in the midst of this pandemic that has put intense stress on the local businesses that are so critical to our local economy.”
The Providence Foundation envisions an equitably prosperous capital city renowned worldwide for its welcoming and inclusive spirit and its vibrant cultural life. Economically, environmentally, and socially resilient, Providence preserves the best of its heritage as it adapts to build a sustainable future. TheTake it Outside grant award will allow The Providence Foundation to build on this mission during these unprecedented times.